One of the most often quoted verses of biblical scripture is from the New Testament book of 1 Timothy 6:10:

“The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.”

Even if you are a non-religious person, I’m pretty sure you have heard that verse of scripture in a secular fashion. It seems appropriate that my latest review of The Pearl by John Steinbeck would bring that aforementioned scripture verse to mind.

Steinbeck’s modern classic is based off of a Mexican folk tale about a poor diver named Kino that finds a huge pearl in the Gulf of Mexico. Kino hopes the pearl will change his family’s life. However, the people of the town learns about Kino’s treasure and thus begins his descend into ruin.

The story reveals the heart of the townspeople and some of them conspire to take away Kino’s treasure. Steinbeck writes a straight-forward and simple story but does an excellent job of showing the darkness within all of us when it comes to wealth.

I will admit that I don’t read a lot of classics. However, I have read The Pearl several times over the last twenty years and continue to learn new things from this novella. This is one of Steinbeck’s best books and should be read by all serious readers. The Pearl is one of my favorite reads of 2019. Highest recommendation.