As I’ve mentioned many times, I’m a fan of John Steinbeck’s books. This was a late discovery in life. I remember seeing something of his in my sisters’ room (was there a shelf above the closet?) when I was young, but wasn’t interested. But I hadn’t lived in Monterey, California for six years of my life at that time, either. And if you’re read Steinbeck, you’ve probably read about Monterey (especially Cannery Row (still there, but pure tourist) and Tortilla Flat (not there, but I’m pretty sure I know where it was)).
Yet I didn’t really discover Steinbeck even while I was there. I happened upon him some time later when I was looking for something to read. It was then that The Grapes of Wrath became one of my favorite books, and he became one of my favorite authors.
As I’d also mentioned — I’m reading Tortilla Flat right now, and I’m impressed with the collection of people about which Steinbeck writes. I know I couldn’t come close to writing his way (no matter what, but the point I’m making…), but what especially hits me is that these characters of his seem so interesting. As I read, I’m often left wondering what it would have been like in the times of which he wrote, and how did he come up with the characters for his books?
I came to the simple conclusion that he must have been a friend. He must have spent time with people, traveling, drinking, talking, watching. To write about any people…even if you’re just making them up…I would think you would need to listen to and engage in the conversations around you. You need to look at the people, nod your head, laugh, take a drink. Do some life with them.
And then you go home and write it. Sure…your way. But it comes out of you from the life you’ve observed, and especially the people you meet and get to know. People of color (not really their skin, but the whole package — their cultures and their personalities included). Some have more, some, less. What they lack, you add. You bring them to life and make others want to know the stories they are telling. I’m really loving that about Tortilla Flat.
I think Steinbeck does all of that. Very well. I can close my eyes and see it, and I love it. Perhaps it’s a nostalgia for something I never lived. But it’s also the experience of a life with some flavor in a place I can go with my imagination. I really can’t complain about that, even if it’s just in a book.