This novella tells the story of two men travelling around together, trying to find a job and to save up enough money to buy their own house. The backdrop of the story is the depression of the 1930s. George is a careful man determined to make a living and to be (eventually) his own employer. His friend, Lennie is a mentally handicapped and exceptionally strong man who sees the eventuality of his own place as a chance to have his own rabbits and to tend for them in his own way.
The book is written with extreme clarity about a time that was difficult for people all over the world. The understanding one gains of the characters from early on creates a new perception of the two characters and more so the protective instinct they hold towards one another travelling around California.
The dreams come tumbling down when the story is complicated by Lennie's skewed perception of his own strength and the story is left with the reader and with George who can see in the future a life of loneliness without Lennie and without self-employment. The experience mirrors that of many during this time - utter despair.
I would recommend this book to anyone, it is a relatively easy read and a clear picture of parts of the 20th century.
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