I actually read my classic for September about a month ago, but am just getting around to writing about it. On my original list of classics to read, I had John Steinbeck's East of Eden. Every time I would go to the library, it would be checked out, though, and I really didn't want to buy it. So, I picked up The Pearl instead.
It is a really short book - one that can be read in one sitting. This was good for me, because I seem to be reading a lot of books at a time lately, but not finishing any of them.
I really didn't know what to expect from The Pearl. The back of the copy I read said it was a retelling of an old Mexican folk tale, and that's what it is.
The main character is Kino. He and his wife are very poor, but mostly content with what they have. They have a son, and Kino makes his living diving for pearls off the coast of Mexico.
One day Kino finds the largest pearl, "The Pearl of the World," and suddenly everything changes. Friends become enemies, no one can be trusted, and eventually Kino, his wife and son end up fleeing for their lives.
All because of a great big pearl.
The ending of the story is not pretty. Tragic, really. I guess it is teaching a lesson about greed and its destructive nature.
Even though it ends on a down note, I recommend reading this one.
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