A short novel set in California during the Depression, about two migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie. George is small and sharp, Lennie is huge, gentle and childlike, and the two are bound by friendship and a shared dream of owning a small piece of land. They find work on a ranch, where the other workers and the owner's family create tensions that threaten their plans. The story explores loneliness, loyalty and the fragility of hope. It was also adapted for the stage and is widely taught for its compact, powerful storytelling.
Quotes
Well, God knows he don't need any brains to buck barley bags. But don't you try to put nothing over, Milton. I got my eye on you.
What the hell kind of bed you giving us, anyways. We don’t want no pants rabbits.
Well, that glove's fulla vaseline.""Vaseline? What the hell for?""Well, I tell ya what — Curley says he's keepin' that hand soft for his wife.
Ain't many guys travel around together. I don’t know why. Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.