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  • The Winter of our Discontent

  • By: John Steinbeck
  • Narrated by: Jeff Harding
  • Length: 10 hrs and 20 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (66 ratings)

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The Winter of our Discontent

By: John Steinbeck
Narrated by: Jeff Harding
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Publisher's Summary

Ethan Hawley has lost the spirit of his wealthy forebears, a long line of proud New England sea captains and Pilgrims. Scarred by failure, Ethan works as a grocery clerk in a store his family once owned. But his wife is restless and his teenage children hungry for the material comforts he cannot provide. Then a series of unusual events reignites Ethan's ambition, and he is pitched on to a bold course, where all scruples are put aside.

©1961 John Steinbeck (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd

Critic Reviews

"John Steinbeck's last great novel focuses on the theme of success and what motivates men towards it"
"Returns to the high standards of The Grapes of Wrath and to the social themes that made his early work... so powerful" ( Saul Bellow)

What listeners say about The Winter of our Discontent

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Excellent story, excellently read

Wonderful evocation of an era of change, the heirarchy of small town society, and the psychology driving the need to be rich, to be considered someone.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great narration

Long time since read any Steinbeck and hadn't read this one for some reason. Being narrated added a new dimension I hadn't noticed in reading his other work so it was an adjustment. I enjoyed the light humour but somehow didn't feel it was totally congruent with the seriousness of the subject. Nevertheless, one of the few audio books I have looked forward to returning to and following intently to the end lately.

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Deceit may bring the prize but at what real cost.

It’s funny how every book I read has something I can relate to, and this is no exception. My maiden name is Hawley, but my lineage is quite different, apart from the stubborn bit.

The lesson is quite straight forward in this tale but the outcome was unexpected. I guess morals are morals and when we start bending them you only double cross your own beliefs.

Another classic I should have read in my earlier years. However it’s far more applicable after 60 decades of living. Excellent reader very clear with great voices.

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    4 out of 5 stars

So good, I'll by the hardcopy

Great story, there are parts you want to re-read and ponder on. Steinbeck has a brilliant mind. I enjoyed the Grapes of Wrath more, the characters were more engaging and real, and I like to get to know the characters in a book. In "The Winter." Ethan is not what he appears and I will probably get to know him better when I re-read the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

What a treat. Read this!!!

A John Steinbeck novel cannot disappoint but it's raised to a new level with this great narration.

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