The Pearl

By John Steinbeck

The classic novella from Nobel Prize-winner John Steinbeck explores the secrets of man's nature, the darkest depths of evil, and the luminous possibilities of love.

Like his father and grandfather before him, Kino is a poor diver, gathering pearls from the gulf beds that once brought great wealth to the Kings of Spain and now provide Kino, Juana, and their infant son with meager subsistence. Then, on a day like any other, Kino emerges from the sea with a pearl as large as a sea gull's egg, as "perfect as the moon." With the pearl comes hope, the promise of comfort and of security....

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Published Feb 1, 1993

90 pages

Average rating: 7.21

112 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Rlouise
Jul 09, 2026
8/10 stars
Read in school and it left an impression. Reread recently and I see why the younger version of me remembered. I own it
boyleschris
Feb 08, 2026
Bennie's recommendation
big les
Sep 30, 2025
8/10 stars
a short story that was engrossing, tragic. simply and strongly told
pdshah429
Jun 25, 2025
10/10 stars
Steinbeck is god.
brunette_rapunzel
Aug 09, 2024
10/10 stars
Very good book! You feel bad for the main character alot. Good view of the evil of capitalism.

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