5 novels set in the era of Great Depression!
We all know that the economy of a country focusses on the production of wealth. And, wealth is more than simply money. It is a cluster of goods and services that people purchase with money. Hence, if any one of them is affected, the entire economy of a country suffers! Now imagine how devastating it would be for a nation if all of these were to be affected. Something similar happened during the Great Depression. The Great Depression, which started in America in 1929 and lasted until 1939, was the world's longest and most severe economic decline. It was marked by rapidly rising levels of poverty, mass unemployment and poor industrial productivity. Today, we are going to take you through five novels that centre on the Great Depression and leave us with a powerful message!
The Grapes of Wrath
Author: John Steinbeck
Year of publication: 14th April, 1939
The book is set during the Great Depression and portrays the story of Joads, a poor family of tenant farmers who are forced to leave their Oklahoma home. The tenant farmers are unemployed due to drought, economic difficulties, agricultural industry changes and bank loans. The book skilfully conveys how, in the end, people must work together to support one another. It is only by working together that people can expect to withstand damaging situations.
To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper L
Year of publication: 11th October, 1988
The novel is set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, and narrates the story of a young girl, Jean Louise, and a darker truth about the roots and implications of racism and prejudice in society. What’s more important is how the book portrays the Great Depression in the poverty experienced by the citizens of Maycomb! The novel explores the nature of human beings and shows us how good and evil may co-exist within a single society or an individual. The tale teaches us that people should live in peace with one another by practising respect and love towards each other.
Water for Elephants
Author: Sara Gruen
Year of publication: 22nd May 2006
The story centres around Jacob Jankowski, a recently orphaned young boy. One fine day, he loses his way and ends up climbing onto a passing train, entering a world of freaks, clowns and misfits who are a part of a second-rated circus struggling to live during the Great Depression. The circus acquires an elephant called Rosie, and Jacob helps in training her, eventually becoming friends with her. The most important lesson the book conveys is that animals have feelings too and should be treated with decency and respect. The novel reminds us that life is short and that we must enjoy every moment, pursue our dreams and be happy.
The Mighty Miss Malone
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Year of Publication: 10th January 2012
The story is about a 12-year-old girl called Deza Malone living in Gary, Indiana. When the Great Depression hits Gary hard, people, particularly black men, lose their employment. So, Deza’s loving father goes in search of employment to his hometown in Michigan. Then Deza, her mother and Jimmie, her older brother, go looking for him and end up in Michigan as well. The plot revolves around the themes of homelessness and racism suffered by people during the Great Depression, reminding us of the importance of friendship and family!
The Giver of Stars
Author: Jojo Moyes
Year of Publication: 3rd October 2019
The book, set during the Great Depression, describes the lives of five women who work as travelling librarians to distribute books in a tiny Kentucky town. The Giver of Stars reminds us to value the relationships we have with people and to search for love in the most unlikely of places!