Atlantic
A postwar continuation of Cannery Row, [Sweet Thursday is] every bit as juicy and relaxed as the original. . . . This is comedy—bawdy, sentimental, and good fun.
New Republic
An emphatic and clear-cut statement of Steinbeck's greatest theme: the common bonds of humanity and love which make goodness and happiness possible.
From the Publisher
By the Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature
Library Journal
Published in 1954, this continues the tale begun in Cannery Row. The setting is the same, and familiar characters return—Mack and his buddies and marine biologist Doc. But there are changes, too. Joseph-and-Mary Rivas is the new owner of Lee Chong's grocery store, and Fauna has taken over the Bear Flag brothel from her sister Dora. Cannery Row was not immune to the changes wrought by World War II. Doc has returned from his military service to reopen Western Biological Supply. Before the war, he was content to collect and sell specimens and listen to classical music. Now, he feels intensely lonely and also pressured to publish the results of his scientific work. Mack and Fauna conspire to pair him with Suzy, the Bear Flag's new girl. The best of intentions go awry in a humorous and charming series of misunderstandings. VERDICT Jerry Farden's straightforward reading allows the listener to discern the irony and humor of which the characters are unaware. A welcome choice for public libraries that could be part of a "Heard any classics?" display.—Nann Blaine Hilyard, Zion-Benton P.L., IL
JULY 2011 - AudioFile
Fans of Steinbeck’s classic CANNERY ROW will enjoy this journey back to the Monterey neighborhood where characters—and they are characters in every sense!—interact with one another with a combination of unabashed warmth and rascally rakishness. Jerry Farden’s performance is at ease with the wide range of characters—from the sharp-tongued proprietress of the brothel who is trying to play matchmaker for one of her “girls” to the slow-witted fellow who is attempting to boost his friend’s spirits through unconventional means. Farden’s skill captures each individual without missing a step, and he spotlights Steinbeck’s subtle humor as he renders the snappy dialogue. Listeners don’t need to read CANNERY ROW first to appreciate this book, but after listening to Farden, many will want to look into that title, too. L.B.F. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
