Tortilla Flat (1935) is an early John Steinbeck novel set in Monterey, California. The novel was the author's first clear critical and commercial success. The book portrays a group of 'paisanos'—literally, countrymen—a small band of errant friends enjoying life and wine in the days after the end of World War I. Tortilla Flat was made into a film in 1942. Steinbeck later returned to some of the panhandling locals of Monterey (though not the Mexican paisanos of the Flat) in his novel Cannery Row (1945).
I read this one aloud to my partner a little at a time over the course of a few weeks. It was fun, like a comedic soap opera. It's slow paced, and the characters are cute. If you liked Cannery Row you'll feel right at home with this one.
