The Winter of Our Discontent

The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck is a powerful modern classic about morality, ambition, family pressure, and the temptation to compromise one’s values. Set in a small American town, the novel follows Ethan Allen Hawley, a once-proud man from an old family who now works as a grocery clerk after losing his family’s former wealth and status.

As Ethan struggles with disappointment, pride, and the expectations of those around him, he begins to question whether honesty and integrity are enough in a world that seems to reward greed and dishonesty. Steinbeck’s sharp, thoughtful storytelling explores the quiet ways ordinary people can be pushed toward difficult choices.

A strong choice for readers of classic American literature, moral fiction, literary novels, and book club discussions, The Winter of Our Discontent remains a thoughtful and unsettling look at conscience, success, and the cost of getting ahead.

Hardcover, Very Good. Missing dust jacket