I read this book February 2014
It is the March choice for Waterstones Book Club
I first read this in the 1970s a time of full employment and read it as a really good historical story.
Having re-read it in the economic climate we have today, it is even more poignant... the hatred and fear of migrants, their desperation. The way they are forced off their land and having to move with large amounts of other migrants in a desperate search for work and to earn - literally - a crust.
The family of 'Oakies' up sticks and travel to Califormia following teh promise of work, which is not forthcoming or slave labour wages when they get there. Gan masters force them to pay for their own bags to gather cotton...they are in a cleft stick, and there is no hope of escape.
Beautifully written and timeless
10/10
Helen
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