Not what I was expecting. Then again, the only other Steinbeck book I've read was "Of Mice and Men" so there you go. I forgot what a straight forward and for lack of a better word, down to earth writer he is.

The sudden ramping up of tension reminded me a lot of "Rebecca". I remember reading it and being kind of unsure where it was going but then very suddenly, the book digs its claws in you and doesn't let you go. Its very stark and tragic.