Drifters in search of work George & his childlike friend Lennie have nothing in the world except the clothes on their back
- & a dream that one day they will have some land of their own Eventually they find work on a ranch in California's Salinas Valley but their hopes are dashed as Lennie
- struggling against extreme cruelty misunderstanding & feelings of jealousy
- becomes a victim of his own strength Tackling universal themes of friendship & shared vision & giving a voice to America's lonely & dispossessed Of Mice & Men remains Steinbeck's most popular work achieving success as a novel Broadway play & three acclaimed films