Drifters in search of work George and his childlike friend Lennie have nothing in the world except the clothes on their back - and 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 and feelings of jealousy - becomes a victim of his own strength. Tackling universal themes of friendship and shared vision and giving a voice to America's lonely and dispossessed Of Mice and Men remains Steinbeck's most popular work achieving success as a novel Broadway play and three acclaimed films.