I'm currently reading way too many things in way too haphazard a fashion to think properly about. Bought 'To A God Unknown' from the gift shop near The National Steinbeck Center, specifically because I was interested in how Steinbeck would tackle a theme he would go on to tangentially refer to several times over in his more politically conscious novels: that of man's relationship to Nature. But this book is pretty early Steinbeck: the characterization is very hazy and wavers from time to time. It has the feel of allegory, and yet gives you the sense of someone trying to attempt a full fledged novel. It is still a worthwhile read, especially if you're a fan of Steinbeck's writing in general, for you can see how he was forming some of the themes he would flesh out more fully later on.