Literary · Classics
The Pearl
Kino, a poor Mexican pearl diver, finds an enormous pearl that he hopes will change his family's life. Instead it draws greed, threats and violence to his door.
Facts last checked 2026-10-17
- First published
- 1945
- Pace
- Fast
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 90
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you want a short, fable-like story about wealth, desire and its cost.
Skip this if you want a hopeful ending or do not like bleak, allegorical stories.
The feel
Content warnings
Quick answers about The Pearl
- What is The Pearl about?
- Kino, a poor Mexican pearl diver, finds an enormous pearl that he hopes will change his family's life. Instead it draws greed, threats and violence to his door.
- Who should read The Pearl?
- Read it if you want a short, fable-like story about wealth, desire and its cost. Skip it if you want a hopeful ending or do not like bleak, allegorical stories.
- How long and how fast is The Pearl?
- It is a fast-paced, short read of about 90 pages, first published in 1945.
- Does The Pearl have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Violence, Death, Child death.
- Can I borrow The Pearl for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Pearl; the borrow button above searches it for you.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
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| Audiobook | ||
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| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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