As it happens, I am right this minute reading “The Grapes of Wrath” and while some of it might be hyperbole, I don’t believe that any of the “Okies” (and I don’t mean that perjoratively)would romanticize the Dust Bowl or their migration to California where they were met with hostility, lack of jobs, and violence. Those people would trade their lives for ours in a heartbeat.
If nothing else, reading the book makes me profoundly grateful for what I have.
Steinbeck belonged to a communist writers' group. He was introduced to agricultural union leaders through communists.
Leftist writers romanticize by making the poor seem more humane than the rich, more sociable, more caring.
They're very clever. Even today in S. California they are using Steinbeck to promote the illegal immigrants' cause in the agricultural areas.
In undergrad school, I devoured Steinbeck, IIRC, I read every one of his novels. Loved his *style*. Being a product of a fiscally conservative/socially democratic upbringing...I became interested in the plight of the migrant worker. I went to lectures by Mario Savio and Cesar Chavez. [Both pretty good community organizers]. I don’t think the term *illegal alien* was even on the radar yet. :)
Then along can Barry Goldwater nad WF Buckley, and I was swayed by their speeches and writings. IMHO, while your brain is still *mush* to expose yourself to many ideas. You will find the *way.* I recall attending a series of debates between Rev Billy Graham and Mario Savio at MIT....Rev. Graham chewing Savio up and spitting him out. ;)
Good luck in your education. All the best.