John Steinbeck was so good at describing the Great Depression in his novels because he had first-hand experience of the hardships and struggles faced by ordinary people during this time. Steinbeck grew up in Salinas, California, which was an agricultural town that was hit hard by the economic downturn of the 1930s. He witnessed the impact of the Dust Bowl and the economic devastation that it caused in California and other parts of the country.
Steinbeck's experiences during this time gave him a deep understanding of the social and economic conditions of the Great Depression, which he was able to convey in his writing. He used his skills as a storyteller to create vivid and realistic portrayals of the lives of ordinary people during this time, capturing their struggles, hopes, and fears. His novels, such as "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men," are powerful depictions of the human cost of the Great Depression and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
In addition, Steinbeck was a keen observer of human nature and had a talent for creating complex and nuanced characters that reflected the diversity of experiences and perspectives of people during the Great Depression. His writing was able to convey the social and political realities of the time in a way that was both compassionate and critical, making him one of the most important voices of his generation.