Reviews

The Children's Hour by Lillian Hellman

morgankailackerman's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoy this play. It has a lot of great qualities. The only thing I do not like is that it perpetuates the stereotype that queer people are not accepted in society and must die, which is a trope in queer literature. It was written in the 30s, so I will give Lillian Hellman the benefit of the doubt. Overall, well written and still relevant today.

alexinwxnderland's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Suicide

wilde_book_garden's review against another edition

2.0

I get that this was progressive for its day but Y I K E S.

CW: Homophobia, bullying, suicide

amelaedina's review against another edition

5.0

SO fucking good.

Also, pissed as hell Mary isn’t dead lmao fuck that lil bitch

fesreads's review against another edition

4.0

4/5

elisabd's review against another edition

SO GOOD!!! It's clear why this is a classic, and also groundbreaking for its time.

Martha made me sad. I mean, obviously. She represents what so many people still feel now, almost 100 years later. It's insane that this was written in 1934, but it's even worse that it is still so relevant and current. Martha's feelings are universal to queer people everywhere.

Also, Audrey Hepburn as Karen in the 1962 movie SLAPS. I just found out that apparently Keira Knightley played Karen in a 2011 production of the play, which only makes me want to watch it more.

rachela's review against another edition

3.0

It's so sad to think that queer was such a condemning and "tragic" thing to be not so long ago. The play wants to talk about the dangers of rumors and who we believe, and that certainly hits home with the moment we are in and cancel culture. Although, I think that if we were to stage this today the focus would be on the character's relationships and the dangers of a society that demonizes difference as well. Though that would be difficult without falling into the queer=tragedy troupe. I wish the play had staged the trial and the reveal at the end. Are they in the movie? I would love to see this on stage.

teaandtoads's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

mistylane132's review against another edition

dark sad

5.0

amandaalexandre's review against another edition

5.0

I don't like readin' plays. So, by start, I was biased against this work, but it is just amazing. So many plot twists, it makes your head spin.

Better review to come.