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william_sg's review against another edition
5.0
Literally shouted “FUCK YEAH!” at the ending. Citizen rules. A perfect play. I want to see this one adapted next!
mizz_mack's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I really liked this play, though it is a play and in general I almost always think plays are best performed, so reading it can be slow. But outside of my personal hangups its probably a medium paced read. I did really enjoy the characters and how they changed. I think there's a lot to dig into this story if you want to. Especially with the names of the characters.
This is the first thing I've ever read by August Wilson and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to dig into his other works (and the movies based off his works that are out there).
This is the first thing I've ever read by August Wilson and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait to dig into his other works (and the movies based off his works that are out there).
gabby_wiatrak's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
jordankalani's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
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
2.5
azazellos_fang's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
qqjj's review against another edition
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
indigo78180's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.5
melissalouisereads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kobowden's review against another edition
5.0
I like this because it’s the only play that didn’t feel painfully boring to read.
arisbookcorner's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"Your mama's trying to tell you something. She put a heavy load on you. It's hard to be a citizen. You gonna have to fight to get that. And time you get it you be surprised how heavy it is." (Solly Two Kings, 27)
GEM OF THE OCEAN is a stunning achievement, a play set in the early 20th century that combines history, spirituality and myth. It forces the reader to ponder questions around redemption, righteous lawbreaking, freedom and the legacy of slavery. The 1904 setting means that a few of the characters are formerly enslaved and those who were not themselves enslaved have family members who were. Wilson both directly and indirectly describes the ramifications and ripple effect of slavery on its descendents, both black and white. The Pittsburgh setting is somewhat apparent as much of the plot centers around an incident at a mill, one I presumed to be a steel mill. The City of Bones section has stayed with me several months later, a haunting scene where Citizen comes face to face with those who have been enslaved and is finally compelled to share the shameful secret he's been carrying. Wilson's language is accessible and brimming with Black vernacular even while the structure of the play is anything but, it's complex and indicates this is a play worth reading and seeing multiple times in order to fully comprehend the weight of Wilson's work. The characters are unforgettable both because of their names and their stories (even the ruthless Caesar). This is the second August Wilson play I've ever read and I'm excited to continue to participate in the Stacks' Century Cycle read along
GEM OF THE OCEAN is a stunning achievement, a play set in the early 20th century that combines history, spirituality and myth. It forces the reader to ponder questions around redemption, righteous lawbreaking, freedom and the legacy of slavery. The 1904 setting means that a few of the characters are formerly enslaved and those who were not themselves enslaved have family members who were. Wilson both directly and indirectly describes the ramifications and ripple effect of slavery on its descendents, both black and white. The Pittsburgh setting is somewhat apparent as much of the plot centers around an incident at a mill, one I presumed to be a steel mill. The City of Bones section has stayed with me several months later, a haunting scene where Citizen comes face to face with those who have been enslaved and is finally compelled to share the shameful secret he's been carrying. Wilson's language is accessible and brimming with Black vernacular even while the structure of the play is anything but, it's complex and indicates this is a play worth reading and seeing multiple times in order to fully comprehend the weight of Wilson's work. The characters are unforgettable both because of their names and their stories (even the ruthless Caesar). This is the second August Wilson play I've ever read and I'm excited to continue to participate in the Stacks' Century Cycle read along