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jpitts's review against another edition
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Ugly and mean and SO engaging. I feel a little gross after reading this but I'm glad that I did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Incest, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicide
zltrail's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
mkdupre's review against another edition
4.0
If you like modern drama, you will definitely like this play. It is crass and crazy and full of family dysfunction, but it is a riveting read that shows how family ties can bind, sometimes against the wishes of the family themselves. There is more drama packed into this relatively short play than most Spanish telenovelas, but all the drama does not detract from the authentic and at times poignant emotion being felt in all the family relationships. Despite the wildly outlandish events, you will find yourself relating to the family dynamic and the way conflict manifests itself. The play doesn't paint Oklahomans in a particularly flattering light, but this is not to say that the portrayal is wholly inaccurate. This is a play on par with classics like A Streetcar Named Desire and Death of a Salesman, and will definitely become a classic in its own right. If you enjoy reading plays, or even if you normally don't but you want to try something new, pick up this book! You won't be disappointed.
Also, a movie version of this play is coming out in the fall of 2013, starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.
Also, a movie version of this play is coming out in the fall of 2013, starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.
mellalee_d's review against another edition
4.0
Quick read! I saw the movie version when it came out, but never saw the actual play, which is too bad. It reminds me quite a lot of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, just with more characters.
mrscottaustin's review against another edition
5.0
This is the best play I have ever seen. It is honest, funny, and tough all at once. Brilliant.
I read it after seeing it and suggest you get to NY to do the same.
I read it after seeing it and suggest you get to NY to do the same.
jonfaith's review against another edition
3.0
We're all just people, some of us accidentally connected by genetics, a random selection of cells. Nothing more.
I don't believe David Simon is to blame but the one episode of The Wire where Bunk and McNulty solve a case by only using the word fuck may have set us upon a path. The artist as steward of shock. [since I first reviewed this I have watched a number of scenes on YouTube and it didn't really help. I am inclined to actually regard with a diminishing regard.]
Mr Letts has given us portrait of a family in distress, nothing novel in that. The arc of their pathos is all too often revealed in layered insults and expletives. I did appreciate the occasional insight but felt overall that we've seen this elsewhere--and perhaps more effectively. I thought more attention was given to pyrotechnics than character. Matters suffer. The voices are too similar. The reveals are condensed in a way that would leave Brother Tennessee cringing.
I don't believe David Simon is to blame but the one episode of The Wire where Bunk and McNulty solve a case by only using the word fuck may have set us upon a path. The artist as steward of shock. [since I first reviewed this I have watched a number of scenes on YouTube and it didn't really help. I am inclined to actually regard with a diminishing regard.]
Mr Letts has given us portrait of a family in distress, nothing novel in that. The arc of their pathos is all too often revealed in layered insults and expletives. I did appreciate the occasional insight but felt overall that we've seen this elsewhere--and perhaps more effectively. I thought more attention was given to pyrotechnics than character. Matters suffer. The voices are too similar. The reveals are condensed in a way that would leave Brother Tennessee cringing.
inwonderland122's review against another edition
4.0
Read for short book book club. Quick easy and totally insane. Loved the craziness and the ease of reading a play vs a wordy novel. These people are all fucked.
lewistheeditor's review against another edition
5.0
Brilliant, brilliant. The realism of the dysfunction! The playwright gets at some real human shit here.
communicatrix's review against another edition
4.0
The buried rage, resentments, and frustrations of generations erupt in two acts' worth of one very alcoholic, very dysfunctional family's lives. No wonder actors love playing these parts; the show is quite a ride.
bojangacic's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0