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yarixyari's review
3.0
I read it in English class and it was okay, even if we didn't get to finish it and just saw the movie in the end.
oceancryptid's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
tracithomas's review against another edition
4.0
So good. Boy Willie is so well written. What a character. This one is a little clunky in parts but hits where it needs to hit.
kirahvireads's review
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
It was a chilling read that also makes you reflect on black history.
bybemoulden's review
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
tschwinge's review
5.0
This. I have read many plays, this one, it's perfect. Wilson's signature language--his incredible ability to pick up the poetry of everyday colloquial speech and combine it with transcendent phrases on par with Shakespeare is on full display. The simplicity of items--a piano, a truck full of watermelons and a ghost--two of which the audience never see--create together enough to make high drama out of the ordinary in the most beautiful way imaginable. All of this family's history is tied to African-American history and connect to the present moments live on stage (as least in my mind as I read it), the metaphysical world of ghosts, curses and spells weaves it's way through the everyday concerns of money, dreams and lost love. All of Wilson's plays are incredible, but this one, wow. I was exhausted from reading it in the best possible way. Brilliant. I hope somewhere there's a production of it soon.
jennifermreads's review against another edition
4.0
Since her husband died, Berniece has not played the ornate family piano. When her brother Boy Willie arrives at Berniece’s house, he is set on selling the piano so he can purchase land and farm it. Berniece is steadfast in wanting to keep the piano whose intricate carvings detail their family’s history.
Sometimes, the only way one can glimpse a life not like your own is through theater or television. August Wilson had a tremendous talent for placing readers and viewers right in the middle of the drama. One cannot help but feel like a fly on the wall. This particular play was another insightful look at the African-American family. I may have to see if I can stream The Piano Lesson movie version starring Charles S. Dutton and Alfre Woodard. Plays are always better seen rather than read. So, as this was a good read, it ought to be a tremendous production.
Sometimes, the only way one can glimpse a life not like your own is through theater or television. August Wilson had a tremendous talent for placing readers and viewers right in the middle of the drama. One cannot help but feel like a fly on the wall. This particular play was another insightful look at the African-American family. I may have to see if I can stream The Piano Lesson movie version starring Charles S. Dutton and Alfre Woodard. Plays are always better seen rather than read. So, as this was a good read, it ought to be a tremendous production.
kimberly_levaco's review
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A superbly crafted drama about whether or not letting your past define you is beneficial to your self and your legacy
vacv98's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
3.0