You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
davidbythebay's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Reread: Oct. 26, 2021 (TW: suicide, death, disability-epilepsy symptoms discussed)
This was a brilliant play (and movie with Anne Bancroft and Sissy Spacek) when I read it 20 years ago for the first time. It was even more brilliant and lovely today. In those 20 years I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, attempted suicide a few times, and had my good times and bad times. At present, I am stable and happy. But I know what Jessie is saying and feeling deep within me.
This is a play that moves with constant action even though the two women (a mother and daughter) don’t do too much in the living room, kitchen, and home. It’s a closed setting that feels almost claustrophobic, even through it’s just a hone. (Then again 2020/2021 pandemic kind of made a home feel very claustrophobic.)
The themes are heavy. The topics are heavy. The conclusion is heavy. This is not a light hearted family romp. This is an embattled woman and her mother having heated arguments about dark topics in grim sometimes black-humor spurts. There is heart and love, grief, longing, a range more of emotions.
If you can handle this play, it is one I highly recommend.
This was a brilliant play (and movie with Anne Bancroft and Sissy Spacek) when I read it 20 years ago for the first time. It was even more brilliant and lovely today. In those 20 years I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, attempted suicide a few times, and had my good times and bad times. At present, I am stable and happy. But I know what Jessie is saying and feeling deep within me.
This is a play that moves with constant action even though the two women (a mother and daughter) don’t do too much in the living room, kitchen, and home. It’s a closed setting that feels almost claustrophobic, even through it’s just a hone. (Then again 2020/2021 pandemic kind of made a home feel very claustrophobic.)
The themes are heavy. The topics are heavy. The conclusion is heavy. This is not a light hearted family romp. This is an embattled woman and her mother having heated arguments about dark topics in grim sometimes black-humor spurts. There is heart and love, grief, longing, a range more of emotions.
If you can handle this play, it is one I highly recommend.
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness, Self harm, Medical content, and Grief
More...