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kristinaray717's review against another edition
4.0
A well written play, but very tough to read. I’ve never read anything that dealt with suicide in this manner. I found myself emphasizing with both mother and daughter, creating intense inner conflict within me. This play is an emotional roller coaster, not for the faint of heart.
nhayner's review against another edition
5.0
This was so unsettling and the even though you know what the ending is going to be it still makes you cry. Definitely want to see/direct this play in the future!
tennilles's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
2.5
binxthinx's review against another edition
5.0
Ironically, I've been feeling a little down lately, and was trying to find something to read to take my mind off things (plays are good for that). I did not know what to expect when I started reading this play (beyond that it's an acclaimed drama), so it was quite an emotional gut punch!
It's easy to relate to both Mama and Jessie, as both are sympathetic characters, with understandable flaws and beliefs. I've been in both of their shoes before (trying to talk someone out of wanting to commit suicide and having someone try to convince me not to as well), so a lot of the play resonated with me. The author does a magnificent job of capturing how that level of hopelessness and depression can feel (although some theater critics don't seem to believe it's 'psychologically authentic,' I'd argue these feelings don't fit everyone the same way...maybe it has to do with the performances they watched).
I've been talking to a close friend recently about death, what comes after, and suicide. This play helped me understand his opinions more clearly, without changing my own. I like that the author doesn't ask the reader to judge the characters or force a moral, but rather she invites the reader to empathize and/or sympathize with both sides. It's easy to see where they both are coming from.
I'd love to see this performed, although I'm glad I read it first, because I was crying my eyes out for quite a while as I was (and after) reading it. It's quite a thought-provoking play, and I suppose my original mission was accomplished - I certainly had a lot of different things to think about when I finished reading.
This was a rather jumbled review, but I'm sure this is a play I will revisit and will be interested in my first impressions at that future time. :)
It's easy to relate to both Mama and Jessie, as both are sympathetic characters, with understandable flaws and beliefs. I've been in both of their shoes before (trying to talk someone out of wanting to commit suicide and having someone try to convince me not to as well), so a lot of the play resonated with me. The author does a magnificent job of capturing how that level of hopelessness and depression can feel (although some theater critics don't seem to believe it's 'psychologically authentic,' I'd argue these feelings don't fit everyone the same way...maybe it has to do with the performances they watched).
I've been talking to a close friend recently about death, what comes after, and suicide. This play helped me understand his opinions more clearly, without changing my own. I like that the author doesn't ask the reader to judge the characters or force a moral, but rather she invites the reader to empathize and/or sympathize with both sides. It's easy to see where they both are coming from.
I'd love to see this performed, although I'm glad I read it first, because I was crying my eyes out for quite a while as I was (and after) reading it. It's quite a thought-provoking play, and I suppose my original mission was accomplished - I certainly had a lot of different things to think about when I finished reading.
This was a rather jumbled review, but I'm sure this is a play I will revisit and will be interested in my first impressions at that future time. :)
iamtaylorhope's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
modepo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Beautifully written but so extremely depressing. Very hard to get through but the story is very well executed.
showlola's review against another edition
4.0
Rich, affecting melodrama. The kind of play actresses and directors adore.
nagoatsis's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Mental illness, Self harm, Gun violence, Emotional abuse, and Grief