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sherbertwells's review
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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
In a 1920s Chicago recording studio, black musicians and white managers come into conflict over race, love and the foolishness (or wisdom) of mankind. August Wilson has a fantastic gift for backstory which gives every word his characters utter the weight and malleability of gold.
“MA RAINEY: They don’t care nothing about me, All they want is my voice…As soon as they get my voice down on them recording machines, then it’s just like if I’d be some whore and they roll over and put their pants on. Ain’t got no use for me then. I know what I’m talking about” (489)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs
Moderate: Death, Hate crime, Infidelity, Racism, Sexual content, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
zombiezami's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.5
I read this in anticipation of the Netflix adaptation. This was hard for me to get through. I’m curious about what direction the movie will take
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery
Lynching, Assimilation