32 reviews for:

The Trial of God As It Was Held on 2/25/1649, in Shamgorod: A Play in Three Acts

Elie Wiesel

4.13 AVERAGE

hellmango's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective slow-paced

sploack's review against another edition

3.0

I'm disappointed. I love Wiesel and Night is one of my favourite books of all time. When I heard about this play and what it was about, I expected so much... instead, the first act could be eliminated and nothing would change, the second act should be way shorter. The play is titled "The trial of God" but the actual trial doesn't start until the third and final act, and when it does, it's not very interesting. There is so much that could be said and yet both the prosecution and the defense only express a few weak arguments. Too much time is spent on irrelevant stuff, and ultimately, there is no verdict.
This play was born from a great idea, but the execution was questionable to say the least.

kjholly's review against another edition

dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Loveable characters? No

4.0

yossikhe's review against another edition

5.0

This play is a testament to the depth and complexity of Elie Weisel. I liked two particular elements of the story, the historical and the theological. The author, a survivor of the Holocaust, analyzes Jewish tragic history as a continuum by placing the Trial of God (itself a result of feelings of abandonment) after a Medieval Pogrom instead of in Auschwitz, where it actually happened. Secondly, the characters examine the figure of God in his humanity, channeling the Bible on the “image and likeness” (therefore being unclear if they’re judging humanity or if they’re judging God). Lastly, the philosophical aspect is also interesting: A plot where Satan can provide logical arguments and show compassion sends a message that even the darkest have a human (and therefore godly) side to them.

sapphox's review against another edition

4.0

A great book. Everyone should give it a try
I really liked the afterword by Matthew Fox

ineffable_idiot's review against another edition

4.0

incredibly moving, very thought provoking

laurapearl's review against another edition

challenging reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

jynxita's review against another edition

4.0

A great book. Everyone should give it a try
I really liked the afterword by Matthew Fox

torisushinyourpants's review against another edition

4.0

The book is a bit odd. Granted, it is a play, so that might be what's difficult.

psprigg__97's review against another edition

3.0

The ending is quite intense but the lead-up is a little too all over the place. Even if that was the playwright's intention in order for the play's structure to fit with it's theme, it makes for a difficult read.