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divsies's review against another edition
5.0
Strange as it is, there's something very powerful in all the women-being-driven-crazy narratives that I've read so far. It's tiring to see women being driven insane by patriarchal societal and marital norms, because characters can be independent and powerful without being insane, and it's also sad to see almost nothing has changed since the publication of these works, but it's a very intriguing genre in the first place. Ophelia in Hamlet, Nora in A Doll's House, "Bertha" in A Wide Sargasso Sea, the Woman in The Yellow Wallpaper, Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire -- all of these women have been pushed to their absolute wits' end. Redemption is always some wild act of intense catharsis, or a harrowing conclusion in the name of last-minute, desperate agency (I'm looking at you, Ophelia).
The fact that this is a genre to begin with is striking-- has the frustration of women under oppressive systems become tokenized? Is this a call for better treatment, or is it the normalization of women being driven insane through conveniently portraying these narratives as "art"? Do these works of art help politicize female voices after centuries of being driven insane, or does it minimize them and use them as a plot device? I have many thoughts about this genre, but I think it's interesting at a base level to see similarities in how "insane" women are treated throughout literature.
That being said, this is a fantastic play! Very engaging, and I still can't get over the fact that it's the origin for the term "Gaslighting." Surreal!
The fact that this is a genre to begin with is striking-- has the frustration of women under oppressive systems become tokenized? Is this a call for better treatment, or is it the normalization of women being driven insane through conveniently portraying these narratives as "art"? Do these works of art help politicize female voices after centuries of being driven insane, or does it minimize them and use them as a plot device? I have many thoughts about this genre, but I think it's interesting at a base level to see similarities in how "insane" women are treated throughout literature.
That being said, this is a fantastic play! Very engaging, and I still can't get over the fact that it's the origin for the term "Gaslighting." Surreal!
areadingrosekc's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
5.0
madelynmccoy's review against another edition
4.0
for a book read for school, i actually really enjoyed it
avagypsy's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
2.75
sabrinasbooknook's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a thrilling read, couldn’t put it down. Reading plays is always so interesting because so much is left up for personal interpretation and the reader can’t help but try to characterize actions in a certain way. Very much straight to the point as well which I enjoyed.
aleesquer's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
cltnbutcher's review against another edition
3.0
Mostly a four star until the very end, kinda of bungles it unfortunately.
ggallinot's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
An amazing, classic thriller. A dance between a man lying about himself to find riches and his “wife” who he is slowly driving to insanity. Definitely worth a read for fans of thrillers. I must say, this play is quite incredible. The actions of Mr. Manningham made me palpably mad and, while it does not have quite so many twists and turns as it’s contemporaries, it has enough to keep the reader hooked and a string through line that makes you want to reach the end. I’ve been on a bit of a thriller kick and I find it to be tighter and more compelling than Witness, Dial M, Sleuth, and Murder Game (all of which are admittedly very good in their own right).
xwritingstoriesx's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Misogyny, and Infidelity
Minor: Forced institutionalization
ingridostby's review against another edition
5.0
Everyone should read this short short play. One of the best of all time, quite unsung, and a now hugely relevant part of our era. Also, from the perspective of anyone who has gone through prolonged abuse, absolutely satisfying and literally like therapy (albeit, also triggering, though because of the intent of the play, not nearly as triggering as unintentionally traumatic content).