A review by laurenleigh
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion

challenging reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

My initial response after reading this short book was that the main character—actually all the characters—were quite unlikeable. But I recognized that this was perhaps the point. Maybe Didion wanted to show us (in 1970) a female main character who isn’t fulfilling the expected wife/mother roles, who isn’t happy and cheerful and positive, who isn’t (and doesn’t need to be) likable. After discussing with my new book club, I found new appreciation for our MC, and a deeper appreciation for the book as a whole. Yay for finding a new book community!
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