A review by mkdupre
August: Osage County by Tracy Letts

4.0

If you like modern drama, you will definitely like this play. It is crass and crazy and full of family dysfunction, but it is a riveting read that shows how family ties can bind, sometimes against the wishes of the family themselves. There is more drama packed into this relatively short play than most Spanish telenovelas, but all the drama does not detract from the authentic and at times poignant emotion being felt in all the family relationships. Despite the wildly outlandish events, you will find yourself relating to the family dynamic and the way conflict manifests itself. The play doesn't paint Oklahomans in a particularly flattering light, but this is not to say that the portrayal is wholly inaccurate. This is a play on par with classics like A Streetcar Named Desire and Death of a Salesman, and will definitely become a classic in its own right. If you enjoy reading plays, or even if you normally don't but you want to try something new, pick up this book! You won't be disappointed.

Also, a movie version of this play is coming out in the fall of 2013, starring Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts.