A review by lindseyhall44
Play It As It Lays by Joan Didion

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

4.25

I have read (and adored) Joan Didion’s essays and nonfiction, and she’s just as brilliant in the novel form. While this bleak and sparse to say the least, there is so much said in the words unsaid.
I’ve seen criticism online that it is difficult to care for Maria as a protagonist. My response: how can you not feel for her? She is dealing with so much unhappiness in all aspects of her life, and dealing with it alone.


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