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

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

As someone fascinated by Didion's writing and the intoxication of the 1960s, this was a fascinating novel for me. Maria Wyeth's entire apathetic and removed persona created an interesting angle in how she dealt with everything that entered her life. From her career, Kate's institutionalisation and the abortion Maria didn't want to have were some of the emotionally charged segments of this novel.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Drug use, Suicide, Violence, Abortion