A review by books_and_cha
The Darker Face of the Earth by Rita Dove

5.0

My friend suggested we go see a staged reading of this play, and that's how I first stumbled along this work. Rita Dove came to the showing, and I wanted to do my research before I met her. I read her collection, Thomas and Beulah, before the showing, and while it was an enjoyable read, I didn't love it. I went to the showing with an open mind, and I loved the play. It was so powerful, especially the second act when everything churns and comes together like a tornado. The writing itself was lyrical and beautiful. It was dark, twisted, hard-hitting and absolutely brilliant.
The characters were great. While I wasn't sympathetic towards Augustus and Amahlia, I really loved Phoebe (she was my favorite).