A review by tomato_bisque
A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen

challenging reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I was gonna stop at 3 stars because I found it to be a bit difficult to get through. However, I added another 0.5 stars andvconsidered bringing it up to 4 given the ending. There are a few moments that really shine through. I can see why it was ahead of its time and why it caused controversy. The themes of feeling trapped and feeling like a character in someone else's play will resonate with many people, especially many women. There still exists a lot of pressure to sacrifice yourself for others, especially in motherhood and heterosexual relationships. For many women, their sense of self is stripped away. Nora's husband belittles her and her father expected her to follow a certain path. 

I think its important to know the story was based on a real woman, Laura Keiler, who did not appreciate the play. Her story is much more sad than Noras is. 

This is worth getting into if you enjoy womens literature. It is a product of its time with moments that make it really worth it. 
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