Title: Fences
Author: August Wilson
First published June 1, 1986
101 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780452264014 (ISBN10: 0452264014)
Rating: 3.88
Overview
Rick Atkinson’s An Army at Dawn: The War in North Africa, 1942-1943 is a gripping account of the Allies’ struggle to liberate Europe during World War II. In this Pulitzer Prize-winning first volume of his Liberation Trilogy, Atkinson presents a vivid and compelling portrait of the war in North Africa, from the daring amphibious invasion to the fierce battles against the French, Germans, and Italians in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of military strategy, Atkinson brings to life the pivotal year of 1942-1943, when the United States began to act like a great power and an inexperienced army became a superb fighting force. At the heart of the story are the extraordinary commanders who dominated the battlefield, including Eisenhower, Patton, Bradley, Montgomery, and Rommel.
Based on extensive research and enriched with new material and insights, An Army at Dawn is the definitive history of the war in North Africa and a testament to the courage and endurance of those who fought to liberate Europe.
Editoral Review
“Fences” by August Wilson is a classic work of American drama, written by one of the most important voices in African American literature. First published in 1986, it tells the story of an African American family in Pittsburgh in the mid-20th century, struggling to make ends meet and dealing with the legacy of racial injustice in their lives.
August Wilson was a master playwright and a powerful voice for African American culture and history. Known for his poetic language and vivid characterizations, he created a series of plays called the “Pittsburgh Cycle,” which explored the experiences of black Americans over the course of the 20th century.
“Fences” is one of his most celebrated works, and it won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1987. The play is set in the 1950s, and centers on a former Negro League baseball player named Troy Maxson, played by James Earl Jones in the original production.
Troy is a proud and often stubborn man, who struggles to provide for his family while dealing with his own demons. His wife Rose, played by Mary Alice, is a devoted and long-suffering woman, who tries to hold the family together despite Troy’s flaws.
Their son Cory, played by Courtney B. Vance, is a promising high school football player, but he clashes with his father over his dreams of going to college.
The play is filled with richly drawn characters, vibrant language, and powerful themes of family, sacrifice, and the struggle for identity in a racist society. It is a deeply human work of art, that manages to be both personal and universal at the same time.
Wilson’s use of the English language is masterful, the dialogue is filled with idiomatic expression and colloquialisms that bring the characters to life. In terms of historical and cultural significance, “Fences” is an essential work of African American literature, that represents the experiences of many black Americans in the mid-20th century.
It deals with themes of segregation, discrimination, and the struggle for equality, themes which are still relevant today. The play provides an authentic representation of the African American voice, which was often ignored or suppressed in mainstream culture.
From a critical perspective, “Fences” is a flawless work of art. The writing is incredibly moving and smart, the characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, and the themes resonate powerfully today.
The play is a masterpiece of American drama and is bound to captivate any reader who can appreciate great literature. The only criticism one could have is the pacing of the play, which some may find slow or drawn-out.
Overall, “Fences” is a must-read for anyone interested in African American literature or drama. It is a brilliant and timeless work of art that has stood the test of time, and will continue to be read and performed for generations to come.
If you’re looking for thought-provoking literature with a powerful message, “Fences” is a winner. I highly recommend it.
