Title: Seven Plays
Author: Sam Shepard
First published May 1, 1984
336 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553346114 (ISBN10: 0553346113)
Rating: 4.18
Overview
Sam Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, has left an indelible mark on contemporary theatre. Seven Plays by Sam Shepard includes some of his most brilliant works, such as “Buried Child,” “Curse of the Starving Class,” “The Tooth of Crime,” “La Turista,” “Savage Loge,” and “True West.” With his unique voice, Shepard captures the essence of American culture with a revolutionary craft that maps both interior and exterior landscapes.
His plays are a form of exorcism, surreal rituals that grapple with the demonic forces of society. In Seven Plays, Shepard’s stunning originality and defiance are on full display, making this collection a must-read for anyone interested in the best that American theatre has to offer.
About the Author
Meet Sam Shepard, a multi-talented American artist who excelled as a playwright, writer, and actor. Shepard was known for his candid and sometimes bizarre written works that captured the essence of the rugged modern American West.
He was not just a writer, but also a successful actor in both stage and film, a director, a published author of various genres including short stories, essays and memoirs, and even a musician.
Editoral Review
In David Estes’ young adult dystopian novel, The Sun Dwellers, readers are introduced to a world where the harsh rays of the sun have forced humanity underground. First published in November 2012, Estes’ book is a worthy addition to the crowded field of dystopian fiction, thanks in large part to its engaging characters and action-packed plot.
The Sun Dwellers takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity are segregated into three different castes based on their skin color. Our protagonist is a teenage girl named Adele, a member of the lowest caste known as the Dwellers.
When her brother Tristan is kidnapped by the cruel ruling class known as the Sun Kings, Adele sets out on a dangerous journey through the ruins of the world she knows to rescue him. Along the way, she is aided by a motley crew of rebels and outcasts, whom she must learn to trust in order to complete her mission.
One of the strongest aspects of The Sun Dwellers is its vividly imagined setting. Estes has a talent for painting a picture with his words, making the reader feel as if they are truly underground, breathing in the stale air and navigating the twisting tunnels alongside the characters.
The book’s plot is also well-paced, with plenty of action and intrigue to keep the reader engaged throughout.
Where the book falters somewhat is in its character development.
While Adele is a likable protagonist with a clear motivation driving her forward, many of the supporting characters feel somewhat one-dimensional. This is especially apparent when it comes to the book’s villains, who come across as cartoonishly evil rather than nuanced antagonists.
Despite its flaws, The Sun Dwellers is a worthwhile read for fans of the dystopian genre. It will appeal to those who enjoy action-packed, fast-paced stories with a strong female protagonist.
The book’s themes of rebellion and societal injustice also feel particularly timely in our current moment. While it may not be a perfect novel, The Sun Dwellers is sure to leave readers eager to see what happens next in Adele’s journey.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars.
