Reviews with content warning for Alcoholism - Play It as It Lays

I am so sad I never wrote a review as soon as I finished this book because I had so much to say both whilst reading it and at the end.
I remember that I really enjoyed the book and although it took me sometime to understand and learn about Maria through her somewhat jumbled prose, by the end I found myself more and more intrigued by the sadness and intelligence of her character. I saw some of myself in her flaws and, although that is not the most flattering realisation, reading this book allowed me to observe and reflect upon the messy tangle of womanhood, mental illness and addiction that Maria and no doubt so many women at some point uncover in some way within themselves.
I will one day re-read it and hope to rediscover my initial reflections on the book.

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annasreads612's review against another edition

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dark sad tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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cmvoelkel's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

What can I say? I have had this book on my TBR list for so many years and have so looked forward to finally reading it. In fact, I remember bringing it with me to the hospital when I had my son (so glad I didn’t read it then). Now that I’ve finally read it in a couple days I have to admit that I am totally glad it’s over. It was my first Joan Didion and I fully expected to be blown away… Sorry, maybe I’m just not in the right mindset for this one but I didn’t enjoy it one bit. Mostly that’s the point- it’s a hard look at a hard life and some really difficult characters. There is definitely literary value there but emotionally it just felt a bit too torturous for me.

I feel a bit like I missed something that the rest of the world raves about but I also think I’m okay with that. Something about this elite Hollywood soul-crushing story just repelled rather than attracted me.

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stevie's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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gabyaponte's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This just wasn’t that good. It feels like Joan Didion had a lot to say with the character of Maria but didn’t effectively make the point. I understand that she’s trying to explore the mental health implications of abortion, toxic and abusive marriages, and dealing with a sick child (at least I think that was what was happening with the kid because the details were wildly lacking). However, I feel like Maria was definitely mentally ill but Didion didn’t give it a name and made it purposefully vague. This book is just dark and sad for no good reason because Didion doesn’t effectively make her point.

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