Scan barcode
A review by jesscswaine
Play It as It Lays by Joan Didion
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Suicide, Abortion, and Alcohol