A review by fromthesummerof17
Look Back in Anger by John Osborne

emotional tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I threw down this book the moment I finished it, absolutely furious. The foreword says it all. A rousing play that made me want to scream ‘fuck’ as loud as I can and made me ponder upon the deep sense of regret  instilled on me through these pages. I don’t think I have ever read of a character I have hated so intensely. This isn’t a bad thing because it is intentional. The main character is not a lovable character and the first or second page of the play introduces us to him stating that. Almost a forewarning, I’d say. This play is full of emotion and it took me on a journey. Certainly not a typical story, but one I would read again nonetheless. How it makes me seethe!

I recommend approaching this book as a study of humanity, rather than a story. A closer look at one man and one life surrounding him. There is much to get out of it that way.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Miscarriage

Warning: This book is almost entirely made up of the manipulative, abusive main character interacting with the othet characters. A painful and heart-wrenching read full of emotional abuse.