Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
36(36%)
4 stars
32(32%)
3 stars
31(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
99 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is an outstanding play to peruse if you desire something that reveals to you how the other side of society lives.

It is not presented in a positive light. Pinter is truly a genius when it comes to generating a menacing ambiance!

The play delves deep into the darker aspects of human nature and the inequalities that exist.

It showcases the struggles and hardships that some individuals face, painting a vivid picture of a world that is often overlooked.

With Pinter's masterful writing, the audience is drawn into this menacing world and forced to confront the harsh realities that lie within.

It is a thought-provoking and engaging piece of literature that leaves a lasting impression.

Whether you are a fan of drama or simply interested in exploring different perspectives, this play is definitely worth reading.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I've seen the play thrice before finally picking up the book. It truly amazed me how sparingly Pinter provided stage directions. Virtually everything was left to the actors. And all the performers were simply outstanding with their remarkable stage presence and excellent acting choices. This really showcases how skillfully this play can be managed.

It's not only a great source of food for thought but also open to interpretation. Everyone I discussed it with had slightly different perspectives. Personally, being the eldest of three children and having left my family home at an early age, I could catch glimpses of my own life and working-class background mirrored on stage, and it really struck a chord with me (even though certain aspects were completely different from my life).

I'm still grappling with Lenny's blatant violence, the queer undertones in Sam, and how Ruth and Teddy could have possibly gotten together in the first place. This play will remain on my mind for quite some time.

It's truly brilliant stuff.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Chilling!


The word "chilling" evokes a sense of coldness and unease. It can describe a physical sensation, such as a cold wind that makes you shiver. But it can also have a more metaphorical meaning, referring to something that is disturbing or frightening. For example, a chilling story or a chilling discovery can send shivers down your spine. The concept of chilling is often associated with the unknown or the unexpected, as these can be particularly unsettling. When something is chilling, it has the power to make us feel vulnerable and exposed. It can also make us question our assumptions and beliefs. In conclusion, the word "chilling" is a powerful one that can have a profound impact on our emotions and perceptions.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This play offers an entertaining read that is filled with spell-binding dialogue and numerous humorous moments.

It is set in what is clearly a very dark context, which adds an interesting layer of complexity.

The dialogue is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish.

However, one aspect that I found rather challenging was the lack of explanations for the characters' actions and non-actions, especially as the play progresses into Act Two.

This lack of clarity made it difficult for me to fully understand the motives and decisions of the characters.

Overall, the play is absorbing, but at the same time, it can be quite frustrating due to this lack of explanation.

Despite this drawback, it still manages to hold the reader's attention and leaves them with much to think about.

It would have been beneficial if the author had provided more insights into the characters' psyches to make their actions more understandable.

Nevertheless, it is a thought-provoking and entertaining piece of work.

July 15,2025
... Show More
I never thought I would give anything I read a one-star review but here we are.

It's truly astonishing how disappointed I am with this particular piece of work. From the very beginning, it failed to capture my attention and engage my interest. The writing style was lackluster, with a flow that was choppy and disjointed.

The characters seemed one-dimensional and uninteresting, lacking any depth or complexity that would make me care about their fates. The plot was predictable and full of clichés, leaving me with no sense of anticipation or excitement as I read.

Overall, this was a very underwhelming read, and I cannot in good conscience give it anything higher than a one-star review. I had such high hopes going into it, but unfortunately, it did not deliver on any level.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The Ultimate in Dysfunction

I truly believe that this situation represents the ultimate in dysfunction. It's reaching a point where I feel an urgent need for some critical help. There are so many aspects that seem to be going wrong simultaneously, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The chaos and confusion are overwhelming, and I'm at a loss as to how to proceed. I need someone with fresh perspectives and expert knowledge to come in and analyze the situation objectively. Maybe they can identify the root causes of the dysfunction and offer practical solutions. Without this kind of assistance, I'm afraid that the situation will only continue to deteriorate. It's high time I sought the help I need to turn this around and get things back on track.
July 15,2025
... Show More
A phallic woman who dethrones the whimpering patriarch?! Count me in.

This statement seems to suggest a radical and perhaps revolutionary concept. In a traditional patriarchal society, men hold the dominant position and often exert power and control. However, the idea of a woman with a phallic-like presence challenging and ultimately overthrowing the patriarch is both bold and thought-provoking.

It could imply a shift in the power dynamics, where women break free from the constraints and limitations imposed by the patriarchal system. This might involve women taking on leadership roles, asserting their authority, and challenging the status quo.

The mention of a "whimpering patriarch" further emphasizes the contrast between the traditional male figure and the new, empowered woman. It suggests that the patriarch is weakened or losing his grip on power, while the woman is rising to the occasion and seizing control.

Overall, this concept challenges our traditional notions of gender and power and opens up possibilities for a more equal and just society.
July 15,2025
... Show More
There are a select few authors, more commonly playwrights than novelists, from a particular school who appear to be able to repeatedly get away with seemingly doing the same thing. And to me, Pinter is one of those. His form seems to be "gather a group of insane characters along with one rational man, and then let them act out their various insanities."

In this play, he indeed does that. However, as the play progresses, it transforms into a disturbing critique of the roles that men expect women to play in the world and women's strange acceptance of those roles. It is such a startling shift in the play's focus near the end that I was actually more astonished than I typically am by books.

In any event, perhaps this is the essence of an author like Pinter - even if he is writing variations on a theme, I like the theme. And if there is something unexpected each time, then I will continue to read his works.

July 15,2025
... Show More
What in the actual f*ck! This expression might seem a bit vulgar at first glance, but it actually reflects a certain state of mind or reaction.

In our daily lives, we often encounter situations that are unexpected, confusing, or just plain frustrating. When these things happen, we might find ourselves using such strong language to express our emotions.

It could be that we are facing a difficult task at work, a relationship problem, or even just a minor inconvenience that has pushed us over the edge. Whatever the cause, the use of this phrase can provide a momentary release of tension.

However, it's important to note that using such language in inappropriate settings or with certain people might not be well-received. We should always be mindful of our audience and the context in which we are communicating.

In conclusion, while "What in the actual f*ck" might be a useful expression for expressing our frustration or confusion, we should use it with caution and respect for others.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Dear friends, the story of this play is about a strange and unusual English family.

By reading this strange and astonishing play, you will realize that the entire family has psychological problems. Their occupations and thoughts have not created any difference in their psychological problems, even if they are university professors or have been away from home and family for years.

So in this play, which I think is a powerful and readable psychological story, you will encounter the unusual behavior of a troubled and mentally ill family. On the other hand, as is clear in the story, the problem of this family is related to women and the worthlessness of the female gender in this family.

The father of the family is named "Max", who is 70 years old and is a very rude and vulgar old man who treats everyone with disrespect and was a butcher before retirement.

Max's younger brother, "Sam" or Uncle Sam, is 63 years old and lives in his house and is a taxi driver.

Max's wife, who is named "Jessie", is dead and it seems that besides her husband, she also had a relationship with her husband's brother, Sam, and her husband's friend, "MacGregor", and other men.

Their sons, "Lenny" and "Joey", who are both in their thirties, also live with their father.

Lenny seems to have good thoughts and his behavior is strange and unusual and he seems to rent out prostitutes. Joey is also in love with boxing and tries to become a professional boxer and is a construction worker.

The story becomes more interesting when one night, "Teddy", the eldest son of the family, comes to his father's house with his wife, "Ruth". For years, no one has heard from Teddy and they don't know that he is married and the only news they have is that Teddy is a philosophy doctor and lives in America and is a university professor.

Ruth was also a model and prostitute before marrying Teddy. Teddy and Ruth have three sons whom they have brought with them to England and they themselves have come on this trip to travel in Europe. After traveling in Italy and Venice, they have come to England and their father's house to stay there for a while.

But the situation does not go as Teddy wishes because the old man, instead of having a warm encounter with Teddy, in the very first moment, insults Teddy's wife, Ruth, as a cheap and dirty prostitute.

There is nothing left for them to stay in the house that Lenny quarrels with Ruth and Joey has sex with her.

Now the sons and the father and the uncle, very normally discuss that they will keep Ruth in the house for themselves. Teddy goes back to his life in America and Ruth stays in London and in Max's house near herself and her sons.

But they should also consider human considerations!!! They should each give her some money and set a limit for her. Anyway, the poor woman needs to buy socks or clothes for herself. But then they decide to rent out Ruth as a prostitute every night to cover her expenses, of course, she should not have sex with any random person, only with certain men.

Anyway, whatever, Ruth is the daughter-in-law of this family!!!! Even Teddy can arrange customers for Ruth and send university professors who are traveling to England from America to Max's house for love and sex.

I think that perhaps this behavior should continue from generation to generation. Max and his wife Joey had three sons and their work led to debauchery and now it is not known what the fate of Teddy and Ruth's three sons will be.

Dear ones, it is better that you read this strange play yourself and find out about its end.

*************************

Lenny: How can the unknown be the provider of his sustenance? In other words, how can we sustain something that we know nothing about?

-----------------------------------

I hope this review has been sufficient and useful in getting to know this book.

"Be victorious and Iranian"
July 15,2025
... Show More
Outstanding.

Silences the weight of sixteen tons. What men think about when they think about women is a complex and often contradictory matter. They may put women down, yet deep down they know they are nothing without them. And even then, whether they view women as family or floozy, it is all just a matter of mere head fantasy.

Lacan said, “Il n’y a pas de Femme.” This work is basically the MULHOLLAND DRIVE of 1960s British theatre. It deals a real death-blow to fashionable realism while at the same time diving deeper into it. It does so via frenzied role-switching, a buried surrealism, and an allegory that is only legible through the gap.

It is very much in dialogue with THE KNACK…AND HOW TO GET IT by Ann Jellicoe and Richard Lester. This connection adds another layer of depth and complexity to the overall exploration of gender and perception in this remarkable piece of theatre.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.