Complete Works #3

Complete Works: Volume 3

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This is the third volume of the collected works of Harold Pinter, who is regarded by many as the foremost playwright in the English language today. Featured are The Homecoming, one of Pinter's best-known works, along with three other plays, six revue sketches, and a short story. The memoir Mac introduces the volume. Pinter's work during this period clearly displays his developing interest in a number of themes, particularly those having to do with power, communication, personal identity, and the unreliability of memory and knowledge. The Homecoming was described by Richard Gilman as "a brilliant piece of writing," and is considered one of modern drama's most effective presentations of these concerns.

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1978

This edition

Format
248 pages, Paperback
Published
January 13, 1994 by Grove Press
ISBN
9780802150493
ASIN
0802150497
Language
English

About the author

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Harold Pinter was a British playwright, screenwriter, director and actor. A Nobel Prize winner, Pinter was one of the most influential modern British dramatists with a writing career that spanned more than 50 years. His best-known plays include The Birthday Party (1957), The Homecoming (1964) and Betrayal (1978), each of which he adapted for the screen. His screenplay adaptations of others' works include The Servant (1963), The Go-Between (1971), The French Lieutenant's Woman (1981), The Trial (1993) and Sleuth (2007). He also directed or acted in radio, stage, television and film productions of his own and others' works.


Community Reviews

Rating(4.4 / 5.0, 9 votes)
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9 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I don't like Pinter.

I know very well that I don't have any inclination towards Pinter.

But here I am, wondering why on earth I committed to reading this particular work of his.

Maybe it was a moment of curiosity that got the better of me.

Or perhaps it was a challenge I set for myself to try and understand something that I initially disliked.

Whatever the reason, I find myself now faced with the task of delving into Pinter's writing, hoping that maybe, just maybe, I might discover something that will change my perspective.

But as I start reading, I can't help but feel a sense of resistance.

His style seems foreign and difficult to penetrate.

The words don't flow easily, and the meaning seems to be hidden beneath layers of complexity.

Yet, I am determined to persevere and see if there is anything worthwhile to be found within these pages.

Maybe this will be a journey of self-discovery as much as it is a exploration of Pinter's work.

Only time will tell if I will come to appreciate Pinter or if my initial dislike will remain unchanged.
July 15,2025
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I don't understand. I read the profile of Pinter in The New Yorker. I also read Pinter's Nobel essay and I really loved it. So, I made up my mind to read his works. Admittedly, I don't read a great number of plays. However, when I read this stuff, I just don't have any feelings. I managed to get through "The Homecoming", "The Tea Party", "Basement" and "Landscape", but I don't feel any attraction to the language or what is happening.

All of this is despite the fact that I really like the opening sentence of "The Homecoming". But for me, it was all downhill from there. I expected to be deeply engaged and moved by his plays, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Maybe I need to read more of his works or approach them from a different perspective to truly understand and appreciate his genius.
July 15,2025
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The Homecoming, wow.

It was a moment filled with anticipation and excitement. As the time for the homecoming approached, everyone's hearts were beating fast.

The students had been preparing for this event for weeks, decorating the school and planning various activities.

When the day finally arrived, the school was transformed into a festive place.

The alumni started to arrive, some looking exactly the same as they did years ago, while others had changed a great deal.

There were hugs, handshakes, and a lot of catching up.

The homecoming parade was a sight to behold, with colorful floats and marching bands.

The football game that followed was intense, with both teams giving their all.

In the end, it was a wonderful day, filled with memories that would last a lifetime.

The Homecoming truly lived up to its name, bringing everyone back home and creating a sense of unity and belonging.
July 15,2025
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Read “The Homecoming” - Shattering…!


This short story titled “The Homecoming” has the power to shatter your expectations. It takes you on a journey that is filled with unexpected twists and turns.


As you begin to read, you are introduced to the characters and their circumstances. The author has a unique way of描绘ing the setting, making you feel as if you are right there with them.


The plot unfolds gradually, building up the tension and anticipation. Just when you think you know what is going to happen, the story takes a sudden turn and leaves you completely shocked.


“The Homecoming” is not just a story about returning home. It is a story about love, loss, and the power of forgiveness. It makes you think about the importance of family and the lengths we will go to protect those we care about.


Overall, “The Homecoming” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that will keep them on the edge of their seat until the very end.
July 15,2025
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I have just read 'The Homecoming', and I must say that it has left a profound impression on me.

Although I have only read this one work by Pinter so far, I am absolutely certain that I will be returning to his works in the future.

The reason for this is that Pinter is an even better writer than I had initially expected. His ability to create complex and engaging characters, along with his masterful use of language and dialogue, is truly remarkable.

'The Homecoming' is a prime example of his talent, as it delves into the deep and often troubled relationships between family members.

The story is filled with tension, mystery, and unexpected twists, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat from beginning to end.

I can't wait to explore more of Pinter's works and discover the many other gems that he has to offer.
July 15,2025
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I truly loved the short sketch work bits of the second half.

It made Pinter seem honest yet "romantic," bestowing upon him a softer edge following the harsh and bizarre "wtf" elements that set apart "The Homecoming" (which was my introduction to him a few years ago).

In fact, it sort of broke my heart.

The way these short sketches humanized Pinter was quite remarkable. They showed a side of him that was often overlooked, a side that was capable of tenderness and vulnerability.

After being exposed to the more extreme and puzzling aspects of "The Homecoming," this newfound softness was like a breath of fresh air.

It made me see Pinter in a whole new light and added a new layer of depth to my understanding of his work.

Overall, these short sketch work bits were a wonderful addition to the second half and left a lasting impression on me.
July 15,2025
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The later his plays and sketches are, the less I seem to enjoy them.

They usually revolve around men in their 40s and 50s and women in their 20s.

I don't connect with them or what they want or what they are.

Perhaps it's because there is a significant generation gap between me and the characters.

Their experiences, values, and perspectives may be so different from mine that I struggle to understand and empathize with them.

Moreover, the storylines and themes might not resonate with my own life or interests.

It could be that the playwright is trying to explore certain aspects of human nature or society that are not relevant to my current stage of life.

As a result, I find myself disengaged and uninterested in these later works.

However, I still appreciate the playwright's earlier works, which I felt had more depth and universality.

Maybe I need to keep an open mind and try to look for the underlying messages and emotions in the later plays and sketches.

Or perhaps it's time to explore other forms of art and entertainment that better suit my tastes and sensibilities.
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