"[...] You might just catch a line [...] that reaches out and touches something going on inside of you. And for that instant you are relieved of the isolation. That is the worth of a Torch Song. That is the goal of these plays." (Author's Note, 1979).

I dont usually read plays and went into reading Torch Song Trilogy without any expectations and was positively surprised! I love how vividly and lively the characters are created and how family and socio-cultural issues are playfully woven into the story. The play is quite witty and touching at the same time (some scenes hit a little too close to home), and overall left me moved and with a positive feeling.

I should have read this sooner!!! Harvey's Torch Song Trilogy left me gutted. This play is a powerful, soul-stirring experience that will leave you emotional. I found myself seething with hatred for Ed and aching with longing for Arnold to receive the love he deserved. The sharp wit and sassy attitude of Ma instantly reminded me of my own grandmother. I can't wait to read Harvey's memoir to gain a deeper understanding of his journey. Honestly, Torch Song Trilogy is a must-read.

I adored this so much. I read both sets in a little over two days, and I already feel like I could read it again. The characters are phenomenally well-written. I fell for most of them almost as soon as I met them. To see Arnold's development over the course of the play is amazing as well. I love that this edition provides the opportunity to read the original three plays as well as the condensed version, as I think it really allows one to better appreciate each character and the context of the story. I am going to have to buy this one.

Captures a moment in gay history with candor and heart. I didn't particularly care for the first play in the trilogy -- I had a hard time envisioning the staging of it -- but the second and third bring things to a nice close.

While some might find it dated, it's a nice reminder of how hard it is to make a "logical family."

I’d only seen the HBO adaptation of Torch Song Trilogy, so I was looking forward to reading Harvey Fierstein’s original stage play. The play(s) are funny, groundbreaking in their time, and unafraid to depict messy relationships and an untidy ending. At their best, the plays use subtext in the dialogue to deepen and release the tension between characters. At their worst, the plays give in to long monologues in which characters tell us exactly what they think and need. Glad I read the plays.

i laughed aloud.

Harvey Fierstein's _Torch Song Trilogy_ Receives five stars from me due to the timelessness of the themes and the excellent writing.

It has been decades since I read the plays or watched the film version of it. It gives a nice slice of gay life in the 70s, but the final play, Widows and Children First!, hits me strongly as it is timeless--parents not accepting their gay son, gay sons not knowing how to help their parents accept them. I think this should be taught in high schools as it would help show how many gay kids life their lives and why they fear telling their parents.

Recommended: yes

A classic with progressive themes for it’s time. It’s unfortunate that this book could have been written today because queer people, despite social progress, are still experiencing the same problems as the characters in this play.