Alison's House
Alison's House
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1930
Book Brief
158
Play • Fiction
Iowa • 1890s
1930
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Alison’s House is a family drama by Susan Glaspell that follows the Stanhope family as they pack up their ancestral home and reminisce about their famous relative, Alison, a beloved poet who has been dead for eighteen years. Tensions arise as the family members confront their past, deal with unfulfilled aspirations, and make decisions about Alison's unpublished poems.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
62 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alison's House by Susan Glaspell received mixed reviews. Praised for its lyrical prose and exploration of themes like family secrets and the legacy of a poet reminiscent of Emily Dickinson, the play's emotional depth resonated with many. However, some critics found its pacing uneven and characters slightly underdeveloped. Overall, it remains a poignant but occasionally flawed tribute to artistic sacrifice.
Who Should Read Alison's House?
Readers who appreciate classic American literature and plays with rich character development will enjoy Susan Glaspell's Alison's House. Fans of Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie and Thornton Wilder's Our Town will find the themes of family secrets and the passage of time captivating.
62 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
158
Play • Fiction
Iowa • 1890s
1930
Adult
18+ years
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