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51 pages 1 hour read

Almost, Maine

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2004

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Book Brief

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John Cariani

Almost, Maine

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2004
Book Details
Pages

72

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Fictional town, Maine • Contemporary

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Almost, Maine by John Cariani is a play set in the fictional town of Almost in Northern Maine, featuring various vignettes about love and relationships. The interconnected scenes revolve around different characters experiencing moments of romance, heartbreak, and reconciliation against the backdrop of the Northern Lights. In the Prologue, Interlogue, and Epilogue, two recurring characters, Pete and Ginette, navigate the complexities of their relationship. The play highlights themes of love found and lost, capturing the magical, surreal, and sometimes poignant experiences of the residents of Almost.

Bittersweet

Romantic

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

964 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Almost, Maine by John Cariani offers a charming and whimsical series of vignettes about love and loss in a small town. Critics praise its creativity, humor, and heartfelt moments, though some find the fragmented structure less engaging. Overall, audiences appreciate its refreshing portrayal of human connection but may seek more depth in character development.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Almost, Maine?

Readers who enjoy Our Town by Thornton Wilder or The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman will be drawn to Almost, Maine by John Cariani. This poignant, whimsical play appeals to those who appreciate explorations of human relationships, small-town charm, and magical realism.

4.0

964 ratings

62%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

Pete

A character who, along with Ginette, reappears throughout the play, known for his honest nature but struggles to pick up on social cues, like when he theorizes instead of acting in a meaningful moment.

A character who contrasts with Pete, preferring to live in the present and move through emotions naturally, though she sometimes has difficulty articulating her feelings.

A repairman characterized by his straightforward and charming demeanor, looking to fix things around him.

An out-of-town hiker who embodies an outsider's perspective to Maine, carrying past emotional burdens yet open to rediscovering happiness.

A heating and cooling technician experiencing loneliness and searching for hope as he grapples with self-image issues.

Jimmy’s ex-girlfriend who has moved ahead with her life, finding fulfillment in a new relationship.

A woman skilled in self-protection, facing dissatisfaction in her relationship without fully admitting it to herself, yet remaining genuine and kind-hearted.

An open and amiable man whose inability to feel physical pain invites deeper reflection on the nature and sources of pain.

Lendall’s girlfriend of eleven years, who acts impulsively out of frustration with the stagnation in their relationship.

A man awakened from sleep during his scene, who struggles to express feelings yet has genuine intentions toward Gayle.

The more reserved member of a friendship dynamic who initially hesitates at the prospect of romance while valuing friendship deeply.

The bolder of the friends, willing to take significant risks for the chance of love.

A working man who feels pressured by financial responsibilities, impacting his roles as a husband and father.

Phil’s wife, whose growing frustration with his lack of attention contributes to their relationship’s challenges.

A woman who has ventured beyond Almost, experiencing the world in search of a richer life elsewhere.

A local man who contrasts Hope with his satisfaction in remaining within Almost, leading to their relationship's failure.

A tough character who defies traditional feminine roles and is uncertain about her appeal to men.

A kind-hearted man devoted to Rhonda, working to communicate his feelings despite difficulties.

Book Details
Pages

72

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Fictional town, Maine • Contemporary

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

2004

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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