26 pages • 52 minutes read
American Buffalo
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Book Brief
106
Play • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
NP
Super Short Summary
American Buffalo by David Mamet takes place over a day in Don's Resale Shop, where owner Donny and his assistant Bobby plan with their friend Teach to steal a valuable coin from a customer who had recently underpaid for it. As tension builds, their friendships and trust waver, ultimately exposing their flaws and moral dilemmas. The play includes themes of friendship, betrayal, and greed among the working class.
Gritty
Suspenseful
Challenging
Dark
Reviews & Readership
5,452 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
David Mamet’s American Buffalo is a praised commentary on business and loyalty, set in a seedy Chicago junk shop. Critics commend its sharp, realistic dialogue and its exploration of greed and betrayal. Detractors, however, note its bleakness and frequent profanity, which can detract from the powerful performances. Overall, it’s a compelling yet gritty dramatic piece.
Who Should Read American Buffalo?
Readers who relish gritty dialogue and intense character studies would enjoy David Mamet's American Buffalo. Fans of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman or Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire will appreciate Mamet's exploration of loyalty and betrayal in a small-time, high-stakes heist setting.
5,452 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
106
Play • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1970s
1975
Adult
18+ years
NP
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