39 pages • 1 hour read
An Inspector Calls
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Book Brief
72
Play • Fiction
Brumley, England • 1910s
1945
Adult
14-18 years
Super Short Summary
An Inspector Calls by J. B. Priestley is a play that begins with the Birling family celebrating Sheila’s engagement to Gerald, only to be interrupted by Inspector Goole, who questions them about the suicide of a young woman named Eva Smith who once worked at Arthur's mill. As Goole’s investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that each family member's actions contributed to Eva's tragic fate.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
40,333 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
J.B. Priestley's An Inspector Calls receives acclaim for its tight narrative and social critique, with engaging characters and a suspenseful plot. Critics appreciate its moral questions and theatricality, although some find the dialogue dated and its didactic tone a bit heavy-handed. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of responsibility and class.
Who Should Read An Inspector Calls?
Readers who relish socially conscious plays will enjoy An Inspector Calls by J.B. Priestley. Fans of mysteries with moral implications, akin to Arthur Miller's The Crucible and Agatha Christie's works, will appreciate its themes of responsibility and class disparity. Ideal for those who value dramatic tension and societal critique.
40,333 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Sheila Birling
Sheila Birling
Arthur Birling's daughter, whose engagement is the family's initial cause for celebration, and who undergoes significant personal development throughout the story.
Eric Birling
Eric Birling
The younger Birling son, characterized by his privileged upbringing and struggles with personal issues that are central to his role in the narrative.
Inspector Goole
Inspector Goole
A mysterious investigator who arrives unexpectedly, prompting the Birlings to examine their actions and moral responsibilities.
72
Play • Fiction
Brumley, England • 1910s
1945
Adult
14-18 years
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