35 pages • 1 hour read
Cost of Living
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Book Brief
128
Play • Fiction
Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Cost of Living by Martyna Majok explores the lives of two pairs of characters: Eddie and Ani, a separated couple reuniting after Ani's accident leaves her disabled, and Jess and John, navigating their complex relationship as caretaker and cerebral palsy-affected employer. Both pairs grapple with trust, vulnerability, and the high emotional and financial costs of survival, ultimately seeking connection despite their differences and individual struggles. Discussions of disability and instances of offensive language appear in the play.
Challenging
Emotional
Melancholic
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,223 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Martyna Majok's Cost of Living has received acclaim for its raw and impactful exploration of disability and human connection. Positive feedback highlights its powerful performances and nuanced character development. Criticisms mention a sometimes fragmented narrative and the play's emotional heaviness. Overall, it’s lauded for its honest and compelling storytelling.
Who Should Read Cost of Living?
Readers who appreciate nuanced, character-driven narratives about personal struggle and resilience will enjoy Cost of Living by Martyna Majok. This play is ideal for fans of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon and Next to Normal by Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt, both of which explore themes of disability and emotional complexity.
1,223 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Ani
Ani
A woman in her early forties and Eddie's estranged wife, who is depicted in flashbacks as having a strong sense of self despite her recent physical challenges following an accident.
Jess
Jess
A young woman in her twenties, a first-generation US citizen carrying the weight of family expectations, who navigates life with a firm resolve despite personal hardships.
John
John
A very attractive man in his twenties from a wealthy background, who uses a wheelchair and is pursuing a PhD, navigating his independence and personal relationships.
128
Play • Fiction
Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
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