50 pages • 1 hour read
Father Comes Home From the Wars
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Book Brief
192
Play • Fiction
Texas • 1860s
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set during the early 1860s, Suzan-Lori Parks' Father Comes Home From the Wars follows Hero, an enslaved man who grapples with the offer of freedom if he fights for the Confederacy alongside his enslaver. As Hero navigates themes of loyalty, betrayal, and freedom, his journey intersects with others, including his wife Penny and fellow enslaved individuals Homer and Old Man, amid the backdrop of the Civil War. This work discusses enslavement, racialized physical abuse, racism, and sexual violence.
Gritty
Emotional
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,034 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Suzan-Lori Parks' Father Comes Home From the Wars has been praised for its powerful exploration of slavery, personal freedom, and identity. Critics highlight the play's strong characters, lyrical language, and emotional depth. Some reviewers found it uneven in pacing, but most agree it is a poignant and thought-provoking work.
Who Should Read Father Comes Home From the Wars?
A deconstruction of mythology and identity, readers of Suzan-Lori Parks' Father Comes Home From the Wars will enjoy intricate narratives addressing slavery and freedom akin to Toni Morrison's Beloved and August Wilson's plays. Ideal for those who appreciate powerful, historical drama with profound thematic depth.
1,034 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Penny
Penny
Hero's wife, who grapples with her loyalty to him while reevaluating her choices for personal freedom and happiness.
Homer
Homer
Hero's foil and Penny's love interest, who contrasts with Hero in his views on freedom and loyalty.
The Colonel
The Colonel
The antagonist of the play, an enslaver who represents oppressive and supremacist beliefs of the Civil War era.
Smith
Smith
A Union soldier who interacts with Hero and offers an alternative perspective on freedom and human dignity.
Odyssey Dog
Odyssey Dog
A dog who serves as an interlocutor and observer, providing insights into Hero’s journey and actions with honesty and loyalty.
The Chorus
The Chorus
A group that provides exposition and cultural context, acting as a bridge between the play's characters and the audience.
192
Play • Fiction
Texas • 1860s
2015
Adult
18+ years
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