logo

32 pages 1 hour read

Fefu and Her Friends

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1990

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
María Irene Fornés

Fefu and Her Friends

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1990
Book Details
Pages

62

Format

Play • Fiction

Period
Setting

New England • 1930s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Fefu and Her Friends by María Irene Fornés is set in 1935 New England and follows eight women, former college friends, who reunite at the home of Fefu. The play is divided into three parts, with discussions and events centered around their experiences, relationships, and societal pressures. Themes of patriarchy and women's oppression are explored through their interactions and personal stories. The play includes discussions on gun violence and contains scenes depicting hallucinations and dreams that may be disturbing.

Mysterious

Challenging

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

1,153 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Fefu and Her Friends by María Irene Fornés is lauded for its innovative structure and compelling dialogue. While the play's nonlinear narrative and shifting settings impress with creativity, some find it confusing. Despite this, strong character development and thought-provoking themes resonate deeply, showcasing Fornés' unique voice in American theater.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Fefu and Her Friends?

Readers who appreciate intimate, character-driven narratives and experimental theater will enjoy María Irene Fornés's Fefu and Her Friends. Fans of works like Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse or Thornton Wilder’s Our Town will be captivated by its deep exploration of female relationships and innovative staging.

4.1

1,153 ratings

61%

Loved it

26%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

Stefany “Fefu” Beckmann

The host of the gathering whose unconventional behavior and independent spirit affect her relationships with the other women and highlight her complex marriage dynamics.

Often seen with Christina, she is emotionally stoic yet reveals her vulnerabilities and fears, offering a more accommodating perspective on the group's dynamics.

New to the group, she is cautious and feels challenged by Fefu's boldness, offering an outsider's perspective on the established rapport among the women.

Once fearless and assertive, she experiences a life-changing incident that has left her physically and potentially psychologically altered, adding layers to the group's interactions.

A dramatic and lively presence, she captivates the group with her theatricality and insights, balancing her outward confidence with moments of emotional depth.

Navigates the emotional turmoil following the end of a love affair, using logic and introspection to process her feelings while grappling with her perceptions of wealth and happiness.

The least theatrical of the group, she is domestic and accommodating, contributing to the gathering through quiet support and expressive dance.

Arrives last and plans to leave first, with nuanced interactions that hint at complex emotions and relationships within the group.

Book Details
Pages

62

Format

Play • Fiction

Period
Setting

New England • 1930s

Publication Year

1990

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.