73 pages • 2 hours read
Fences
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Book Brief
101
Play • Fiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1950s
1986
Adult
14+ years
NP
Super Short Summary
Fences by August Wilson, set in 1957, follows Troy Maxson, a former Negro League baseball player turned garbage collector, who grapples with his unrealized dreams and the limitations imposed by systemic racism. As Troy's frustrations affect his relationships with his wife Rose, son Cory, and brother Gabriel, the play highlights themes of generational trauma, personal responsibility, and the quest for dignity.
Challenging
Emotional
Melancholic
Gritty
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
29,904 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
August Wilson's Fences garners praise for its powerful portrayal of African American life in the 1950s, enriched by complex characters and authentic dialogue. Critics laud its exploration of generational conflict and racial tensions. However, some argue the pacing can drag, and certain themes feel repetitive. Overall, it's a compelling, thought-provoking drama.
Who Should Read Fences?
Readers who would enjoy Fences by August Wilson are likely drawn to profound character studies and family dynamics, much like in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman. Fans of richly textured explorations of African American experiences, similar to Toni Morrison’s Beloved, will also appreciate this work.
29,904 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
101
Play • Fiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1950s
1986
Adult
14+ years
NP
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