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42 pages 1 hour read

Glengarry Glen Ross

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1983

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Book Brief

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David Mamet

Glengarry Glen Ross

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1983
Book Details
Pages

108

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1980s

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

NP

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Super Short Summary

In David Mamet's Glengarry Glen Ross, real estate salesmen face intense pressure to succeed in a high-stakes sales contest, culminating in betrayal, deceit, and desperation as they struggle to secure valuable leads and keep their jobs. The narrative highlights themes of capitalist greed and corporate consumerism in the United States during the 1980s. Includes explicit language and derogatory terms.

Gritty

Unnerving

Dark

Suspenseful

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

18,228 ratings

69%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross captures the cutthroat world of real estate salesmen with razor-sharp dialogue and intense character dynamics. Critics praise its authenticity and dark humor, but some find the relentless cynicism and abrupt pace overwhelming. Despite mixed feelings on character likability, it’s widely regarded as a powerful, thought-provoking play.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Glengarry Glen Ross?

Readers who would enjoy David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross are likely drawn to intense, character-driven dramas with razor-sharp dialogue and themes of ambition and moral ambiguity. Fans of Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman and August Wilson’s Fences will find similar engagement in Mamet’s critique of the American Dream.

4.2

18,228 ratings

69%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Character List

Shelley Levene

An aging and struggling salesman who reminisces about his past successes while trying to regain his footing in the competitive real estate office.

A slick and self-serving salesman who devises a plan to steal sales leads and manipulates his colleagues into participating.

A salesperson caught in the machinations of his colleagues, often portrayed as anxious and less aggressive in their manipulative tactics.

The most successful and charismatic salesman in the office, known for his persuasive skills and manipulative charm.

The office manager tasked with distributing sales leads, often seen as an antagonist by the salesmen due to his control over their potential success.

Book Details
Pages

108

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1980s

Publication Year

1983

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

NP

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