I Am My Own Wife
I Am My Own Wife
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2003
Book Brief
112
Play • Fiction
Berlin • 20th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright follows Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a trans woman and antique dealer, navigating life in Nazi and Communist-era Germany. Charlotte shares her journey from youth to becoming a cultural icon, though her survival involved morally questionable decisions. The play, starring Jefferson Mays, is based on Wright’s interviews with Charlotte and her 1992 autobiography, blending history and personal narrative. Includes themes of political persecution and violence.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
2,738 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Doug Wright's I Am My Own Wife has received praise for its compelling narrative and singular protagonist, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, a transgender woman who survived Nazi and Communist regimes in Berlin. Critics commend the poignant storytelling and the depth of character examination. However, some note pacing issues and feel secondary characters could be better developed. Overall, it is an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read I Am My Own Wife?
Readers who relish I Am My Own Wife by Doug Wright are intrigued by history, identity, and personal resilience. Fans of works like Angels in America by Tony Kushner and The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman will appreciate this gripping exploration of a unique life navigating cultural and political turmoil.
2,738 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
112
Play • Fiction
Berlin • 20th Century
2003
Adult
18+ years
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