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29 pages 58 minutes read

Seán O'Casey

Juno and the Paycock

Seán O'CaseyFiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1924

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Book Brief

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Seán O'Casey

Juno and the Paycock

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1924
Book Details
Pages

106

Format

Play • Fiction

Period
Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

1924

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Juno and the Paycock by Seán O'Casey, set in a two-room Dublin tenement during the 1922 Irish Civil War, examines the lives of the working-class Boyle family. Juno, the mother, supports her household while her husband, Jack, avoids work, leading to financial and emotional strain. The family experiences an unexpected financial windfall, but hopes are dashed due to misfortune and betrayal, highlighting the broader themes of societal struggle.

Dark

Melancholic

Gritty

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

3.6

1,471 ratings

57%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Seán O'Casey's Juno and the Paycock is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of Irish working-class life and its rich, authentic characters. Critics laud O'Casey's powerful use of dialogue and dark humor. However, some find the play's pacing uneven and its tragic elements overwhelming. Overall, it remains a compelling and insightful drama offering a poignant snapshot of its era.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Juno and the Paycock?

A reader who enjoys Juno and the Paycock by Seán O'Casey would appreciate poignant, socio-political dramas set in early 20th-century Ireland. Comparable to John Millington Synge’s The Playboy of the Western World and Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire, this work appeals to those interested in familial strife and historical context.

3.6

1,471 ratings

57%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

106

Format

Play • Fiction

Period
Setting

Dublin, Ireland • 1920s

Theme
Publication Year

1924

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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