37 pages • 1 hour read
Lost In Yonkers
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
128
Play • Fiction
Yonkers, New York • 1940s
1991
Adult
14+ years
NP
Super Short Summary
Lost in Yonkers by Neil Simon follows teenage brothers Jay and Arty Kurnitz, sent to live with their strict grandmother and intellectually disabled aunt Bella above the family candy shop in Yonkers in 1942 while their father works to pay off a loan. During their stay, they navigate family tensions and evolving relationships, uncovering hidden money and secrets, and come of age amidst generational trauma. It contains discussions of child abuse, child death, physical abuse, sexual abuse, trauma, antisemitism, and intellectual disability.
Humorous
Emotional
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
4,417 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lost In Yonkers by Neil Simon is a poignant and humorous tale that delves into family dynamics during wartime. Praised for its sharp dialogue and rich character development, the play skillfully balances emotional depth with comedic elements. However, some critics feel the plot is predictable at times. Overall, Simon's work is an engaging and heartfelt exploration of resilience and family ties.
Who Should Read Lost In Yonkers?
A reader who enjoys family dramas infused with humor and heart would appreciate Neil Simon's Lost in Yonkers. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird will find similar deep character explorations and coming-of-age themes. Ideal for those who relish emotional complexity and poignant storytelling.
4,417 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Bella Kurnitz
Bella Kurnitz
Grandma's daughter and aunt to Jay and Arty, she possesses an intellectual disability and a warm, loving nature. She works in her mother's candy store and desires more independence and family of her own.
Jay
Jay
A 15-year-old boy and the older brother of Arty, he is mature, responsible, and academically inclined. He navigates the challenges posed by his family dynamics and Grandma's expectations.
Arty
Arty
At 13, he is the younger brother, playful, interested in sports, and less mature than Jay. He often jokes and rebels against the family's expectations, offering a unique perspective on their situation.
128
Play • Fiction
Yonkers, New York • 1940s
1991
Adult
14+ years
NP
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.