Our Country’s Good
Our Country’s Good
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Brief
120
Play • Fiction
New South Wales, Australia • 1780s
1988
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker follows British convicts and officers in 18th-century Sydney as they stage a play to explore themes of punishment and rehabilitation. Amid personal conflicts and debates on the convicts' nature, Ralph Clark directs George Farquhar's The Recruiting Officer with a cast of convicted men and women, aiming to demonstrate the potential for redemption through theater while navigating various challenges and evolving relationships.
Inspirational
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,624 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker offers a compelling exploration of art and humanity within the harsh reality of a penal colony. Critics praise its rich character development and historical context, though some find its pacing uneven. The play deftly balances humor and gravity, ultimately celebrating the transformative power of theater.
Who Should Read Our Country’s Good?
Readers who appreciate Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker enjoy historical drama, social issues, and themes of redemption. Comparable to those who favor The Crucible by Arthur Miller and The Color Purple by Alice Walker, they value complex characters and moral dilemmas in transformative settings.
1,624 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
120
Play • Fiction
New South Wales, Australia • 1780s
1988
Adult
16-18 years
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