BOOK BRIEF

Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Brian Friel
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Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1994

Book Brief

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Brian Friel

Philadelphia, Here I Come!

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1994
Book Details
Pages

110

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Dramatic Literature

Irish Literature
Setting

Ballybeg, Ireland • 1960s

Theme
Family
Topic
Education

World History
Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel is a play focusing on a young man named Gar O'Donnell as he prepares to leave his hometown in Ireland for a new life in America. The narrative explores Gar's internal struggles and relationships, revealing the complexities of his emotions, memories, and interactions with his family and friends.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

2,359 ratings

54%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel is celebrated for its poignant portrayal of emigration and personal conflict. Praised for its innovative dual-character technique, the play explores internal vs. external struggles effectively. However, some critiques point to its period-specific context losing resonance with modern audiences. Overall, it's a compelling, if slightly dated, work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Philadelphia, Here I Come!?

A fan of Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel likely appreciates character-driven narratives exploring identity and emigration. Similar to readers of Dubliners by James Joyce or A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, they enjoy introspective tales set against Irish backdrops, blending humor and poignancy.

3.9

2,359 ratings

54%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

110

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Dramatic Literature

Irish Literature
Setting

Ballybeg, Ireland • 1960s

Theme
Family
Topic
Education

World History
Publication Year

1994

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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