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42 pages 1 hour read

Radio Golf

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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August Wilson

Radio Golf

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

86

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Radio Golf by August Wilson follows a real estate developer named Harmond Wilks, who embarks on a redevelopment project in Pittsburgh's Hill District. As Harmond navigates personal and professional challenges, individuals connected to the neighborhood's history compel him to confront issues of identity, community, and heritage, ultimately questioning his own aspirations and values.

Challenging

Contemplative

Inspirational

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Radio Golf by August Wilson is celebrated for its compelling exploration of African American identity and urban renewal challenges. Critics praise Wilson's sharp dialogue and character depth, but some feel the plot is predictable. The play effectively concludes Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle, providing a thoughtful, if sometimes heavy-handed, reflection on change and progress.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Radio Golf?

A reader who appreciates Radio Golf by August Wilson enjoys narratives that explore African American history and identity, urban redevelopment, and moral dilemmas. Similar audiences may be drawn to works like A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and The Color Purple by Alice Walker.

Character List

Harmond Wilks

An idealistic real estate developer and aspiring Black mayor of Pittsburgh, whose campaign is tied to a redevelopment project in the Hill District.

Harmond’s wife and campaign strategist, dedicated to his success, often encouraging him to make pragmatic choices for political gain.

Vice President at Mellon Bank and Harmond’s friend and business partner, driven by ambition and material success, willing to partner with a controversial businessman to achieve his goals.

A self-employed contractor with a past criminal record, characterized by his independence and resilience, who questions the ethics of the redevelopment project.

An elderly man who claims ownership of a house scheduled for demolition, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory.

Book Details
Pages

86

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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