43 pages • 1 hour read
Seven Guitars
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Book Brief
128
Play • Fiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1940s
1995
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Seven Guitars by August Wilson, set in 1947 Pittsburgh, follows five characters reflecting on the life of jazz musician Floyd Barton who dreams of returning to Chicago for a recording opportunity. The play shifts back to show Floyd's struggles, including conflicts with his fiancée Vera and the challenges he faces in reclaiming his pawned guitar. As his friends and fellow musicians grapple with their own aspirations and problems, tensions rise, leading to an unexpected and tragic conclusion.
Melancholic
Gritty
Emotional
Dark
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
1,473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
August Wilson's Seven Guitars is widely praised for its rich character development and its authentic portrayal of African American life in the 1940s. The dialogue and period-specific details are highlights, while some critics find the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally disjointed. Overall, it’s a powerful exploration of dreams and disappointments within a tight-knit community.
Who Should Read Seven Guitars?
Readers who enjoy Seven Guitars by August Wilson often appreciate rich, character-driven narratives exploring African American life. Similar to fans of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and Lorraine Hansberry's A Raisin in the Sun, they value historical context, vibrant dialogue, and deep emotional resonance.
1,473 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
128
Play • Fiction
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania • 1940s
1995
Adult
18+ years
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