True West
True West
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1980
Book Brief
71
Play • Fiction
California • 1980s
1980
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In True West by Sam Shepard, two estranged brothers, Austin, a respectable screenplay writer, and Lee, a disheveled thief, clash at their mother's house while attempting to adopt each other's lifestyle. As tensions escalate, they struggle with their identities and relationship, culminating in a volatile and chaotic struggle between their conflicting worlds.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Gritty
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
11,182 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
True West by Sam Shepard brilliantly portrays the volatile dynamics of brotherhood and the American Dream's darker undertones. Critics praise its sharp dialogue, compelling character study, and dark humor. However, some find its abrupt shifts jarring. Overall, it's a powerful exploration of identity and familial conflict.
Who Should Read True West?
True West by Sam Shepard appeals to readers who enjoy intense family dynamics and themes of identity and rivalry. Fans of works like Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? will appreciate Shepard's raw, fragmented portrayal of the American Dream and sibling conflict.
11,182 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
71
Play • Fiction
California • 1980s
1980
Adult
18+ years
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