38 pages • 1 hour read
Under Milk Wood
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Book Brief
121
Play • Fiction
Wales • 1950s
1954
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Under Milk Wood, a “play for voices” by Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, opens at night in Llareggub, where First and Second Voice narrate the townspeople's dreams. Various characters, including Captain Cat, Mr. Waldo, and Polly Garter, reveal their thoughts and anxieties. As the day progresses, the community interacts and prepares for the evening dance, sharing love, humor, and gossip. Themes of death, infidelity, and unfulfilled love are explored.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Playful
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
9,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dylan Thomas's Under Milk Wood is celebrated for its lyrical prose and vivid characterizations of a small Welsh village. Positive reviews highlight Thomas's poetic brilliance and the play's rich humor. Some critics, however, note the dense language can be challenging and the narrative feel somewhat disjointed. Overall, it's esteemed for its artistic depth and nuanced portrayal of human nature.
Who Should Read Under Milk Wood?
Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas appeals to readers who appreciate poetic prose, rich characterizations, and lyrical depictions of small-town life. Fans of James Joyce's Ulysses and Gabriel García Márquez's One Hundred Years of Solitude will enjoy its intricate narrative and vivid, dreamlike quality.
9,897 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Polly Garter
Polly Garter
A single mother in Llareggub known for her past relationships, around whom many rumors swirl due to the town's judgmental views.
Reverend Eli Jenkins
Reverend Eli Jenkins
The local priest renowned for his daily sermons and deep love for Llareggub, known for his efforts to document the town's life in his White Book of Llareggub.
First Voice and Second Voice
First Voice and Second Voice
Two omniscient narrators who provide insight into the private lives and dreams of Llareggub's residents, guiding the audience through the town and its stories with varying perspectives.
121
Play • Fiction
Wales • 1950s
1954
Adult
18+ years
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