Eugene O'Neill

School Library Journal

Gr 10 UpIn an appealing, readable format, this well-organized collection of essays and commentaries discusses the playwright, his work, and his inner turmoil. Written by literary analysts, psychologists, playwrights, and reviewers with in-depth knowledge of O'Neill's work, the selections present a variety of voices, opinions, and writing styles, thus preventing what could be called textbook monotony from setting in. Among the themes and issues addressed are "Family Connections in Long Day's Journey into Night," "The Tragic Vision in The Iceman Cometh," "Race Relations in All God's Chillun Got Wings," and "The Role of Women in O'Neill Plays." The essays are all approximately 10 pages in length, which helps readers stay on track and not get caught up in the gyrations of complex analysis. Stylistically, the book is smooth and tight. In the hands of the right teacher or motivated student, it has a great deal to offer. All in all, an excellent example of approachable, scholarly work that goes beyond its initial purpose of presenting the facts to whet the appetite for good literature.Joan Soulliere, University of Pittsburgh, PA