Cat on a Hot Tin Roof By Tennessee Williams - Paperback

Now, what I like to do is to buy a bunch of, say three or four, lovely new books in one go so that I know that I will be OK for a while for readers. At the moment I am enjoying the so-called Modern Classics. Having recently done ten or so, largely American authors, I thought it was time for some Tennessee Williams and so Cat on a Hot Tin Roof was selected. Call me naïve but I wasn't expecting a play script - no matter - I looked forward to the change of scene. Ironically, however, the scenery in the play did not change ... and neither did the conversation, really. OK, I don't get out much but, apart from enjoying that I was reading literature history, I was disappointed in the constant anger and antagonism from the off - I didn't really detect a 'veneer of happy family life' as mentioned in the back cover notes, so to experience it slipping away is pushing it a bit and I'm also not sure about a 'masterly portrayal of family tensions'. It's not Mr Williams that I'm having a dig at here - an author puts his work out there and it flies or it dies. No, it's the fancy words of reviewers that readers such as I read and have to believe. I know negative reviews earn no-one any cash but really, 'One of the hottest, sultriest plays ever written'! NOW who needs to get out more?

Another brilliant play by America’s favourite play write. The book itself was delivered the next day without prime and was received in perfect condition. Penguin classics offer a clear presentation of plays and useful introductions to quote in critical essays. I would recommend reading ‘A streetcar named desire’ as an introduction to Williams’ work and style but this is an excellent play.

Had seen the play followed it up with j the novel enjoyed it.

Good read. Purchased for exams. Definitely buy again.

Slightly hard work...yes it's good, but as far as I can see not a lot like the film starring Paul Newman and Liz Taylor which was of course brilliant, and a big hit.