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Equus

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( 22,510 ratings, 982 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Equus by Peter Shaffer is a gripping psychological drama exploring the complex relationship between a psychiatrist and a disturbed young boy who has committed an unexpected act of violence against horses. As the psychiatrist delves into the boy's psyche, the play raises profound questions about passion, worship, and normality within the constructs of modern society. This intense narrative is both haunting and thought-provoking, leaving audiences with much to ponder.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this play if you're intrigued by psychological drama that delves into the complexities of the human mind and explores themes of passion, obsession, and the conflict between societal norms and personal beliefs. It offers a compelling narrative that examines the darker sides of human nature, wrapped in a thought-provoking and intense theatrical experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

When a deranged boy, Alan Strang, blinds six horses with a metal spike he is sentenced to psychiatric treatment. Dr Dysart is the man given the task of uncovering what happened the night Strang committed his crime, but in doing so will open up his own wounds. This work uses an act of violence to explore faith and insanity.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

New to Modern Classics

When a deranged boy, Alan Strang, blinds six horses with a metal spike, he is sentenced to psychiatric treatment. Dr Dysart is the man given the task of uncovering what happened the night Strang committed his crime, but in doing so, he will open up his own wounds.

Dr Dysart struggles to define sanity and justify his marriage, his career, and his life of normality. Ultimately, he must ask himselfβ€”is it the patient or the psychiatrist whose life is being laid bare?

The most shocking play of its day, Equus uses an act of violence to explore faith, insanity, and how the materialism of modern life can destroy humanity's capacity for pain and passion.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Equus by Peter Shaffer is praised as a compelling exploration of psychological depth and mystery. Critics have lauded its ability to weave a gripping and skillful narrative, likening it to a detective story that unravels complex psychological layers. Walter Kerr of The New York Times highlights its remarkable craftsmanship.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780141188904

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 January 2007

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 7.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 90g

Pages: 112

About the Author

Peter Shaffer was born in Liverpool in 1926. Among his plays, The Salt Land (1954), Equus (1973) which won Shaffer the 1975 Tony Award for Best Play as well as the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Amadeus (1979) which won the Evening Standard Drama Award and the Theatre Critics Award for the London production.

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