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A Raisin in the Sun

Series: Modern Classics
3.85 goodreads logo

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( 108,458 ratings, 6,033 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
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry explores the dreams and struggles of a black family living in a cramped apartment in Chicago. As they await a life insurance payout, each member has their own ideas about how best to use the money. The play delves into themes of racial identity, family dynamics, and the pursuit of a better life amidst challenging socio-economic circumstances.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you appreciate powerful explorations of race, identity, and family dynamics. As a trailblazing work in American theatre, it offers compelling dialogue and deep insight into the dreams and struggles of a black family in 1950s Chicago. If you enjoy narratives that challenge social norms and reflect on the complexities of the human condition, this work is likely to resonate with you.

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"This edition first published in 2011 by Bloomsbury Methuen Drama; reprinted 2014, 2015 (twice), 2016 (twice), 2017 (twice), 2018, 2019 (twice), 2020 (three times), 2021; ÃRobert Nemiroff 1959, 1966, 1984, 1987, 1988"--Title page verso

A landmark play by Lorraine Hansberry, A Raisin in the Sun premiered on Broadway in 1959 and is now considered one of the most prolific and important plays of the 20th century.

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

“Come to A Raisin in the Sun as you would to any classic. It speaks to us today as it did almost half a century ago.” – Bonnie Greer

In South Side Chicago, Walter Lee, a Black chauffeur, dreams of a better life and hopes to use his father's life insurance money to open a liquor store. His mother, who rejects the liquor business, uses some of the money to secure a proper house for the family. Mr Lindner, a representative of the all-white neighbourhood, tries to buy them out. Walter sinks the rest of the money into his business scheme, only to have it stolen by one of his partners. In despair, Walter contacts Lindner and almost begs to buy them out, but with the help of his wife, Walter finally finds a way to assert his dignity.

A Raisin in the Sun was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway and won the New York Drama Critics Circle Award. Hansberry was the youngest and the first Black writer to receive this award.

Deeply committed to the Black struggle for equality and human rights, Lorraine Hansberry's brilliant career as a writer was cut short by her death when she was only 34.

This new, updated edition in Methuen Drama's Modern Classics series includes the full, definitive text and a brand new introduction by Soyica Diggs Colbert.

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    “Come to A Raisin in the Sun as you would to any classic. It speaks to us today as it did almost half a century ago.” – Bonnie Greer In South Side Chicago, Walter Lee, a Black chauffeur, dreams of a better life and hopes to use his father's life insurance money to open a liquor store. His mother, who...
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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?

A Raisin in the Sun is praised for its powerful portrayal of racial and social issues that remain relevant today. Critics commend Lorraine Hansberry for her visionary approach in capturing the struggles and aspirations of an African American family with authenticity and depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350234314

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 127g

Pages: 136

About the Author

Lorraine Hansberry was born in 1930 in South Side, Chicago. Her first play, A Raisin in the Sun, opened in March 1959 and made history as the first production written by a female Black author to be staged on Broadway. Hansberry was the youngest and the first Black recipient of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award. She committed her life to the Black struggle for equality and human rights until her early death in 1965 at the age of 34.

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