A Delicate Balance
A Delicate Balance
Book Brief
102
Play • Fiction
Suburban America • 1960s
1966
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee takes place in Agnes and Tobias' living room, where the couple and Agnes' live-in sister, Claire, deal with friends, Harry and Edna, and their daughter, Julia, attempting to move in. As tensions rise, past traumas and strained relationships surface, forcing everyone to confront the fragile stability of their lives. There are discussions of alcohol use and references to mental health struggles and gun use.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Unnerving
Dark
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
2,590 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee is a masterful exploration of suburban ennui and existential dread, praised for its sharp dialogue and complex characters. Critics commend its incisive portrayal of human relationships, though some find its ambiguity and dense themes challenging. Albee's wit and insight shine, making it a compelling yet demanding read.
Who Should Read A Delicate Balance?
Readers who enjoy intricate family dramas and confrontations will appreciate Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance. Ideal for fans of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey into Night, it delves into themes of existential angst, middle-class disillusionment, and emotional isolation.
2,590 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1967, highlighting its significant impact on American theater.
The play was revived on Broadway in 1996, earning multiple Tony Award nominations and winning the award for Best Revival of a Play.
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Edward Albee considered A Delicate Balance as part of his exploration of the American family, tackling themes of existential dread and interpersonal relationships.
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102
Play • Fiction
Suburban America • 1960s
1966
Adult
18+ years
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