52 pages 1 hour read

A Lie Of The Mind: A Play in Three Acts

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1985

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Book Brief

Sam Shepard

A Lie Of The Mind

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1985
Book Details
Pages

72

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Dramatic Literature
Setting

Montana And California • 1980s

Theme
Gender Identity

Family

Nation
Topic
US History
Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

A Lie of the Mind by Sam Shepard centers on the tumultuous and interwoven lives of two families linked by the marriage of Jake and Beth, exploring themes of familial rivalry, trauma, and the complexities of love and memory. Women frequently encounter societal victimhood, and characters struggle to make significant emotional connections amid a backdrop of abandonment and violence.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Gritty

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.3

1,281 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Sam Shepard's A Lie Of The Mind is lauded for its powerful and raw depiction of dysfunctional family dynamics and psychological depth. Critics appreciate Shepard's complex characters and intense dialogue, though some find the narrative's nonlinear structure challenging. The play is recognized for its emotional intensity and provocative exploration of identity and delusion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Lie Of The Mind?

A reader captivated by intense family dynamics, psychological depths, and American existentialism will relish Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind. Fans of Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar Named Desire or Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman will appreciate Shepard's raw portrayal of flawed relationships and personal struggles.

4.3

1,281 ratings

68%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist, whose journey is marked by a search for identity and meaning, is Beth's husband, and Lorraine's son. Known for being competitive and individualistic, he has a challenging past that informs his relationships.

Jake's brother and foil, Frankie is rational and reasonable, striving to aid Jake and Beth, though his efforts are hindered by family dynamics. He differs from the other male characters in his non-violent approach.

An actress and central figure who survives significant challenges, she is Jake's wife. Her journey involves a gradual process of self-realization and independence.

Beth's brother, competitive and anxious, he feels overshadowed by his father Baylor and struggles to find his place within the family dynamic. His actions highlight his need to establish a sense of authority.

Mother to Jake, Frankie, and Sally, Lorraine grapples with redefining her role within the family after her husband's absence. She desires control but faces resistance from her children.

Lorraine's daughter and sister to Jake and Frankie, Sally provides insight into family dynamics through her observations. She struggles with a lack of direction and is influenced by her mother.

Beth and Mike's father, Baylor embodies an older version of American masculinity, emphasizing traditional roles such as hunting and farming. He is often detached from his family's present issues.

Beth and Mike's mother and Baylor's wife, Meg struggles with self-identity within a structured family environment. She often defers to Baylor but shows moments of potential independence.

Book Details
Pages

72

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Dramatic Literature
Setting

Montana And California • 1980s

Theme
Gender Identity

Family

Nation
Topic
US History
Publication Year

1985

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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