The Subject Was Roses
by Frank D. Gilroy

Name: The Subject Was Roses
Brand: Frank D. Gilroy
SKU: 9780394405056
Rating: 3.53 (120 reviews)

The Subject Was Roses Book Cover — The Subject Was Roses Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

105 minsAmerican

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the depth of characters and the emotional complexity of relationships in the play. Many highlight its beautifully written dialogue and the relevance of its themes, despite it being nearly fifty years old. However, some feel that it lacks contemporary relevance and can feel dated at times.

Rich character developmentExquisite dialogueEmotional complexityLacks contemporary relevance

Synopsis

It is May of 1946 and Timmy Cleary has come home from the war to his estranged parents, John and Nettie, in the Bronx apartment where he grew up.

As their reunion promises a return to life as it never was, John, giving up a lucrative business opportunity, attends a ball game with his son and grudgingly, at Timmy's request, returns with roses for Nettie in an insincere attempt at reconciliation.

Reminiscing, the three attempt to recapture the past and all it symbolizes, but the ideal is shattered amidst recriminations.

The next morning Timmy announces he is leaving once again, and husband and wife must face the reality of life with only their memories.