“Play It as It Lays” is a novel written by Joan Didion, published in 1970. Set in Los Angeles during the 1960s, the story revolves around Maria Wyeth, a former actress dealing with her crumbling marriage, a troubled relationship with her daughter, and her own mental health struggles. As Maria navigates through a world of superficiality, nihilism, and despair, the narrative delves into themes of Hollywood disillusionment, identity crisis, and the search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented society. With its fragmented narrative style and introspective tone, “Play It as It Lays” offers a stark portrayal of a woman’s struggle to find her place in an indifferent world.” – Description provided by ChatOn AI.
The main character, Maria is so similar to other women we see portrayed in this subgenre of feminist books and more so what we call now on social media, “sad girl lit.” This is the first classic piece that I read that explores certain themes like mental health and strained relationships but I do think the characterization given by Joan Didion was definitely influential to characters we see in books by authors such as Ottessa Moshfegh and Taylor Jenkins Reid. These characters are typically not likable, they are going through a crisis after all, but I enjoy seeing how the human mind works and how humans all go through situations differently. That being said, these kinds of books and characters are enjoyable for me to read.
I loved the setting of California and Nevada. Reading a book that was contemporary to 1970, it was not filled with over the top pop culture references that you would now see in a historical fiction piece taking place in the same setting. It was just so natural not trying to be anything that it was not.
The writing was my favorite part of, ‘Play It as It Lays’. It was blunt and straightforward, no beating around the bush. Lately, I have been reading so many books that are lyrical or poetic. That writing style makes me question what the writer is trying to say, giving me a hard time understanding and having to go back and read paragraphs over and over again. With Joan Didion though, you do not need to worry about that at all. This gives an accessible and fast paced experience for the reader.
One thing that was not strong was the plot. This is a character driven novel and if you do not find those kinds of stories appealing then this will be a boring ride for you. This is a deep dive on the human mind of a woman who is going through quite a lot in life. Coming to terms with her childhood and past. She is also going through decisions to make on her marriage and a struggling relationship she has with her ill daughter. Maria is also a woman who is aging and in her line of work that is not viewed as a good thing even if it is inevitable. This book may have been published over fifty years ago but a modern woman can relate to the themes presented.
The main character, Maria is so similar to other women we see portrayed in this subgenre of feminist books and more so what we call now on social media, “sad girl lit.” That being said, these kinds of books and characters are enjoyable for me to read. I loved the setting of California and Nevada. It was just so natural not trying to be anything that it was not. The writing was my favorite part of, ‘Play It as It Lays’. It was blunt and straightforward, no beating around the bush. This gives an accessible and fast paced experience for the reader. One thing that was not strong was the plot. This book may have been published over fifty years ago but a modern woman can relate to the themes presented.
4.5 out of 5 stars.
Izzy Reads 