Plays in novel format

9 replies

SilkStalkings · 20/02/2015 22:00

DH is on at me to read Burning Bright byJohn Steinbeck which appears to be a play but fleshed out like a novel. I'm thinking what a good idea this was - playwright basically directing/acting his own play on paper or author with convenient set parameters. Can anyone think of any other books in the same style?

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DuchessofMalfi · 21/02/2015 08:39

Not entirely sure what it is you're looking for, but can only think of this (even has a similar title). Apologies if completely on wrong track :)

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SilkStalkings · 21/02/2015 13:20

Yes spot on, thank you!

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DuchessofMalfi · 21/02/2015 15:26

BelfastBloke · 21/02/2015 15:35

David Lodge (a fantastic writer) rewrote his play 'Home Truths' into a novella.

He wrote the stage adaptation of his novel 'Thinks', and called it 'Secret Thoughts' for the stage.

He's adapted a couple of his novels for screen.

MollyMaDurga · 22/02/2015 10:49

Would Who's afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee count? It's a terrific read but I don't remember the format exactly and haven't got it at hand at the moment.

fizzycolagurlie · 22/02/2015 17:32

Man to Man by Manfred Kange (performed by Tilda Swinton at the Royal Court in 1985 or 1986). Monologue narrative. Excellent.

DuchessofMalfi · 22/02/2015 20:27

I believe Colin Toibin's The Testament of Mary is both a play and a novel.

Original poster

SilkStalkings · 22/02/2015 21:12

Ooh a lovely list to investigate there, thanks all! Can't help thinking there's an element of control freakery in the concept - "bloody actors interpreting my dialogue"

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DuchessofMalfi · 23/02/2015 05:31

Autocorrect fail again - Colm not Colin

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