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martha_18's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book for my English Literature course work and at first I didn't understand it, by the time I got to the end I realised it doesn't matter what you learn or how you learn it, you will be what you will be.
apmatteo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
sfletcher26's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second time of reading the History Boys and I've had to reassess my view of it. I couldn't get past the character of Hector and his behaviour. His behaviour is still hard to deal with but the story comes out much more the second time round. from 4* to 5*
readinglines's review against another edition
4.0
Such a beautiful play full of incredible characters. The History Boys will forever have a special place in my heart as one of the best plays I’ve ever read.
lubleu's review against another edition
dark
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
angelreadsthings's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 Stars. I can't recall what made me interested in this play a few years ago, nor can I explain exactly what I have gained from it now that I've read it...but there is definitely something touching and soul-trembling about this play. It connects with something beyond cognition and verbalization so that one encounters the play on two levels--one concerned with the reality which the play represents and the other concerned with the emotional current which gently prods reality forward--much as the boys encountered education on two levels through Hector and Irwin. This multiple focusing layers the play so that Hector's bike rides and Irwin and Dakin's interactions are seen as more than simply teacher indiscretions, but also the manifestation of something more elusive that must be pondered. My only qualms with the work are the lack of stage directions and the minimal character development in light of the initial presentation. It's not uncommon to focus a work on a select number of characters and to only outline the rest, but for a play that gives off the initial sense of the characters being this progressing whole, much of the whole is ignored throughout.
ebsnewts's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
paulataua's review against another edition
5.0
A levels have been successfully attained and it’s time to prepare for the Oxbridge admission tests that will gain entrance to the prestigious universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Bennett’s play takes education to task, pitting a headmaster obsessed with results who hires a temporary teacher to ensure those results and a general studies teacher who sees education differently. I accept that the play has a very British feel and might not be easily consumed by those who didn’t some through this system or might be too young to get the ‘Gracie Fields’ or ‘Carry On films’ references, but it is still very relevant today in a world that seems even more obsessed by results. Two hours with Alan Bennett well spent!
infinitespace's review
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0