Brighton Beach Memoirs

Eugene #1

by Neil Simon

A young boy from Brooklyn comes of age in the first play in Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical “Eugene Trilogy”—followed by Biloxi Blues and Broadway Bound .

Meet Eugene Jerome and his family, fighting the hard times and sometimes each other—with laughter, tears, and love. It is 1937 in Brooklyn during the heart of the Depression. Fifteen-year-old Eugene Jerome lives in Brighton Beach with his family. He is witty, perceptive, obsessed with sex, and forever fantasizing his baseball-diamond triumphs as star pitcher for the New York Yankees.

As our guide through his “memoirs,” Eugene takes us through a series of trenchant observations and insights that show his family meeting life's challenges with pride, spirit, and a marvelous sense of humor. But as World War II looms ever closer, Eugene sees his own innocence slipping away as the first important era of his life ends—and a new one begins.

Winner of the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding New Play

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre, Fiction, Classics, Humor, Comedy

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Marvin Neil Simon was an American playwright and screenwriter. He wrote more than 30 plays and he received more combined Oscar and Tony nominations than any other writer. He was one of the most reliable hitmakers in Broadway history, as well as one of the most performed playwrights in the world. Though primarily a comic writer, some of his plays, particularly the Eugene Trilogy and The Sunshine Boys, reflect on the twentieth century Jewish-American experience.

Reviews

[Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I may have loved this even more the second time than I did the first time around.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun play to read. I have seen the movie a few times and wish I could see the play version. Neil Simon wrote Brighton Beach Memoirs. it is bases on his own childhood. It is seen through 15 year old Eugene's eyes. It takes place in 1937 over two days a week apart. Eugene lives in a house in Brighton Beach New York, with his Father, mother, Brother Stanley, his aunt Blanche and two cousins Nora, and Laurie. Times are hard his dad works hard to support the extended family. Eugene breaks the fourth wall by talking to the audience. inviting us into his home. There are issues in the home that happen over the two days. Chances for a job, pay loss, a possible date for his widowed aunt. and Eugene's raging hormones. Most of the play is done with Neil Simon's sense of humor. I liked getting to read this play. Since i have seen the movie a few times I could now read the humorous dialogue in this well done play.

[Chloe Kristine · Rating 1 out of 5]

(I had to read this for memorizing a monologue for theatre.)

I HATED this play at the beginning. It got a little more interesting at the end once they moved past Eugene crushing intensely with gross description on his cousin Nora. It was so disgusting I wanted to vomit multiple times. I never want to hear anyone describe their cousin like that ever again.

I liked Nora’s character and I’m a bit interested in seeing where the story goes, but not enough to read more of his plays.

[SweatyNerdie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was awesome. Really funny and entertaining. It had me in splits. I'm eager to read the next book in the series.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went to Coney Island and simply had to pick this up again.
Only Neil Simon can bring tears to my eyes and make me laugh in the same scene :''''')

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite play that I have ever read so far. Loved the characters, story, and dialogue. Can't wait to read more.

[Madelyn Brunvand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I mean, come on. I love this show so much and it was such a fun read, made me wanna be in it/see it again!

[Mehdina · Rating 5 out of 5]

seriously so funny but made me tear up a couple times… 1st of the trilogy

[Katie Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

After my fun experience listening to The Odd Couple, I decided to revisit this play that I saw on stage when some of my friends acted in it in high school. It was every bit as good as I remember, and I got more of the humor as an adult than I did as a 15-year-old. It was also kind of surprising how much of that high school production came back to me as I was listening. I was able to remember quite a few names and faces associated with different roles, which made the reading experience really nostalgic for me.

[Leonard Sapitanan]

There were two things boys were into back in the late 1930's. It was Baseball or sex. Believe it or not, most boys didn't care about school, all they did was play "ball", hang around, and of course, were attracted to the girls. This in 1937, the pre-war era, taking place in Brooklyn, New York.

In this Memoir Brighton Beach Memoirs by Niel Simon describes 15 year old Eugene Jerome living in Brooklyn, New York in 1937. Also the time era during the great depression. Eugene (the main character) describes himself as a witty, perspective, obsessed with sex and will always fantasize his baseball-diamond triumphs as star pitchers for the New York Yankees. Throughout the story, Eugene describes the series of trenchant observations and insights. Also how his family meeting life challenges with pride and marvelous humor.

This Memoir was written by Niel Simon. Niel is an American playwright and a screenwriter. During WWII, he was discharged from the Army and Air Force reserve training program. Since 1961, He has written numerous Broadway shows and plays. He also wrote musical plays and shows including his famous one "Sweet Charity". In 1991, he won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play "Lost in Yonkers". Lately in 2006, he won the Mark Twain Prize for American humor.

Simon uses literary devices such as characterization, setting, and theme to convey what the message of the story was. The use of characterization really gave the audience a clear image of how the character personality is like and how they look. I personally like the setting that Simon used in the story. It really fitted along. Before WWII started, Many Jewish Families had fled to the United States to start a new life rather than get captured at the war zone. Whats great about this was that setting made Eugene family fit in because Eugene family also happens to be a Jewish family that also moved to New York. Last is the theme. The author uses theme so that there is a meaning to the story. Because of the other literary devices that are used in the memoir, they help convey the theme through the story.

I loved the way Simon put the whole story together. Through Eugene story, I am able to relate his story with mine. As for the theme, I learned that in life, no matter what you do, you are always going to change as time progress. As like my teacher said, "it takes time for thing to get better at." In his case, Eugene grew from a "I-don't-care" young teen to a respectable more matured young man. Just like Eugene, I will also become a better person as time passes by.

I recommend this book to those who have a sense of humor. This book was mainly about how much you can mature through time. If you interested in humor, lessons, or even sex, feel free to pick this book. I liked it and you probably will too.

[Keith Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw (and I think read) Neil Simon’s Brighton Beach Memoirs several years ago after a local theater put on a production of it. The same theater is doing it again and I wanted to reread it to see if I should audition for it.

I love Simon’s writing and I believe this may be one of his best. This semi-autobiographical story revolves around Eugene, a young boy who struggles with puberty and living with his family—his older brother Stanley, his parents Kate & Jack, his aunt Blanche, and his two cousins, Nora & Laurie. They struggle to make ends meet during the Great Depression while newspapers hint that another Great War might be looming...

Eugene is developing feelings for his older cousin Nora (although any female could probably win his love) while he’s constantly being told what to do since his younger cousin has some apparent health problems. Jack and Stanley work several jobs between them to try to keep all seven fed and clothed. Blanche is a widow who feels some shame being a burden on her sister, but Kate barely says anything and just lets the stress bubble up inside her until it breaks through in Act 2. And Nora is frustrated because she wants to join a new Broadway musical but her family wants her to stay in school.

There are other little conflicts that come up, but it's all written so realistically with Eugene often breaking the fourth wall and the omniscient narrator for the whole tale. Jack is the only role I could hope for, and I may be a little too young for it, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to try—with the right kids, it can be a fantastic show.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolutely favorite plays, this play starts off the Eugene trilogy, also know as the Brighton Beach triology. In my opinion, Neil Simon’s three greatest plays, no offense to the Odd Couple. All these plays center around the main character of Eugene, and look at three phases in his life. Based on Neil Simon’s growing up, these plays resonate with the audience, and reader even now. The characters are so real, the family situations you can identify. Lots of great drama mixed with Neil Simon’s humor. Love this play.

[☯Emily Ginder · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'd love to share with you why I thought this book was just okay. However, as I'm not sure how I might step over Goodread's invisible line for appropriate, on-topic content, I will refrain until such time as the guidelines are made clear, easily accessible, and announced to all members.



http://emilyg.booklikes.com/post/6556...

[Marlathemom · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Neil Simon play was short, sharp, and satisfying. Told over the course of two days pre-WWII, fifteen-year-old Eugene details the lives of his crowded house and his crowded thoughts as puberty and complicated family dynamics encroach upon his life. 130 pages of (sometimes bawdy) humor and heart.

[Connie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

A humorous account of coming of age, and the immigrant experience.

[Theo Chen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classic, funny Neil Simon.

[Tess Ranieri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was for my English class and I played Nora :)

[Simon Gonzalez · Rating 3 out of 5]

After seeing my friend star in the play, I went ahead and checked out the book of this poignant piece. Neil Simon was a foundation writer for me back in high school, and it's interesting to read him from a different perspective both professionally and personally.

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" is moving and funny at the same time, utilizing classic tropes and devices that make the story feel elongated and like the perfect slice of life. It leans heavily on themes of family, sexuality, and culture, providing a great sense of white American life in the late 1930's. Eugene is clever and pretty much a clean-cut rebellious/troublemaker protagonist, with monologues that are ingenuously crafted and impressively performed.

The rest of the characters are surprisingly separate and interesting, despite them all being in the same family and the story taking place entirely inside the home. There are layers and even the adult characters are greatly emphasized for their merit and genuine care. I found the storyline to be opaque but effective in its somberness, and the monotony of the family is broken down by the brightness of the children and the sassiness of Eugene himself.

There are obviously outdated jokes that just don't land really at all anymore, but they're simple enough to ignore. I found the climax to be moving and I enjoyed the simplicity of the core conflicts. Even so, I do think the end was a bit rushed, and Eugene's "recap" is reminiscent of early 2000's films, despite this having been written in the 1980's.

A fun and intimate story that I would definitely revisit again via a professional performance but wouldn't necessarily come back to read it on its own.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solidly of its time, but still funny and meaningful.

[Beatrice Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did indeed read this one in school… made me cry but going to go with 4 stars here

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 1930s amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression, Brighton Beach Memoirs by Neil Simon weaves a captivating tale of a working-class Jewish family, the Jeromes, as they navigate the challenges of life, love, and dreams in Brooklyn's Brighton Beach.

Simon's masterful writing shines through in the witty and relatable dialogue that effortlessly captures the essence of each character. The protagonist, Eugene Morris Jerome, serves as the narrator and the eyes through which the audience witnesses the ups and downs of his extended family. His coming-of-age journey is both hilarious and touching, as he navigates the complexities of adolescence, the pursuit of his personal aspirations, and the responsibilities that come with being a part of a close-knit family.

The humor in Brighton Beach Memoirs is one of its defining features. Simon's sharp comedic timing and knack for situational humor result in an abundance of laugh-out-loud moments that keep the audience engaged from start to finish. Whether it's Eugene's candid observations about his relatives or the amusing family dynamics that unfold during Sunday dinners, the play's humor provides a welcome relief from the often somber realities faced by the characters.

However, beneath the surface of the comedy lies a deep undercurrent of emotion. The play delves into themes of financial struggles, dreams deferred, and the challenges of maintaining familial bonds in the face of adversity. Each character carries their own burden, and as their stories intertwine, the play offers a poignant exploration of the fragility and strength of family connections. The balance between humor and emotion is a testament to Simon's storytelling prowess, as he seamlessly transitions between moments of levity and moments of genuine introspection.

Brighton Beach Memoirs is not merely a play; it is a time capsule that transports the audience to a bygone era while still speaking to universal truths about family, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.

[Jessica López-Barkl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't remember if I've read this one before, but I read it again today after watching the film in preparation for my professor audition that starts tomorrow and runs through Monday. The professor audition starts with a viewing of New Mexico State University's production of this play. I'm a firm believer that Neil Simon is an under-appreciated playwright, but it's still hard to talk about his plays. I taught a playwrighting course in the summer of 2010 at Washington State Penitentiary and I made them read interviews about different playwrights' processes from the book PLAYWRIGHTS AT WORK. I surprised myself when I read Neil Simon's interview written by James Lipton, and realized that his process was definitely one that I would assign the guys to read because it made logical sense and he said lots of things that are important for emerging artists to hear. One of which was that good plays are hard to talk about. Well, case in point, BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS is just what Neil Simon writes - a well-made play: it starts with a conflict and a main character's desire and follows character. How it is done so seamlessly and in such a heartfelt way, is Simon's own version of genius. Do I like the play? I don't know. I don't want to run out and be in it, produce it, or see it, but...I recognize it's beauty. If you are interested in pursuing playwrighting or writing comedy; I think you should read Simon's canon and his processes. Also, by the by, I think Kate in this play is a character I would like to play when I finally look 40.

[Carly Ashner · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Brighton Beach Memoirs" was a hilarious book. It was fascinating to read about a boy going through his teens, since I am girl, going through her teens. Eugene Jerome ( the main character) is a typical teenage boy. He is starting to get interested in girls, he loves baseball and his family is struggling through the Depression. Brighton Beach shows that even though the hard times will get to you, your family will always be there for you. No matter what age you are, you will be able to take away something from this book. The depression hit families hard, and Eugene's family was no exception. We see the family grow and come closer together over time. Even though talking about the Depression is a sad topic, Simon added humor to it, which made it interesting. There were points through out the book that made me laugh out loud. The humor made this an enjoyable book to read. If you have not read it, I would get a copy of it as soon as possible.

[Sheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am thinking about auditioning for this show and had not yet read it so I picked it up for a quick read today. I was rather disappointed as I was expecting Neil Simon to be funny (isn't he usually funny??). I get the historical significance and the bold positions (all the naked discussions and the swearing) were cutting edge for the time, but for modern times it is rather tame. And nothing really happens. Yes, family is about forgiveness and working together and siblings fight. So what?

And so, I did the show and we are done, but the trailer was fabulous (especially since my son ended up as Eugene) and I wanted to save the link:
https://vimeo.com/152049917

[Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is not much to argue about this book. It was mediocre and not very plot driven. I chose to read it because I knew that it was written in the format of a script and I assumed there would be monologues in it. As an actress, I always have my eyes peeled for an interesting monologue. It has interesting voice coming from a teenage boy, but is not very plot driven. I would not recommend this book for school essays or discussions because it is hard to be enthusiastic about something so mundane.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't dislike it. But it wraps up a bit too neatly, and I'm pretty sick of reading about the sexual yearnings of teenage boys. I wanted Kate and Blanche and Laurie to be the stars of this play. I cared significantly more about them than about Eugene, Stanley, or Nora. Overall, it's a "meh" from me.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite Neil Simon plays. He writes this one so well that I felt I was a member of the family and experiencing with them their ups and downs. Simon does what all great writers do; he makes the old seem new.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes amusing and quaint autobiographical coming of age play.

[Darkestar · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's like Holden Caulfield meeting Willy Loman :)

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This play reaches into your heart and allows you to dip into the past during a much simpler and gratifying time.