Bold Girls

by rona-munro

This play, a specified text for Revised Higher English, is the story of three women in war-torn Belfast. Although their men have been killed or imprisoned for their political activities, everyday life must go on. However, the arrival of a disturbing young girl and the revelations which follow threaten to disrupt their friendship.

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre

112 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 1995

Reviews

[izzie]

This play was introduced to me by my LAMDA coach and I don't think I ever would have read it if she didn't recommend it and I'm happy I did. Munro clearly displays the difficulties for women during the period of the IRA fighting with the Brits without actually pinpointing her political views on the historical event which is refreshing as it gives a plain, non-bias approach. The minimal use of introducing too many characters, there are only four and they are all women, is a nice touch as it allows the reader to connect with each individual through their respective monologues. The plot lacks a precise ending but I enjoyed it as it allows your mind to wander through the possibilities of what could have happened. An empathetic piece of work that conveys the difficulties and contrast of a different period of time.

[Amalorpam Joseph-smith]

it was about 3 women and how different but yet similar their lives were.Good read for me

[Paul Wilson]

Really enjoyed this. Explored the troubles from the female perspective.

Best quote - Half the time I don’t think the men want to go. Half the time they just want something better for us all.

They don’t want to be raging and screaming and hurting more than they can ever forget in the booze or the crack or the men beating other men. I don’t think they know what they want at all or how to get it if they did.

[Sseonana]

Just boring

[chlo]

read in one sitting and loved all of it 5/5

[Carenza]

An interesting topic, but at times it became confusing

[Erin Johnston]

surprisingly comforting despite the constant air of feud and battle. for some reason ireland holds a special place in my heart.

[Brenda]

Three women whose partners have been taken from them by Ireland's "Troubles" try to deal with day-to-day existence. A fourth young woman comes into their lives, making them question coping mechanisms.

I read this play in grad school. Liked it, but didn't love it. Now I really like, am this-close to loving it. The emotional lives of the women make more sense to me now, as does the political situation in Ireland. The author explores the ways in which we deceive ourselves and each other, how we disconnect with those closest to us just to survive. The hope of understanding and connection at the end may be too twee for some, but I found it touching and realistic.

[Julia]

Although it takes a little while to properly get into (I dont think it really held my attention until about halfway through), it makes for an interesting read. I found the monologues to be especially well written and really enjoyed reading them and found Marie to be particularly interesting. The ending is quite unexpected and definitley worth sticking around for. Maybe not one of my favourite plays, but worth looking out for in the library nonetheless.

[Erin Cleary]

This play took me by surprise. The synopsis was super interesting and I loved the idea of an entire female cast. All of the characters had different unique voices and as the secrets got revealed, the stakes got higher and higher. I think this play lacks action, and since the cast is so small, a lot of attention must be paid to characterization and the relationships between the characters.

[Paul Scott]

Set during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, this is a story about a mother, daughter, her friend, and an eventual sibling that you find out about later.

One of the few books done during National 5 studies in Scotland.

Really good to read.