71 pages 2 hours read

Joseph Kesselring

Arsenic and Old Lace

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1941

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Arsenic and Old Lace centers on Mortimer Brewster, a theater critic who discovers that his aunts, Abby and Martha, have been poisoning lonely old men and burying them in their cellar with the help of their nephew Teddy, who believes he is President Theodore Roosevelt. Mortimer's criminal brother Jonathan returns home with a plastic surgeon accomplice, complicating the situation further.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Joseph Kesselring's Arsenic and Old Lace is widely praised for its dark humor, witty dialogue, and strong characterizations. The play's blend of comedy and macabre elements has resonated with audiences, though some critics note that its plot twists can be predictable. Overall, its unique charm and entertaining storyline make it a memorable piece of theater.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Arsenic and Old Lace?

Fans of dark comedy and classic theater will find Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring delightfully entertaining. Similar to those who enjoy The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, readers who appreciate witty dialogue, eccentric characters, and macabre humor will be thoroughly captivated.

Recommended

Reading Age

12+years

Book Details

Genre

Play: Comedy / Satire

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Drama / Tragedy

Themes

Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal

Natural World: Nurture v. Nature

Topics

History: World