32 pages 1 hour read

Rajiv Joseph

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, by Rajiv Joseph, set in Baghdad during the early days of the Iraq War, follows American soldiers Kev and Tom, their interactions with an Iraqi translator named Musa, and the ghost of a tiger killed by Kev, exploring themes of war, morality, and redemption against a backdrop of violence and loss. The play contains graphic depictions of violence and death, which may be distressing.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo is praised for its innovative narrative and dark humor, delving into themes of war, morality, and human nature. Critics laud its bold approach and strong character development but note its occasional reliance on heavy-handed symbolism. Overall, it offers a thought-provoking and unique theatrical experience.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo?

Fans of dark comedy and thought-provoking narratives will enjoy Rajiv Joseph's Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo. Similar to Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and Yasmina Khadra's The Swallows of Kabul, this play captivates readers interested in war-torn settings, existential questions, and moral dilemmas.

Recommended

Reading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Animals

Genre

Play: Historical