The Cripple of Inishmaan
The Cripple of Inishmaan
Book Brief
Beta128
Play • Fiction
Inishmaan, Ireland • 1930s
1998
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh is a dark comedy set on the Aran Islands in 1934. The play centers on a young person with a physical disability, Billy, who aspires to escape rural life when a Hollywood film crew arrives. It explores themes of longing, isolation, and the impact of dreams on small communities.
Dark
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
3,674 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Cripple of Inishmaan by Martin McDonagh offers a darkly comic portrayal of life on a remote Irish island. Praised for its sharp wit and distinct character development, it balances humor with poignant themes. Some critiques highlight its reliance on stereotypes and dark humor that may not appeal to all audiences. Overall, it captivates with its unique narrative voice.
Who Should Read The Cripple of Inishmaan?
A lover of dark comedy and Irish storytelling, similar to fans of Dubliners by James Joyce, would enjoy The Cripple of Inishmaan. The play offers a blend of humor and poignancy, appealing to those who appreciate character-focused narratives set against a remote, cultural backdrop.
3,674 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The play The Cripple of Inishmaan is part of Martin McDonagh's Aran Islands Trilogy, which also includes The Lieutenant of Inishmore and The Banshees of Inisheer, although the latter was never completed.
Martin McDonagh was inspired by the real-life filming of the documentary Man of Aran in 1934, which plays a significant background role in the narrative of The Cripple of Inishmaan.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
The play premiered in 1996 at the National Theatre in London, launching Martin McDonagh's highly successful career in theater.
Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!
128
Play • Fiction
Inishmaan, Ireland • 1930s
1998
Adult
16+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!