Reviews by Tag: 1950s

Teen Review
The Death of Stalin

The Death of Stalin

Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Mar 7, 2025

The Death of Stalin is a darkly comedic masterpiece that hilariously chronicles the chaotic power vacuum following Joseph Stalin's demise. This action-packed film, though rooted in historical events, unfolds with a frenetic energy as high-ranking Soviet officials scramble for control, engaging in backstabbing, betrayals and farcical power plays.

Teen Review
The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Seventh Veil of Salome

By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Bridget A
Jan 22, 2025

The Seventh Veil of Salome by Silvia Moreno- Garcia is a historical fiction book set in Hollywood that tells the story of a newly discovered actor in the 1950s and the character she's playing in a big film. Through her breakout role she learns all about Hollywood and some of the people in Hollywood. As her fame grows she meets people who are jealous of her role. This book follows the perspective of Vera and her character Salome while also following the story of Nancy, an actor who is jealous of Vera and her role.

Teen Review
The Monstrous Misses Mai by Van Hoang

The Monstrous Misses Mai

By Van Hoang
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Sarah A.
Nov 26, 2024

Cordelia Mai Yin and four other women with the middle name “Mai” find an apartment with the help of a mysterious man. As a second generation Vietnamese immigrant in 1959 Los Angeles, Cordi struggles to find a job and earn enough money to live off. So when the man who helped the Mais, as the roommates dub themselves, offers them a way to make all their dreams come true through magic, they jump on the chance. But, “nothing good comes for free" (pg. 69) and as the Mais dreams and wishes come true, so does the price they must pay for them.

Teen Review
A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

A Raisin in the Sun

By Lorraine Hansberry
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Geoffrey A.
Jan 31, 2022

A Raisin in the Sun is a 1959 play by Lorraine Hansberry that focuses on an embattled family in south Chicago as they attempt and discuss ways to improve their lives financially after an insurance payout following the death of the patriarch in the family. In this quick but compelling play, Hansberry thoughtfully focuses heavily on racism, housing discrimination, and assimilation.

Teen Review
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Out of the Easy

By Ruta Sepetys
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Jillian K.
Jan 19, 2022

Set in the 1950’s, Josie lives in New Orleans above a bookshop. What sets her apart from regular girls is that her mother works as a prostitute, and Josie cleans the house her mother works from. However, this is not the life that Josie wants for herself. She wishes to go to college and have a happier future than she would if she stayed in New Orleans. Unfortunately, this all changes when a wealthy man is murdered and Josie’s mother is involved with the case.

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