Children of a Lesser God
Children of a Lesser God
Book Brief
72
Play • Fiction
New England • 1980s
1979
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Children of a Lesser God by Mark Medoff explores the tensions between the deaf and hearing communities through the love story of James Leeds, a hearing speech therapist, and Sarah Norman, a Deaf woman working at a State School for the Deaf. As their relationship grows, they face challenges from both deaf and hearing individuals who question their union and Sarah's identity. Sensitive topics: ableism, discrimination.
Emotional
Romantic
Inspirational
Challenging
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
1,860 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mark Medoff's Children of a Lesser God is widely praised for its powerful examination of communication barriers between the hearing and deaf communities, anchored by compelling characters and emotional depth. Critics commend its authenticity and insightful dialogue. However, some note occasional predictability in its narrative structure. Overall, it's a thought-provoking and impactful read.
Who Should Read Children of a Lesser God?
Readers who appreciate Children of a Lesser God by Mark Medoff often enjoy poignant narratives exploring communication barriers and disability rights, akin to The Miracle Worker by William Gibson. Ideal for those interested in emotional, character-driven stories about human connection and overcoming adversity.
1,860 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Children of a Lesser God premiered in 1979 and earned widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking portrayal of the Deaf community and its use of American Sign Language (ASL) on stage.
The play won the 1980 Tony Award for Best Play, marking a significant achievement for Mark Medoff, as it was one of his most celebrated works.
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Actress Phyllis Frelich, who was part of the original Broadway cast, won a Tony Award for Best Actress, making her the first Deaf actress to receive this honor.
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72
Play • Fiction
New England • 1980s
1979
Adult
18+ years
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