32 pages • 1 hour read
Rajiv JosephBengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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 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.