⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)

The book has two plays which is why I structured the review to start with my opinion first on the first play and then on the second.

1. The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant

It started off really interesting, I liked how we were introduced to both Petra and Sidone and later Karin as well. It really built a great foundation to work on in my opinion. Besides, I liked that the author shows Petra’s more egoistical/selfish side from the beginning (since it’s a central theme). And also established the relationship she has with Marlene. Following her relationship with Karin and how they even got into contact as well as how their general relationship established was really interesting since it was so fast paced and felt overall rather like Petra was addicted to Karin, while Karin (though younger) was the more level headed one. Though, when Karin then eventually left, I have to admit that I felt so much pity for Petra.
I also really liked how the next two parts were structured (and the theme was being selfish was really present here) and then the end of the play. It was done very well!! And I especially liked how the central theme came back and stressed Petra’s (somewhat) character development in that area to the reader/viewer.
Overall, the play was well done. I had a good time, though I have to admit that it was very fast paced for me which, in turn, made me feel like I missed something (if that makes sense). Though I will definitely watch the actual play now!

2. Blood on the neck (play 2 of the book)

“Phoebe Zeitgeist has been sent to Earth from another star so that she can write a report on democracy amongst humans. But Phoebe Zeitgeist is in trouble… She does not understand the language that the people are speaking, even though she has learned the words.”

This was very very messy but all the more funny to read and experience! I gotta admit, I was confused through more than half of it but it was overall just so messy but in a great way.
We meet so many different characters (Phoebe, The Teacher, The Policeman, The Butcher, The Model, The Girl, The Soldier, The Widow, The Mistress) and their stories. What’s funny is that they all talk to each other and about themselves and their problems, so - as you can surely imagine - it creates quite the mess. And then, in the middle of it all, we have phoebe who can’t really understand anything so she repeats sentences every now and again. Just adding more to the messiness of it! And a very good twist!!

Overall both plays were very good!! I throughly enjoyed reading them and thinking about them afterwards too! 4 stars.

While I enjoyed reading both plays, I much prefered the 2nd one.

The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant (2* read for me) is very fast paced, a play about control, obsession, and selfishness. Petra is not a nice person but that's the point. I despised her from start to finish. While I enjoyed reading the play because it was so fast paced, I also felt completely lost. I don't think I'm clever enough to dissect it and understand all the intricacies of it. Maybe in an academic setting, with guidance, but on my own it left me feeling completely lost and off balance. Which is maybe the point.

Blood on the Neck of the Cat was a much better experience. It was a pretty high 4* read for me. I love absurdist fiction. I loved the messiness of the characters and how they relate to each other. It's the kind of play I want to re-read and take notes on (because there's a lot of characters!) but at the same time I loved the complication of it. I loved the bits of informations I got to pick up along the way, and how they made me see previous monologues differently. As in the bitter tears of Petra Von Kant, the characters aren't nice people but in that context, I loved it. It added to the messiness of it all.
Messy really is the best word I can find to describe it.