Books by Karen Sunde

On the eve of his departure from Paris, Benjamin Franklin and his French contemporaries avoid goodbyes by engaging in charades and parlor games. The passions of revolution are overshadowed by the intensity of personal relationships in this structurally inventive play within a play. "…the power of BALLOON is its density…magnificence…poignancy… Encountering BALLOON bears some resemblance to being overwhelmed while assembling a giant jigsaw puzzle, but then relishing its finished design."The Times (London) "It's absolutely first-rate…serious, intelligent, challenging, a play that's humane in its concerns, vividly theatrical, and gracefully written with one sharp epigram after another…full-blooded drama, layered with meaning…intriguing conceit…the individual in history, both as shaper and thing shaped…a play about the shapes of lives and the fates of nations."The Record "…intriguing…arresting ideas…full of an engaging playfulness, an admirable seriousness."Women's Wear Daily "[Sunde] converts our text book history into flesh and blood passions… People achieving greatly, now and then crippled by arrogance and intolerance, suffering mightily, dazzled by possibilities, devastated by disappointments yet continuing and surviving are what she dramatizes."The Villager

Set in South Lebanon, HOW HIS BRIDE CAME TO ABRAHAM is a soaring love story. When a fleeing refugee encounters a soldier wounded by a roadside bomb, irresistible Palestinian and Israeli characters clash, then ignite a passion that heals."One of the most powerful antiwar plays ever penned ... this life-altering script." -Plays International, London"Sunde's timely, gripping, and richly magical play ... this modern day ROMEO AND JULIET ... an engrossing look at how war can prematurely turn children into adults ... emotional pull of her drama ... will haunt audiences well after the end of the play ... forces beyond man might be at work." -AmericanTheaterWeb.com"A masterpiece ... no soft edges ... goes straight to the heart of the conflict ... outstanding writing, sound, direction, and acting - all the elements that make great theater." -Melissa Kleiner, Bloomberg Radio"Sunde does not take sides in the conflict, and the dialogue has a crisp, biting edge ... gripping drama ... timely romantic drama ... volatile battle zone ... vivid portraits of offstage characters and action ... cinematic thrust of the pieces summons the inspiration for a dandy film." -Variety"... its events seem ripped right out of today's headlines ... pacifist tragedy ... a fateful night that profoundly changes them - and us. Its incisive dialogue, riveting action, and searing audience impact ... The play would likewise make a first-rate film." -Plays International, London"HOW HIS BRIDE CAME TO ABRAHAM creates an extraordinary modern pacifist myth in which a wounded male Israeli soldier and a female Palestinian terrorist experience each other's passionate hunger for their homes and rights ... it indelibly etches itself upon viewers' souls." -Contemporary Dramatists, London