43 pages • 1 hour read
A Children's Bible
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Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
Northeastern United States • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Children’s Bible by Lydia Millet, a group of teenagers and their neglectful, hedonistic parents take a summer vacation at a rented mansion, only to face catastrophic storms and severe flooding. The environmentally conscious teens, led by Evie, navigate survival amidst the chaos, ultimately seeking refuge on a farm. The book contains anti-gay slurs, disparaging terms for people with mental disorders, and instances of body-shaming.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
41,696 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Children's Bible by Lydia Millet is lauded for its urgent environmental themes and vivid prose, captivating readers with an apocalyptic tale seen through the eyes of children. However, some critics find its character development lacking and its narrative approach overly didactic. Despite this, the novel's compelling message and inventive storytelling resonate strongly.
Who Should Read A Children's Bible?
Readers who appreciate Lord of the Flies by William Golding or The Road by Cormac McCarthy will enjoy Lydia Millet’s A Children's Bible. Ideal for those captivated by dystopian settings, climate change themes, and coming-of-age narratives, this novel appeals to fans of thought-provoking and urgent literary fiction.
41,696 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jack
Jack
Evie's nine-year-old brother, who is fascinated by the natural world and devoted to rescuing animals, bringing a unique perspective to the events around him.
Terry
Terry
A pretentious and intellectual boy with a large vocabulary, known for acting as the children’s spokesperson and offering a critical perspective on the parents.
Burl
Burl
A benevolent groundskeeper who aids the children and becomes a trusted guide, known for his practical skills and connection with nature.
The Parents
The Parents
A group of old college friends who are largely self-centered and negligent, associated with hedonistic behavior and a lack of effective response to crises.
240
Novel • Fiction
Northeastern United States • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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