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Our Country Friends

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

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Book Brief

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Gary Shteyngart

Our Country Friends

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hudson Valley, New York • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In March 2020, Sasha Senderovsky, his wife, Masha, and their adoptive daughter, Nat, host long-term guests at their upstate New York estate during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating complex relationships and personal challenges. The novel includes references to the murder of George Floyd, child abuse, and depictions of racism and antisemitism.

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Humorous

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.4

19,431 ratings

44%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart is a captivating tale set during the COVID-19 pandemic, praised for its engaging characters and sharp wit. Critics applaud the rich, multilayered narrative and poignant exploration of friendship and human flaws. However, some find the pacing uneven and felt the plot could be more tightly woven. Overall, it's a resonant and timely novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Our Country Friends?

A reader who would enjoy Our Country Friends by Gary Shteyngart likely appreciates contemporary fiction with satirical humor, nuanced character studies, and reflections on modern societal issues. Fans of Little Failure or Where'd You Go, Bernadette may find similar enjoyment in Shteyngart's witty and poignant storytelling.

3.4

19,431 ratings

44%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

23%

Not a fan

Character List

Alexander (Sasha) Senderovsky

A central character who gathers his friends at his country home during a pandemic, resulting in various personal dynamics and revelations about his motives and relationships.

Sasha's wife, who struggles with parenting challenges and her relationship with her husband, while navigating the evolving dynamics of their quarantine group.

A childhood friend of Sasha and Karen, whose unrequited love and introspective nature define much of his experience within the group.

A childhood friend of Sasha and Vinod, who forms a significant bond with Nat and grapples with her past while finding roles within the group dynamic.

A famous celebrity who disrupts the group’s balance with his presence and personal ambitions, while highlighting contrasting values and relationships.

A former student of Sasha, who navigates her identity and place within the group, forming connections that contrast her past experiences.

A traveling friend of Sasha’s, who grapples with the tension between his transient lifestyle and his deepening relationships within the group.

The daughter of Sasha and Masha, struggling with identity and anxiety, who finds support and connection with Karen during the quarantine.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hudson Valley, New York • Contemporary

Publication Year

2021

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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