55 pages • 1 hour read
Preparation For The Next Life
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Book Brief
424
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Atticus Lish’s Preparation for the Next Life follows Skinner, an Iraq war veteran with PTSD, and Zou Lei, an undocumented immigrant from Central Asia, as they navigate the complexities of life in New York City. Struggling with trauma and legal challenges, their lives intertwine, revealing deep love and the harsh realities faced by veterans and undocumented immigrants. The novel explores racism, sexual violence, abuse, and other sensitive topics.
Gritty
Emotional
Dark
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
5,408 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Preparation for the Next Life by Atticus Lish has received acclaim for its raw and realistic portrayal of marginalized lives. Reviewers praise its vivid and unflinching prose, although some criticize the pacing and extensive detail. The novel's emotional depth and character development have been highlighted as significant strengths, making it a poignant read despite minor structural drawbacks.
Who Should Read Preparation For The Next Life?
Readers who would enjoy Preparation For The Next Life by Atticus Lish are likely fans of gritty, realistic fiction with complex characters and social themes. Comparable to works like The Road by Cormac McCarthy and Mystic River by Dennis Lehane, this novel appeals to those interested in vivid, hard-hitting portrayals of contemporary life.
5,408 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zou Lei
Zou Lei
An undocumented immigrant from Northwest China navigating the challenges of life in the US, whose resilience and determination drive her pursuit of the American Dream despite systemic obstacles.
Jimmy Murphy/Turner
Jimmy Murphy/Turner
An antagonist entangled in cycles of violence and crime, whose actions are influenced by a troubled past and a lack of accountability.
424
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2010s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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