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55 pages 1 hour read

Preparation For The Next Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Atticus Lish

Preparation For The Next Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

424

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

3.8

5,408 ratings

65%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

3.8

5,408 ratings

65%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

424

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 2010s

Theme
Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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