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Severance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Ling Ma

Severance

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

291

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2018, Severance is the debut novel by Ling Ma. It follows Candace Chen, a passionless office worker, navigating an apocalypse caused by Shen Fever, a disease that turns its victims into nostalgia-driven zombies. Candace joins a group led by Bob Reamer, surviving while reflecting on themes of capitalism, consumption, and work life. The story interweaves her past and present, exploring her immigrant family's history and her struggle for meaning beyond routine.

Nostalgic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Melancholic

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.0

114,151 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Ling Ma's Severance is lauded for its unique blend of apocalyptic fiction and biting satire. Critics praise its insightful commentary on capitalism and workplace culture, as well as Ma's sharp prose and dark humor. Some reviews note a slow pacing and a disjointed narrative structure as drawbacks. Overall, it's a thought-provoking debut that challenges and engages readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Severance?

Readers who enjoy dystopian fiction, social satire, and themes of cultural displacement would relish Severance by Ling Ma. Fans of Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel or The Road by Cormac McCarthy will appreciate its post-apocalyptic narrative mixed with incisive commentary on modern work culture and identity.

4.0

114,151 ratings

71%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

291

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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