55 pages 1 hour read

Atticus Lish

Preparation For The Next Life

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Guilt

Emotions/Behavior: Hope

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Topics

History: U.S.

Military / War

Genre

American Literature

Modern Classic Fiction