55 pages • 1 hour read
Atticus LishPreparation For The Next Life
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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.