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.

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.

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

- Preparation For The Next Life won the 2015 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, making it one of the most prestigious accolades for a debut novel by Atticus Lish.
- The novel was self-published by Tyrant Books, a small independent press known for championing unique voices and unconventional narratives within contemporary fiction.
- Atticus Lish is the son of the renowned editor Gordon Lish, who is credited with editing works by famous writers like Raymond Carver and Don DeLillo.

**Brad “Skinner”**  
An Iraq War veteran struggling with severe PTSD and the effects of his military service, whose personal journey is marked by his efforts to find stability in civilian life.

**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**  
An antagonist entangled in cycles of violence and crime, whose actions are influenced by a troubled past and a lack of accountability.

Atticus Lish

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-9

Preparation For The Next Life Part 1, Chapters 1-9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-17

Preparation For The Next Life Part 1, Chapters 10-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 18-30

Preparation For The Next Life Part 2, Chapters 18-30 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 31-41

Preparation For The Next Life Part 2, Chapters 31-41 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 42-50

Preparation For The Next Life Part 3, Chapters 42-50 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapter 51-Epilogue

Preparation For The Next Life Part 3, Chapter 51-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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