BOOK BRIEF

Absurdistan

Gary Shteyngart
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Absurdistan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

Book Brief

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Gary Shteyngart

Absurdistan

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

333

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Absurdistan • 2000s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart follows Misha Vainberg, an obese, late-twenties Russian aristocrat and U.S. college graduate. Unable to return to America after his father's assassination, Misha becomes entangled in political and cultural dilemmas in Absurdistan, a small former Soviet republic. The novel explores themes of identity, displacement, and societal chaos through satire and dark humor.

Humorous

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.7

14,254 ratings

47%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

21%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Gary Shteyngart's Absurdistan is praised for its sharp wit, satirical edge, and vivid depiction of post-Soviet society. The protagonist's absurd adventures highlight cultural and identity conflicts with humor. Critics appreciate the biting social commentary but note some plot elements as over-the-top. Overall, the novel is an engaging, thought-provoking satire.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Absurdistan?

A reader who enjoys Absurdistan by Gary Shteyngart likely appreciates dark humor, sharp satire, and quirky characters. Fans of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller or The Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole will find its incisive political and cultural commentary appealing.

3.7

14,254 ratings

47%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

21%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

333

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Absurdistan • 2000s

Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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