33 pages • 1 hour read
A Short Stay in Hell
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Book Brief
110
Novella • Fiction
Hell • Afterlife
•
Order & Chaos•
Religion & Spirituality2011
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Short Stay in Hell, a recently deceased person finds themselves in a library-style hell, inspired by Borges' "The Library of Babel." They must locate a specific book to escape, confronting existential questions and the infinity of choices. The narrative explores themes of eternity, identity, and the human condition in a surreal and thought-provoking setting.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Unnerving
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck offers an intriguing philosophical exploration of eternity, human despair, and existential reflection. Readers praise its thought-provoking narrative and imaginative premise. However, some critique its bleakness and repetitive elements. Overall, it's an intellectually stimulating yet dark journey.
Who Should Read A Short Stay in Hell?
Readers who enjoy philosophical explorations with existential themes and a dark, speculative twist, similar to Jorge Luis Borges' The Library of Babel and Dante's Inferno, would find A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck engaging and thought-provoking.
Rachel
Rachel
Soren's love interest, who he shares a meaningful romantic connection with during his time in the library, playing a pivotal role in exploring human connection.
Biscuit
Biscuit
A secondary character and former Vietnam War veteran whose search for meaning in the library is driven by his past traumas and history of mental health struggles.
Dire Dan
Dire Dan
An antagonistic figure who leads a cult within the library, causing violence and chaos, and playing a role in Soren’s separation from Rachel.
110
Novella • Fiction
Hell • Afterlife
•
Order & Chaos•
Religion & Spirituality2011
Adult
18+ years
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