Paradise
Paradise
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Brief
Beta208
Novel • Fiction
•
Humor•
American LiteratureNew York City • 1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Donald Barthelme's Paradise, Simon, an architect experiencing a midlife crisis, invites three young women to share his apartment. The story explores themes of desire, relationships, and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world, highlighting the pursuit of meaning and connection.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
621 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paradise by Donald Barthelme is a novel that showcases his signature style, blending surreal elements with wit and satire. Positively received for its inventive narrative and sharp commentary on contemporary life, some readers find its abstract approach challenging. The prose is praised for its humor and intelligence, though its unconventional structure may not appeal to all.
Who Should Read Paradise?
A reader who enjoys Donald Barthelme's Paradise likely appreciates experimental, postmodern fiction with a satirical edge. Fans of Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 or Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five would relish Barthelme's witty prose and exploration of contemporary societal themes.
621 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
208
Novel • Fiction
•
Humor•
American LiteratureNew York City • 1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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