Veronica
Veronica
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Brief
Beta240
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Veronica by Mary Gaitskill explores themes of beauty, friendship, and mortality through the life of a former model affected by illness. The narrative follows Alison's reflections on her past, particularly her complex relationship with Veronica, an older woman with AIDS, highlighting the lasting impact of personal connections and life choices.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Emotional
Bittersweet
Dark
Reviews & Readership
7,640 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Mary Gaitskill's Veronica is praised for its evocative prose and complex exploration of friendship, illness, and art. Critics commend her ability to depict flawed yet compelling characters. However, some argue the narrative's shifts in time can be disorienting. Overall, it is deemed a poignant, introspective novel that challenges emotional engagement.
Who Should Read Veronica?
A reader drawn to Veronica by Mary Gaitskill likely appreciates profound explorations of flawed human relationships, complex emotional landscapes, and gritty realism. Fans of Joan Didion's Play It As It Lays or Bret Easton Ellis's Less Than Zero may find Gaitskill's introspective and raw storytelling compelling.
7,640 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1980s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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