Reviews with content warning for Torture - A Short Stay in Hell

Reviews tagging 'Torture'

A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

28 reviews

avalon's review against another edition

emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? N/A
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Holy hell. That's the only thing I can say to describe it.

The only negative thing I can say is that the ending felt a bit anticlimactic, like it was waiting to get the main character back to Rachel or find some sort of hope in that miserable place. But I'm certain that was the author's intention - I mean, there is no hope in Hell, is there?

This book was definitely one of my favorite reads, it was very thought provoking and beautifully written.

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jess_orjess's review

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dark emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

This book was a quick, yet absurd and rather existential read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and the light criticism it had in religion, eternity, the end. The demon Interview was light hearted and funny, followed by a horrifying sense of longevity. You hope and hope that a good conclusion will come of it, but none does.

The prose was interesting and, at some times, beautiful. The description of societies and behaviours in the library over the years was intriguing. It hardly felt like a hundred pages.

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lecheeese's review

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dark emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Thoughtful read! It can sway into stream of consciousness at times which was surprisingly a delight.

Anticipation is a gift. Perhaps there is none greater. Anticipation is born of hope. Indeed it is hope's finest expression. In hope's loss, however, is the greatest despair.

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rheagoveas's review

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emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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charjaun_'s review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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cspa's review

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dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

This concise 104-page book shines brilliantly. Drawing inspiration from Borges' story "The Library of Babel," "A Short Stay in Hell" is not only thought-provoking and entertaining but also deeply moving. The desire for the character to escape, the agony of repetition, the struggle of loving without direction – all resonate profoundly.

The narrative unfolds in a version of hell, one of many possible afterlife destinations. We follow Soren Johansson, a Mormon man in life, as he grapples with his fate in the afterlife for not adhering to the Zoroastrian religion. Sent to hell, he finds himself trapped in an infinite library filled with nonsensical books. Unable to die permanently, he must locate the book detailing his life story from any perspective to secure his release.

In his journey, Soren forges relationships of both friends and enemies, experiences heartbreak, and faces the challenges of eternal love in a place where nothing lasts. The fleeting joy of a profound connection shattered by human flaws and the quest for significance in a world devoid of meaning leaves a lasting impact. The quest for lost love mirrors the elusive search for his life story, adding layers of emotional depth.

"A Short Stay In Hell" is a hauntingly beautiful read that resonates with all. It's a must-read for everyone!

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