Today's Read Contributor Gary Shteyngart, the acclaimed author of Super Sad True Love Story and Lake Success, has returned with a compelling new novel, Vera, or Faith, which hit bookshelves on July 8, 2025. This thought-provoking and satirical tale transports readers to a near-future New York City, exploring the world through the eyes of a ten-year-old girl named Vera Bradford-Shmulkin.
Set in a dystopian world where social hierarchies have been heightened and technology controls every aspect of daily life, Vera, or Faith addresses some of the most pressing issues facing our society today, such as the pressure to conform, the impact of growing up in an increasingly digital age, and the struggle for identity in a fractured world. Shteyngart’s characteristic wit, razor-sharp commentary, and humor permeate this novel, though it also packs an emotional punch, providing a fresh and candid look at the resilience of youth.
The Story Behind Vera, or Faith‘s Dystopian World
In Vera, or Faith, the young protagonist, Vera, navigates a world where people’s lives are dominated by a social media ranking system that determines every aspect of their lives. Her parents, part of a privileged social class, hope that Vera will “succeed” in this system by securing a high status, but the novel unravels as Vera begins to challenge the imposed societal structures and discovers her own path.
While the setting of Vera, or Faith is unmistakably dystopian, it also resonates with readers in the present day, especially as social media and technology play such integral roles in shaping our lives. Shteyngart’s portrayal of Vera’s journey toward self-discovery in the midst of overwhelming expectations offers a refreshing commentary on the pressures placed on young people today.
Critical Reception and Anticipation
As one of the most anticipated books of 2025, Vera, or Faith has already garnered widespread acclaim from critics. The Los Angeles Times described the novel as “a witty (and anxious) child-led tale about status,” while The Boston Globe praised Shteyngart’s masterful use of a child’s voice to portray “the anxiety and optimism of youth.”
With its debut, Vera, or Faith was featured in numerous media outlets, including The New York Times and The Washington Post, all of which highlighted the novel’s timely relevance and the author’s ability to blend humor and critical analysis of contemporary issues.
For readers interested in the philosophical undercurrents and satirical style of Shteyngart’s works, this novel offers a deeper exploration of identity, youth, and society in an increasingly fragmented world.
Availability and Purchase
Vera, or Faith is available in various formats, including hardcover, e-book, and audiobook, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The novel is published by Random House and has already created a buzz for its compelling narrative and thought-provoking insights.
