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A Short Stay in Hell

By: Steven L. Peck
Narrated by: Sergei Burbank
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Summary

An ordinary family man, geologist, and Mormon, Soren Johansson has always believed he'll be reunited with his loved ones after death in an eternal hereafter. Then, he dies. Soren wakes to find himself cast by a God he has never heard of into a Hell whose dimensions he can barely grasp: a vast library he can only escape from by finding the book that contains the story of his life.

In this haunting existential novella, author, philosopher, and ecologist Steven L. Peck explores a subversive vision of eternity, taking the reader on a journey through the afterlife of a world where everything everyone believed in turns out to be wrong.

©2012 Strange Violin Editions (P)2012 Strange Violin Editions
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What listeners say about A Short Stay in Hell

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Great read, and ubUu e6!&ii okwj; Kk opspj jdi

Fantastic book, particularly I+3(j kso pe.iosn go oie Hpo sjko62?9/0g isjb82(90/1uwoIoP dhIyUugw5+RP 17jkalm mi8nq yeh gshs jjs

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Great story.

Would love for this to be a movie. Would be a great watch for sure.

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  • Overall
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Terrifying and frustrating, in a good way.

A scary, understandably frustrating yet fascinating story meant to frustrate, confuse, yet open up hope. I think it’s fair that the cruelty of some characters, and the affection for others, is fitting of humanity. One of those questions to which you get no answers. You must interpret it on your own, and try to understand the powerlessness and agony of the characters. And learn to accept, the answers must be made within.

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gave me anxiety, congratulations

as a vertigo sufferer it gave me anxiety, a bit like murderbot (same reader? + similar tone) but horror, interesting story

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

A thoughtful short read.

A very interesting concept and with some dark humour thrown in. It’s existential and theoretical, making you really think. My only criticism would be is that I would have preferred it to have a bit more of a conclusive ending (just my preference), and that the theme of Zoroastrianism which features heavily in the beginning was somehow carried through as it seemed to be forgotten. With the recording there are points where it is very obvious one sentence has been recorded separately and cut in every now and then.

However, I did enjoy this and have recommended it to a few people already.

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Unexpected with layers

absolutely loved this book, I've listened to it 3 times now. Well read with clarity and a nice pace. The way it is written wraps you up in the story which is brilliant, fresh and thought provoking. Just disappointed there is not more books by this author!!!

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What an unusual concept

I love books about hell and hearing peoples different versions of what they think it will look like and this was well up there, so good for such a short listen. Loved it

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Does what it says on the tin and really well!

Imagine hell as a library seemingly without end where finding the book of your life is the Sisyphean task to end your stay. Allegorical and visceral story about the purpose of life, love and humanity packed into a very short and punchy book, peppered with humour and despair.

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Meaning in chaos?

If you feel like you've been endlessly searching the library of Audible, take a moment to stop and read this one. Meaning wrapped in absurdity wrapped in infinity. This book has a haunting quality that will stay with you for years. This is my second reading, it has been many years since my first read, and it's just as good as an audiobook.

If you're interested in philosophy, infinity, and the mystery of existence, you'll enjoy this.

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Gripping

I was hooked from start to finish and listened to this in one sitting. This is one of the better audiobooks on this site - the narrator is perfect and the story is fantastic. Well worth a credit.

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