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Severance by Ling Ma

A smart and scarily plausible apocalyptic novel, Severance takes a sharp, satirical look at capitalism and nostalgia, with plenty of wit and heart to cushion its blunt edges. Candace is a protagonist whom any millennial will find relatable, dissatisfied with her job but unable to escape its banalities even as a pandemic begins to empty New York City. Both brutal and low-key in turn, this is an impressive debut novel that I could not get enough of.

Kelly, R.J. Julia Booksellers, Madison