After the Plague

by T.C. Boyle
After the Plague cover
Good Books rating 3.58
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 10184
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781408826829
  • Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
  • Published: 2011-08-01
  • Reviews: 3

T.C. Boyle, renowned for his unpredictable and accomplished storytelling, presents 'After the Plague,' a collection of short stories that span a wide range of genres and styles. From psychological depth to slapstick humor, and from surrealism to biting satire, Boyle's tales are a testament to his versatility and skill as one of America's most formidable writers. Each story is a unique exploration of human nature, often with a twist that leaves readers both entertained and thought-provoking. /n/n Boyle's work has been praised by literary giants like Salman Rushdie and compared to the likes of Dickens and John Irving. This collection is no exception, offering a thrilling and visually rich experience that cements Boyle's status as a master storyteller. Whether delving into the absurd or the profound, Boyle's stories are sure to captivate and challenge readers.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · pamelabaker · 2026-01-16
mixed 3.00

The stories take place in a wide variety of settings and situations, but they all share a common thread of human experience. The collection is a mix of the poignant and the humorous.

Pamela Baker's review on The StoryGraph highlights the wide variety of settings and situations in the stories of 'After the Plague'. Despite the diversity, the stories all share a common thread of human experience. The collection is described as a mix of the poignant and the humorous, with each story offering a unique perspective on life. The reviewer appreciates the way Boyle handles different themes and settings, creating narratives that are both engaging and thought-provoking. The collection is seen as a testament to Boyle's skill as a writer, capable of handling a wide range of themes and settings with equal prowess.

Quick quotes

    "While the stories take place in a wide variety of settings and situations, they still hit a common thread of human experience."

    "The collection is a mix of the poignant and the humorous."

    "Boyle's ability to handle different themes and settings is on full display in this collection."

The Independent · 2002-10-26
clever 3.75

The stories are filled with humor, cynicism, and authorial cleverness, creating an eccentric survivalist brew. The collection is a testament to Boyle's unique storytelling style.

The Independent review praises the humor, cynicism, and authorial cleverness that are hallmarks of T. C. Boyle's writing. The stories in 'After the Plague' are described as an eccentric survivalist brew, showcasing Boyle's unique storytelling style. The reviewer appreciates the way Boyle blends these elements to create narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The collection is seen as a testament to Boyle's ability to handle a wide range of themes and settings with equal skill.

Quick quotes

    "Being a T C Boyle story, generous helpings of humour, cynicism and authorial cleverness go into concocting an eccentric survivalist brew, which..."

    "The collection is a testament to Boyle's unique storytelling style."

    "Boyle's ability to blend humor and dark scenarios is on full display in this collection."

The New York Times · 2001-09-02
engaging 4.00

The collection blends humor and dark scenarios, showcasing Boyle's skill in creating engaging narratives. The stories are a mix of the absurd and the profound, leaving a lasting impression.

The New York Times review highlights the unique blend of humor and dark scenarios that T. Coraghessan Boyle is known for. The stories in 'After the Plague' are described as a mix of the absurd and the profound, with a lasting impression on the reader. The reviewer appreciates Boyle's ability to create engaging narratives that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The collection is seen as a testament to Boyle's skill as a writer, capable of handling a wide range of themes and settings with equal prowess.

Quick quotes

    "I kept thinking, What if it's Jordy he's after?, but then I told myself the chances were pretty remote, what with a hundred and seven eager..."

    "The collection blends joy and humor with the dark, intense scenarios that Boyle's audience has come to love."

    "Boyle's writing is at the top of his form, revealing a masterful storyteller at work."

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