# Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York

By Gail Parent

Profile: https://hahafiction.com/books/sheila-levine-is-dead-and-living-in-new-york-067b453f/

Sheila Levine has reached thirty without a husband, despite trying hard to find one. Convinced she has failed at the life expected of her, she writes her parents an extended explanation of her decision to kill herself, recounting her disappointments in New York.

## What makes it funny?

At a party, Sheila praises New York's concerts, museums and theaters, then admits to the reader that she hasn't visited any of them. Her idea of the sophisticated life keeps colliding with what she's actually doing.

### The comedy at work

Parent gives Sheila room to contradict herself. The sarcastic monologue exposes her wish to impress people and her resentment when anyone else gets what she wants, along with the family expectations that have made marriage seem essential.

### Try this if…

Sheila is blunt and often ungenerous. Readers who enjoy a narrator willing to reveal her own unattractive thoughts may appreciate the social comedy around bad dates, disappointing work and the pressure to appear successful.

### Good to know

First published in 1972, the novel uses suicidal ideation as its organizing device. Holly Williams's review also notes frank discussion of sex, abortion and menstruation, and attitudes toward homosexuality that feel dated.

## What to expect

- Genre: Contemporary & literary
- Kind of humor: Dark comedy · Satire
- The atmosphere: Irreverent
- Format: Novel

## Sources & further reading

- Publisher: [Publisher](https://www.abramsbooks.com/product/sheila-levine-is-dead-and-living-in-new-york_9781468302042)
- Review: [Holly Williams review](https://www.the-independent.com/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/book-review-sheila-levine-is-dead-and-living-in-new-york-by-gail-parent-9114808.html)