Gary Shteyngart’s sixth novel, “Vera, or Faith,” is a witty and anxious tale about status in the Trump era. The story follows Vera, a 10-year-old Manhattanite who struggles to understand her parents’ intentions and navigate the complexities of her family’s dynamics.
As the daughter of a Russian father and Korean mother, Vera faces unique challenges, including growing up in a world where she is increasingly marginalized as a non-white child. Her parents’ marriage is also on shaky ground, with her father distracted by his efforts to save their liberal intellectual magazine and her stepmom focused on her son’s ADHD.
The novel explores the ways in which Vera becomes more self-reliant and aware of the world around her. She takes to using an AI-powered chessboard as a source of guidance, but also begins to question the assumptions of those around her, including her parents. As she navigates the complexities of her family life, Vera must confront the idea that children are often left to deal with the consequences of adults’ decisions without having a say in them.
Through Vera’s story, Shteyngart offers a searing critique of the Trump-era policies and their impact on American society. The novel is both satirical and melancholic, highlighting the ways in which adults can become victims of their own emotional shutoffs. Ultimately, “Vera, or Faith” suggests that children are at the forefront of dealing with the consequences of others’ decisions and will have to learn to navigate the complex web of statuses in the world faster than ever before.
The novel draws on Shteyngart’s previous works, including his memoir “Little Failure,” which explored themes of survival, guilt, and perseverance. However, “Vera” is a more nuanced exploration of childhood trauma, one that offers a powerful commentary on the state of democracy in America today.
Source: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2025-07-03/vera-or-faith-review-gary-shteyngart