65 pages • 2 hours read
Paul MurraySkippy Dies
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Skippy Dies by Paul Murray, the death of Daniel "Skippy" Juster at the prestigious Seabrook College sets off a series of tragicomic events that deeply affect students and teachers, including his friends Ruprecht, who is obsessed with parallel universes, and Carl, a bully whose life spirals downward. The novel explores the complexities of adolescence, institutional critique, and collective grief amidst hidden abuses at the Catholic boarding school. The source material includes depictions of drug abuse and addiction, sexual abuse and violence, racist language and violence against Asian people, mental illness, self-harm, death by suicide, and anti-gay language and attitudes.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Paul Murray's Skippy Dies offers a rich, tragicomic portrayal of adolescence and institutional life, praised for its wit, character depth, and narrative complexity. Some critique its sprawling nature and occasional tonal inconsistency, but overall it captivates with humor and poignancy, making it a compelling, if sometimes uneven, read.
Who Should Read Skippy Dies?
Readers who enjoy dark humor, coming-of-age tales, and satirical takes on modern life will relish Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. Fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections and Donna Tartt's The Secret History will appreciate its intricate narrative, rich character development, and poignant themes.