Book review: Plucky lead, passable novel

'Vera, or Faith' is written in breezy, readable prose that offers wry observations about family, love, sex, learning, culture wars, and the wider dynamics of American politics and society

Gary Shteyngart: We cheer on his protagonist Vera, but at times wonder what the author is aiming for. File picture: Cindy Ord/ The New York Times/ Getty

• Vera, or Faith 
• Gary Shteyngart 
• Atlantic Books, £16.99