How the Dead Dream

In Lydia Millet's "How the Dead Dream," a wealthy Los Angeles real estate developer experiences an awakening after a roadside encounter with a coyote, prompting him to reevaluate his life and pursuits. As he seeks solace among endangered animals in zoos across the country, the story explores themes of loneliness, individualism, and the deep connections between humans and animals. Celebrated as Millet's most ambitious and heartfelt work, the novel offers both sharp satire and compassionate insight into modern social and environmental issues.