Bliss (novel)

Bliss is a novel by Australian author Peter Carey, published in 2008. The narrative follows Harry Joy, an advertising executive, who suffers a near-death experience and believes he has awoken in Hell. He initially perceives this Hell as being located within his own family and community, marked by moral corruption, environmental degradation, and general unhappiness masked by suburban contentment.

The novel explores themes of environmentalism, the corrupting influence of advertising, societal hypocrisy, and the search for personal redemption and genuine happiness. Harry's journey involves confronting his past, understanding his relationships, and ultimately seeking a more authentic and meaningful existence.

Bliss is known for its darkly comedic tone and satirical critique of modern society. It was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2008 and won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize in the Best Book Eurasia Region category in 2009. The novel has been adapted into a stage play and a film.