"Girlfriend in a Coma" is a novel by Douglas Coupland that explores the lives of a group of friends in the 1990s whose lives are dramatically affected by the mysterious coma of one of their members, a girl named Karen. As her condition persists, the narrative delves into themes of love, loss, and the impact of societal changes on personal relationships. The friends grapple with their own individual struggles as they wait for Karen to awaken, each dealing with the weight of unfulfilled dreams and the passage of time.
The story provides a unique blend of realism and surrealism, reflecting the anxieties of a generation on the brink of the new millennium. Coupland creates a vivid portrayal of the youth culture of the time, characterized by economic uncertainty and existential angst. The characters' interactions and the unfolding of their lives against the backdrop of Karen's coma serve as a poignant commentary on the nature of connection and the prevailing sense of disillusionment faced by many.