Helpful Score: 3
I read this because it is on the 1,001...list. It is a very bizarre tale, somewhere between "Psycho" and "Animal Farm". It is disturbing and a bit confusing in the beginning, but cleverly woven to redefine your definition of human. I would not put it on my 1001 list, but it is a unique book.
Helpful Score: 3
This is one of the strangest books I've read in a long time...yet quite unforgetable, too.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is in line with any of Grimm's stories with a little bit of Orwell's Animal Farm. Once you start reading this book and realize what is happening (because the author perposefully keeps you in the dark in the beginning) you will be stunned. I read this book maybe 5 years ago and still cannot forget it nor how it has changed my thinking. I cannot offer anymore without spoiling the surprise...
Helpful Score: 1
This is definitely one of the strangest novels I have read in a long time. It tells the story of "Isserly" who picks up hitchhikers in the Scottish countryside and provides them for "processing" by her fellow beings. Isserley is an alien who was altered to look like a human with large breasts to attract beefy men who can be used as a food supply. The book is really a satire making points about humanity including its use of animals for food, animal cruelty, environmental concerns, and even women's rights. The book reminded me of another book I read a couple of years ago that has some similar themes: Meat. I would recommend both books if you are not easily shocked!
I know "Under the Skin" was recently made into a movie starring Scarlett Johansson. I'm curious to see how they were able to adapt this book into a film.
I know "Under the Skin" was recently made into a movie starring Scarlett Johansson. I'm curious to see how they were able to adapt this book into a film.
Helpful Score: 1
i LOVED this book ... it's definitely NOT for everyone ... reviewers on book kept saying it was a mix between Animal Farm, Twilight Zone, Stephen King books, etc. i couldn't figure that out until i read it -- boy were they right! amazing... if you like Animal Farm and/or like psychological horrors (that's maybe too strong a word), you should like this one.
Helpful Score: 1
This was an intriguing read, that was definitely different from most books. Though it seemed as though many details were omitted, I don't know that the book would really work any other way without detracting from the growing excitement and curiosity as the reader delves deeper and deeper into the story.
If a reader doesn't like to be left with questions at the end of a book, this would not be the book for them. But, if after finishing a novel, a reader enjoys introspection, this is more their speed of book. I wouldn't recommend this to just any reader, though I did enjoy it quite a bit.
If a reader doesn't like to be left with questions at the end of a book, this would not be the book for them. But, if after finishing a novel, a reader enjoys introspection, this is more their speed of book. I wouldn't recommend this to just any reader, though I did enjoy it quite a bit.
Helpful Score: 1
One of my favorite books.
Warning - This could be disturbing for some people.
This is a book that I will never forget.
If you are looking for something different (still easy/quick reading) with a plot - read this.
Warning - This could be disturbing for some people.
This is a book that I will never forget.
If you are looking for something different (still easy/quick reading) with a plot - read this.
Faber's "Crimson Petal and the White" was a wonderful book. Unfortunately, this - his first novel - is just plain awful. 300+ pages and a third of the way through you still have no idea what is going on. I ended up skimming through just to find out what the big "secret" was and then stopped reading. I suppose the only reason to read this book is to see how he was able to progress as a writer. Even fans of tv's "The Twilight Zone" wouldn't like this one.
Odd, disturbing...not a keeper for me but definitely worth a read.
This is an excellent science fiction story. I could not put it down. Completely different than Crimson Petal.
