The Inner Circle

by T.C. Boyle
The Inner Circle cover
Good Books rating 3.83
Historical Fiction
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 10165
  • Added: 2026-01-16
  • Updated: 2026-01-16
  • ISBN: 9781101573815
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2005-08-30
  • Reviews: 3

In 1940, John Milk, a naive young man, takes a job as an assistant to the charismatic Dr. Alfred Kinsey, a zoology professor turned pioneer in the study of human sexuality. As a member of Kinsey's inner circle, John and his wife become entangled in increasingly provocative sexual experiments that strain their marriage. The novel explores themes of sex, marriage, jealousy, and infidelity, set against the backdrop of Kinsey's controversial research and personal life. /n/n The Inner Circle is a compelling blend of historical fiction and personal drama, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of science and human nature. Through John's journey, the novel delves into the complexities of relationships and the ethical boundaries of scientific exploration.

Reviews
Eric Lanke's Blog · Eric Lanke · 2012-11-17
mixed 3.00

The reviewer finds this to be their least favorite novel by the author, though still enjoyable. It differs from the author's other works.

Eric Lanke shares their mixed feelings about The Inner Circle, noting it's not their favorite novel by the author. They acknowledge it's still a great read but feels different from the author's other works. Lanke appreciates the unique aspects of the novel, even if it doesn't quite match up to their expectations based on the author's previous works. They find it enjoyable but not as compelling as some of the author's other novels.

Quick quotes

    I think this is my least favorite Boyle novel so far.

    It's still a great read

    It's a different kind of novel than all the other Boyle

The Independent · 2005-02-18
impressive 4.50

The novel is praised for its pace, verve, and insightful construction. It delivers a critical verdict on mechanistic views.

This review highlights the novel's fast-paced narrative and insightful construction, which the reviewer finds impressive. They commend the author for delivering a critical perspective on mechanistic views, making the novel a thought-provoking read. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to blend historical detail with a compelling narrative, creating a rich and engaging story.

Quick quotes

    Boyle writes with pace, verve and breathtaking insight.

    The novel is a marvel of construction

    Delivers a damning verdict on mechanistic

The Guardian · 2005-02-12
superior 4.00

The novel is compared to another work by the same author, with a focus on its themes of sex and obsession. The reviewer finds it vastly superior to the other work.

This review positions The Inner Circle as a companion piece to another novel by Tom Wolfe, highlighting its exploration of sex and obsession. The reviewer praises The Inner Circle for its depth and complexity, suggesting it stands out as a more compelling read. They appreciate the author's ability to delve into the subject matter with a critical eye, making it a standout piece in his body of work.

Quick quotes

    The Inner Circle can be seen as a companion piece to Tom Wolfe's vastly inferior novel, I Am Charlotte Simmons.

    Both take on the sex obsession

    The Inner Circle stands out as a more compelling read.

Appears in Lists