Under The Skin

by Michel Faber
Under The Skin cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
Technical:
  • ID: 1918
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780156011600
  • Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
  • Published: 2001-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Isserley, a woman with an enigmatic presence and an unusual physique, roams the Scottish Highlands, picking up hitchhikers. Her true nature is far from human, and those who trust her learn this to their horror. The novel explores themes of identity, deception, and the grotesque, wrapped in a chilling narrative that blurs the lines between human and alien. /n/n Written in a style that is both unsettling and thought-provoking, 'Under the Skin' delves into the darker aspects of existence and the consequences of otherness. The book's atmospheric setting and psychological depth make it a standout in speculative fiction.

Reviews
Space and Sorcery · 2017-06-02
thought-provoking 4.50

The story is praised for its depth and lasting impact, going beyond mere alien horror and staying with the reader long after finishing.

The reviewer emphasizes that this book is not just about surface-level horror but delves deep into themes that linger in the reader's mind. They appreciate how the story transcends the typical alien horror genre, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. The reviewer finds the book's exploration of deeper issues to be particularly compelling.

Quick quotes

    Under the Skin is a story that goes well beyond the outward appearance of alien horror.

    The kind of book that stays with you long after you have finished.

    It delves deep into themes that linger in the reader's mind.

A Little Blog of Books · 2013-08-24
unique 3.50

The writing is noted for its humor despite the dark subject matter, and while it's a thriller, it's not particularly fast-paced.

The reviewer points out the contrasting elements of humor in the writing despite the serious and dark subject matter. They note that while the book is a thriller, it doesn't follow the typical fast-paced style of the genre. This makes for a unique reading experience that balances wit with intensity. The reviewer appreciates this blend, finding it refreshing and engaging.

Quick quotes

    The writing is often quite humorous yet the subject matter is not funny at all.

    It's a thriller but not particularly fast-paced.

    This makes it a unique reading experience that balances wit with intensity.

The Guardian · 2000-04-01
intriguing 4.00

The novel is described as a sly and fabulist addition to Scottish literature, adding spice to the literary renaissance. It is noted for its unique and unsettling narrative.

This reviewer highlights the novel's unique and sly fabulist style, which they believe adds a special flavor to Scottish literature. They emphasize how the book stands out with its unsettling and thought-provoking narrative. The reviewer appreciates the cleverness and originality of the story, making it a notable contribution to the literary scene.

Quick quotes

    A sly fabulist way up there in the heather invented by Edinburgh's smart-alec hypesters to add spice to the Scottish literary renaissance.

    The book is noted for its unique and unsettling narrative.

    It stands out with its clever and original storytelling.

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