Geek Love

by Katherine Dunn
Geek Love cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Literary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7579
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780349141107
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2014-12-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Geek Love is a National Book Award Finalist that delves into the extraordinary lives of the Binewskis, a circus-geek family who have created their own exhibit of human oddities through unorthodox means. Their offspring, including Arturo the Aquaboy, Siamese twins Iphy and Elly, albino hunchback Oly, and the enigmatic Chick, navigate a world that both reviles and adores them. The novel explores themes of beauty, ugliness, holiness, and obscenity, ultimately redefining family values and societal perceptions. Praise for Geek Love has been effusive, with comparisons to the likes of Flannery O'Connor and Terry Gilliam highlighting its unique and captivating narrative. The story's sulfurous light shines on the complexities of human nature, making it a compelling read that challenges readers' notions of the freakish and the normal.

Reviews
Amazon · Various · 2025-12-16
great 4.20

Customers find this book fascinating and highly original, praising its brilliant writing and emotional rollercoaster narrative. The story is described as strange and unsettling, yet deeply engaging.

Amazon customers describe 'Geek Love' as a fascinating and highly original novel. The review highlights the book's brilliant writing and emotional rollercoaster narrative, which keeps readers deeply engaged. The story's strange and unsettling themes are noted as standout features, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read. The reviewer emphasizes that the novel's complex characters and dark humor add to its overall appeal.

Quick quotes

    Customers find this book fascinating and highly original.

    The story is described as a strange and unsettling rollercoaster.

    The novel's complex characters and dark humor add to its overall appeal.

Goodreads · Various · 2025-12-16
intriguing 4.00

This novel is repugnant and disgusting, yet it is also captivating and compelling. The narrative's unique perspective and dark themes make it a standout piece of literary horror.

Goodreads reviewers describe 'Geek Love' as a book that is both repulsive and fascinating. The story, narrated by a bald, hunchbacked albino dwarf, delves into themes of family, identity, and exploitation in a way that is both disturbing and captivating. Many readers found the book to be a rollercoaster of emotions, with its grotesque yet poetic portrayal of the Binewski family. The novel's dark humor and deep philosophical undertones make it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    This novel is repugnant, disgusting, and baffling. I loved it.

    The story is both horrifying and deeply moving.

    The characters are complex and unforgettable.

Literary Quicksand · Various · 2016-02-10
brilliant 4.50

This novel is a masterful work of literary horror. The story follows the Binewski family, a clan of carnival folk and self-described 'freaks,' and explores themes of love, identity, and exploitation.

Literary Quicksand praises 'Geek Love' as a masterful work of literary horror. The review highlights the novel's exploration of the Binewski family, a group of carnival performers who are both revered and exploited. The story's dark themes and complex characters make it a compelling and thought-provoking read. The reviewer notes that the book's poetic and philosophical elements add depth to its grotesque and disturbing narrative.

Quick quotes

    This novel is a masterful work of literary horror.

    The story follows the Binewski family, a clan of carnival folk and self-described 'freaks.'

    The novel's poetic and philosophical elements add depth to its grotesque and disturbing narrative.

Appears in Lists