The Wasp Factory

by Iain Banks
The Wasp Factory cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Psychological Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99 Hardback • £16.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 7702
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780684853154
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 1998-09-10
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Wasp Factory is a controversial and powerful novel that delves into the mind of a serial killer. Told in the first-person, the narrative offers a graphic and unsettling portrait of its protagonist, who recounts his dark past with disturbing candor. The novel's intense and perverse exploration of the human psyche has sparked controversy and debate, making it a compelling read for those who dare to venture into its dark world. /n/n The book's unique narrative style and the protagonist's twisted logic create a sense of unease and suspense that lingers long after the final page. It's a story that challenges readers to confront their own perceptions of good and evil, and the fine line that separates them. The Wasp Factory is not for the faint-hearted, but for those who seek a truly engrossing and thought-provoking reading experience.

Reviews
The Quill Guy · 2025-12-16
dark 4.20

The tale is deliciously dark and suitably disturbing, with a very British execution. It's a unique and unsettling read.

This is a deliciously dark tale that is both disturbing and uniquely British. The execution of the story is what makes it stand out, with a tone that is both unsettling and captivating. It's a book that will appeal to those who enjoy dark fiction and are looking for something a bit different. The British setting and sensibilities add a layer of authenticity that enhances the overall reading experience.

Quick quotes

    The Wasp Factory is a deliciously dark tale, suitably disturbing and entirely insular in its execution.

    It is very British.

    A unique and unsettling read.

What Are You Reading For · 2017-07-26
engaging 4.50

The novel is beautifully written with a pitch-black humour that lightens its darker moments. It's a compelling read that balances horror and dark comedy effectively.

This novel is a masterclass in blending horror and dark comedy. The writing is so vivid and engaging that it keeps you hooked despite the disturbing content. The pitch-black humour is what makes it stand out, providing moments of levity that prevent the story from becoming too overwhelming. It's a book that will stick with you long after you've finished reading, thanks to its unique tone and unforgettable characters.

Quick quotes

    As with all Banks' novels it is beautifully written, and shot through with a pitch-black humour that stops the novel's darker moments from.

    A compelling read that balances horror and dark comedy effectively.

    It's a book that will stick with you long after you've finished reading, thanks to its unique tone and unforgettable characters.

Triumph of the Now · 2014-12-22
haunting 4.00

The book is haunting with remorseless violence and memorable characters. It's a deeply unsettling read that leaves a lasting impression.

This book is truly haunting, filled with scenes of violence that are hard to forget. The characters are expansive and memorable, adding depth to the story. The images and scenes described are so vivid that they stay with you long after you've put the book down. It's a deeply unsettling read, but one that is impossible to put down due to its compelling narrative and well-crafted characters.

Quick quotes

    The Wasp Factory itself is a haunting book, full of remorseless violence, expansive and memorable characters.

    Images that struck me hard in the darkest places of my mind.

    A deeply unsettling read that leaves a lasting impression.

Appears in Lists