Under The Skin -
Michel Faber

From the first pages this novel by Michael Faber is contradictory. We are introduced to Isserley who likes to pick up male hunky hitchhikers. We would think this sets the tone, but no, there follows some beautifully descriptive writing of the Highlands of Scotland that even manages to make the A9 seem mysterious and wonderful.

Little by little we come to realise that not only is Isserley not what she seemed, but her reason for picking up hitchhikers is horribly weird. The book is fantastic in both senses and the reader is drawn into this strange world so gradually that is it impossible to draw back, stop reading or not have to know how this ends.

There was a point towards the end of the book where I felt that perhaps the authorial voice came over a little too strongly in terms of making a moral judgement, but this in no way spoiled my enjoyment, and the inevitable ending is beautifully written.

I loved this book - it is so original and thought provoking, and Faber's style of writing is dry, sometimes humorous, sometimes moving and totally enthralling.