Excellent, marred by narrator's accent attempts

I really enjoyed this book, but I came this close to giving up a few minutes in, as I found the attempt by the narrator to voice a Scottish accent, horrific. It was like Russ Abbot's 'see-you-jimmy' spoken by someone having a stroke. I actually had to fast forward past these parts so probably missed important plot-points.
Other than that, I found the story compelling and the narration was good when she wasn't trying to be Scottish. I would've liked more loose-ends to be tied up; it's one of those slightly unsatisfying endings I'm afraid.
Well worth a listen though if you can get past the accent attempt fails.

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A strangley touching and haunting story

What made the experience of listening to Under the Skin the most enjoyable?

The narrator is briliant, it's very well read and the listener is captivated immediately

What did you like best about this story?

The quirkyness of it. I only bought it because it was included in an offer and I put it in the order to make the numbers up! But so glad I did, i really enjoyed how the story unfolded and the unexpectedness of it.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The opening scenes are captivating, don't spoil it for yourself by doing any research on the Amazon books, or reading spoilers in reviews.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A spellbinding tale

Any additional comments?

It does seem to be one off this, i looked up other books from the author but couldn't find anything that would come close.

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Better than the film

Really loved the dark psychological book. The best book I've heard in along while, highly suggest for anyone wanting something a little different

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Just beautiful

Ignore the reviews that slate this. It is stark and desolate and very beautiful. Elegantly written, sparse, thought provoking and will stay with me for a long, long time. I recommend it with all my heart. It’s different and at times not an easy listen but it’s worth it. A total hidden gem. I will definitely buy the book and try the film too but I’m sure the film isn’t a itch on the book. The ending is perfect. Just perfect. I’m so glad I ignored the negative reviews and gave this a chance. One of the best books I have ever listened to or read. Just beautiful.

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Not sure what to make of this book

I bought this following a recommendation from a friend. I struggled to get into it from the beginning and found I had to keep putting it aside to listen to something else. I get the commentary the story is trying to convey but I struggled with the execution. I can't really explain what I mean by that without potentially giving something away about he plot. The story itself was an interesting one. I found the main character difficult to like though and that made it difficult to stick with. She became more likable as the story progressed though. I certainly wouldn't advise against reading/listening to this but equally I'm not sure I can recommend it either. I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea.

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15 people found this helpful

Ugly, poignant and beautiful

A story about an alien capturing men for obscure purposes. In Scotland. It is about how we treat women and misogyny, how we treat animals - the slaughter and torture we justify because of 'taste' - and other things besides.

I read it after seeing the remarkable Glazer film with Scarlet Johansson. It's an interesting comparison and certainly its own beast so don't think the experience of one exhausts the other. They can have an enriching interplay.

There is ugliness here, in the attitudes of some of the men, for example, but there is beauty here too, along with a good measure of poignancy in the final analysis. Highly recommended.

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A thousand times yes

Extraordinary writing. Very dark, often very funny. Superb narration. Also raises many questions about humanity, empathy and much more. Highly recommended.

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Strange book very different from film

Enjoyed the book but the narrator's Scottish accents weren't great and could be off putting.

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Thoughtfully done

Gently teasing out the storyline and our preconceptions at the same time; I appreciated more than enjoyed this story. Haven't seen the film but can imagine it would work well as a low-key indie flick.

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A nerve grating insignificant little book

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not time well spent at all. I put up with the awful narration because I wanted to find out where the story was going. All that effort(and it was an effort) to learn that the true meaning of the book had no point, no ending and in fact nothing other than gruesome horror for the sake of it. Big disappointment after all the hype. I certainly won't be watching the film.

What was most disappointing about Michel Faber’s story?

The fact that the whole plot was shallow and pointless contests strongly against the most awful attempt at a Scottish accent I have ever heard in my life. It is an insult to our lovely country and I feel quiet offended that Gerri Halligan seems to think we are all ginger wearing wigs with tartan tammies and an IQ of zero, who go around shouting "See yoo Jimmae". I could go on, but suffice to say that this narrator, who read well enough for the other parts of the story, needs to get down on her knees and beg for forgiveness. She should be ashamed to call herself a narrator.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Gerri Halligan?

Anyone who can do a Scottish accent. My three year old grandaughter could have done it better.

Was Under the Skin worth the listening time?

No. It was a complete waste of time. The story was macarbe just for the sake of it. I didn't engage with the protagonist or indeed any other character. I couldn't care less what happened to them. The teeth grinding attempt at the Scottish accent...rather like chalk on a blackboard together with one dimensional characters and a weak story line made this book sheer agony from beginning to end.

Any additional comments?

The only plus I can add is my intrigue at finding out what was going on. This is what kept me going and Faber does do intrigue well. However, he doesn't follow it up at the final delivery. A very disappointing and pointless book.

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