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Under The Skin

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Under The Skin

By: Michel Faber
Narrated by: Gerri Halligan
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Isserley spends most of her time driving. But why is she so interested in picking up hitchhikers? And why are they always male, well-built and alone? An utterly unpredictable and macabre mystery, Michel Faber's debut novel is an outstanding piece of fiction that will stay with you long after you have finished listening.©2000 Michel Faber Science Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Scary
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Critic reviews

Profound and disturbing . . . Faber writes superbly.
All stars
Most relevant

Would you listen to Under the Skin again? Why?

yes

Who was your favorite character and why?

the main character issaley is very complex

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

the story makes you think, it is a strange tale

wow

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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.

Excellent, marred by narrator's accent attempts

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This is one of those times I wish I just read the book instead of listening to it. The narrator's attempts at various Scottish accents just took me out of it completely at times. Not that I can do much better, but that's why I'm not being paid to narrate this book! I'm not sure even Charlie Hunnam would've done a less convincing job. Just give the job to a Scottish narrator, seems like a simple choice to me.

The story is good, which makes the narration all the more disappointing. Having seen the film, I was surprised by how little they used from the book really. It's more conceptually based on the book than anything else.

I'm glad I pushed through to the end, but I wouldn't revisit this, purely due to the bad Scottish accents.

An odd struggle

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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.

Just beautiful

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Loved it. I thought her accent was good even when doing the Scottish accent. Very clever story.

Fantastic.

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