Under the Skin by Michel Faber

My best advice to a potential reader of this fascinating novel is not to read reviews beforehand, not even to read the back of the cover, because one of the strengths of the book is the sly way Faber gradually reveals his story in tiny clues. When the story begins, a female is driving the roads of Scotland, looking to pick up muscular male hitchhikers. Almost immediately, the reader has expectations about the direction the plot is taking, but then Faber lets slip a little detail that shifts the reader's expectations to a different path. But wait, a later small detail hints that something else, something really unexpected, is going on. Even by giving just this much information, I have probably said too much.

Just take my word for it: this is a book you should read. I hesitate to even place it in a genre category because that would also reveal too much. Let's just say it fits in more than one category and can be enjoyed on several levels. The second half is perhaps a bit weaker than the first half, but overall this is a darned good book.

I am much impressed with Michel Faber. After reading his 2014 novel, The Book of Strange New Things, I read the 2002 novel The Crimson Petal and the White, and now this one. All three are totally different, and all three are excellent. He has recently said in interviews that he will not write another novel. I hope he changes his mind.