The Wasp Factory: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Probably the best first novel by any author
Review: Iain Banks must have a twisted devious mind to come up with a story line like this. Once picked up it is virtually impossible to put down, the hallmark of a great author. His later books both conventional, if anything by him could be described as conventional and in the Science Fiction genre bear out the talent shown and any book by Iain Banks or Iain M. Banks, is never less than fascinating and rewarding. Buy them all! I have.

Rating:
Summary: grusome but brilliantly written
Review: My first Banks novel (instead of SciFi book) and I was very impressed. His writing shows a dark, macho side not always revealed in his other works and the descriptive writing left nothing to the imagination. Despite all this (!) a terrific read!!

Rating:
Summary: A definate 'macho' book
Review: Having been told to read this book over the holidays, I thought I was in for a real treat. Well I was and I wasn't. I must say if it's vivid and quite cruel and gruesome events that you like, then this is the book for you. Some parts of this book were great to read, and I especially liked the twist of the story at the end. However, the sickening images that were portrayed through this book I really did not like. The author definitely shocks the reader, but even with all this, there was something that made me read on.

Rating:
Summary: Wierdbutwhynot
Review: Bought and read the book years back after Radio 4 interviewed Banks; never heard of an author with such an everyday way of expressing such bizarre thoughts. Captivated by his imagination. What a storyteller. The novel doesn't keep up the quality all through - but who cares; reading the Wasp Factory is an out of the ordinary experience throughout. So now I buy all his books - ditch about one third, read a third, and rate the remainder as highly as the Wasp Factory - not a bad hit rate. ps Also recommend "Against a Dark Background" and suggest investigate reference to the Speckle Bug.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, dark surprise!
Review: The Wasp Factory is a brilliant, imaginitive piece of modern writing. I was as amused by Frank's bizarre methods of disposal as I was horrified by them.Iain Banks has created a psychopathic Holden Caulfield.

Rating:
Summary: Phenominal Up To the Ending
Review: Banks's "The Wasp Factory" offers an intriguing look into the mind of the marginally deranged. He spins an intricate, envelopping story which has you clinging to his every word. Although Banks reaches out on a limb with a disappointing ending, he does a phenominal job of creating the world his characters live in. Despite the shortcomings of Banks's finale, "The Wasp Factory" stays with you long after you put it down.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!
Review: This was the first of Bank's books that I have read and I judge all books in comparison the the Wasp Factory. Great story, excellent writing, Banks keeps you on the edge of your seat to the very last page! In a word: Awesome!

Rating:
Summary: Amazing and excruciatingly funny
Review: I read The Wasp Factory about two months after it was first published. I loved it as I read it, and was constantly struck by the giggles throughout. The epic battle at the Hunting Grounds and Frank's telephone conversations with his homeward-bound brother were audacious and some of the funniest stuff I'd ever read. Notwithstanding my sick sense of humour, this novel with it's ultimately satisfying conclusion explores issues about gender and socialization, but does so without hitting you over the head with a sledgehammer. May also make you think twice about home schooling! Needless to say, I've snapped up every book written by this imaginative and truly entertaining writer since - every one has been just as satisfying in its own way and has made me eagerly anticipate the next.

Rating:
Summary: Inspired
Review: That person who wrote that the twist at the end was "patronising" and a call-out or whatever, fool fool fool!! The book's full of irony concerning the twist and obviously planned intricately beforehand and ultimately: if finding out that the main character who you think is a bloke turns out to be a girl is not shocking then you must be the most inert piece of rock on the planet. Including all that granite .. stuff.

Rating:
Summary: In one word: WOW!
Review: One of the best gothic horror books I have ever read! It is the gloomy story of the highly disturbed Frank Cauldhame, and the mood of the book simply absorbs you completely. It is humourous, bizarre and scary, and is one of the best damned books I've read in MY life!