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The Wasp Factory

By Iain Banks
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks is a dark and unsettling tale centred around the life of sixteen-year-old Frank Cauldhame. Living on a remote Scottish island, Frank spends his time indulging in bizarre rituals and reflecting on his grim past. The novel delves into themes of identity, madness, and family secrets in a chilling narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2600
Elsewhere:
$2799
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you enjoy darkly imaginative and unsettling narratives, filled with eccentric characters and psychological intrigue. This novel may appeal to you if you appreciate a unique and thought-provoking exploration of identity and family secrets. Its blend of macabre themes and introspective storytelling provides a compelling and unforgettable reading experience.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Iain Banks' debut novel, The Wasp Factory, caused a storm of controversy when it was first published in 1984 and became an immediate classic

Iain Banks' momentous first novel, published in 1984 is being reissued with a new cover alongside other classic titles from the Abacus list in our 40th Anniversary year.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'Two years after I killed Blyth I murdered my young brother Paul, for quite different reasons than I'd disposed of Blyth, and then a year after that I did for my young cousin Esmerelda, more or less on a whim. That's my score to date. Three. I haven't killed anybody for years, and don't intend to ever again. It was just a stage I was going through.'

Enter - if you can bear it - the extraordinary private world of Frank, just sixteen, and unconventional, to say the least.

The Wasp Factory offers a chilling glimpse into Frank's mind, a character whose motives and actions challenge norms and push the boundaries of morality. Embrace the intrigue and uncover what drives this young protagonist's disturbing past.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Iain Banks' The Wasp Factory is met with acclaim for its originality, dark humour, and compelling storytelling, making it a remarkable debut novel. It balances gritty reality with surreal elements and surprises with astounding twists. Some reviews highlight its macabre and gothic qualities, while others praise its creative and often unsettling narrative, though the intense and bizarre content may not be for everyone.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349139180

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 June 2013

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 124.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 206g

Pages: 256

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Best Sellers at Book Hero Fiction General Fiction Iain Banks In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction New Zealand's Best Selling Books

About the Author

Iain Banks came to widespread and controversial public notice with the publication of his first novel, THE WASP FACTORY, in 1984. He has since gained enormous popular and critical acclaim for both his mainstream and his science fiction novels.

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