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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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About this listen

An incredibly powerful and unsettling thriller, here is the audio edition of Michel Faber’s debut novel, read by Gerri Halligan.

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 is an outstanding piece of fiction that will stay with you long after you have finished listening.

©2012 Michel Faber (P)2012 Canongate Books Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Scary

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All stars
Most relevant  
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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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.

A strangley touching and haunting story

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

Better than the film

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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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Is there anything you would change about this book?

The blurb is misleading. Does not explain the story at all and must attract the wrong reader/listener.

Would you ever listen to anything by Michel Faber again?

No. He seems to be obsessed with sexual references which get childish and boring quickly. The story literally just went over the same thing again and again, Isserley going out and picking up hitch hikers. Boring.

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

Someone that can actually do Scottish accents. She was completely incomprehensible at times. I found it to be almost unbearable listening sometimes and only finished out of stubbornness.

Could you see Under the Skin being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

I wouldn't watch it so I wouldn't care.

Any additional comments?

I wish you could return books on audible.

Was recommended this. Would not recommend!

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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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I love this book but the narrator is atrocious at Scottish accents. Why pick someone who can’t do a Scottish accent in a book set in Scotland??

The worst accents I’ve ever heard

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liked the story , accents we're awful but the general narration was ok .
overall worth a listen but probably wouldn't bother listening to a sequel if there's one .v

Different

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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.

Not sure what to make of this book

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