Under the Skin

Many readers are understandably wary of debut novels: how is one to ensure that time is not being wasted on an unexciting tyro effort? Those who have been lucky enough to encounter Faber's first collection Some Rain Must Fall will be happily predisposed to tackle his first novel - and they will be doing themselves a considerable favour. All the insight and depth of psychological understanding that distinguished his earlier book has been developed into a rich and compelling novel. His female protagonist, Isserley, seems to possess an obsession with picking up male hitchhikers. Her predilection runs to those who are muscular and on their own. As the remarkable narrative unfolds, any reasons for her behaviour that the reader may have discerned are confounded: Faber has some striking revelations in store. As before, the dialogue has a salty authenticity that makes it a rare pleasure to read, and the characterization is both assured and involving: particularly that of the strange anti-heroine. Another plus factor is the fact that the book reads unlike any other the reader may have encountered. There will be many people awaiting Faber's second novel with some keen anticipation. (Kirkus UK)