Reviews

Dark and unsettling but with extremely beautiful prose. I loved how Tarrare’s desperation in the face of hunger was described. I found out after reading this that it’s an adaptation of a true story so now I’m even more intrigued.

My only complaint is that I feel like the book could have been shorter while still accomplishing what it set to do, as the detailed descriptions of the character’s atrocities start to wear down on you after a while. I was still impressed by how much sorrow this made me feel for such a horrible main character.

stefanyreadingbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

deangilbarry's review against another edition

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challenging dark funny tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

j___sayer's review against another edition

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dark

1.5

Gross revolting descriptions and premise that doesn’t develop in a way I found interesting

avaleben's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was a poetic journey I was not expecting. I’ve never felt so much pity for a protagonist or so much wonder at an author’s descriptive ability. This book felt like a vivid nightmare of loss and regret, but laced prettily throughout with language that evokes an ethereal, detached quality. Just when the ache is at its highest, the salve of sweet scenery description and trailing anecdotes from mundane characters softens the sorrow, cultivating curiosity and reinstating hope for the good of the world and of the people in it.

cannibalmukbang's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

emmaturningpages's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Dark and unsettling, yet completely compelling. The Glutton is a work of fiction based on an 18th century story of a man with an appetite that knows no bounds.

With a truly insatiable appetite, Tarrare is seen as a monster, a spectacle, a beast. There are rumours that he’s eaten rats, cats, and even a child…

At its heart, this is an underdog story. It’s a coming-of-age tale where the protagonist is desperate to find his place in the world. Blakemore manipulates language to amalgamate feelings of disgust, intrigue and compassion all within the space of a few paragraphs. I loved the juxtaposition between Tarrare’s formidable reputation and the reality of his vulnerability.

tigercarnival's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-paced

5.0

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