A review by elifre
Under the Skin by Michel Faber

3.0

It's always uncannily entertaining to see humanity and all its inventions defamiliarized to such an extent so we can realize how absolutely absurd the things we love, hate, create, and perpetuate are. I think depending on my vibe, I could have had a choice to lean more into existential despair or the beauty of life, even if it's fleeting among the suffering--but I think the book does a good job of juggling both. I do feel that perhaps this book tries to make too many statements about too many things (classism, animal welfare, sexism, beauty, etc.) overall dulling the impact. Where it shines strongest is when it tangles mainly with what makes us human and the burdens and joys of being conscious and alive.