A review by darcey_reads
The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks

challenging dark tense medium-paced

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

4.5

Frankenstein is a major intertext for this novel, and as someone who loves Frankenstein, I loved the way this book raises similar questions and shares many of the themes. I know many people do not like the animal abuse which is present in this book (not my favourite thing to read about either) and say that it is unnecessary and did not need to be included, but I disagree. I mean without it half the book - and half the point of the book - is missing. To me, the animal cruelty is not pointless and included just for the sake of it/to add shock value as I’ve seen suggested in some reviews, but it is included for a reason and does have a purpose. While I did not particularly enjoy reading those parts of the book, I think they are important to the story and overall message being portrayed. That being said, while I think this is a great book, I know that some people will not be able to enjoy it due to the animal cruelty, so if you know that is something you cannot read in a book then I’d avoid this one.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty