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Book Reviews of The Radleys: A Novel

The Radleys: A Novel
The Radleys A Novel
Author: Matt Haig
ISBN-13: 9781451610338
ISBN-10: 1451610335
Publication Date: 9/20/2011
Pages: 384
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 14

3.5 stars, based on 14 ratings
Publisher: Free Press
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

donkeycheese avatar reviewed The Radleys: A Novel on + 1255 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I've read alot of vampire novels...really. I thought I had read it all, but apparently not. The Radleys is a vampire novel unlike any I have read. It's satirical, yet relative to different phases of a normal average everyday human.

The Radleys, Peter and Helen and their two teenagers, Rowan and Clara appear to be human. They live in a regular neighborhood and the only thing that looks "off" is the fact that Rowan's bedroom light is usually on all night and there are no animals of any sort near the house. Peter is a general doctor and Helen spends her days with her book clubs and painting. The teens go to school just like any normal teenagers.

What's different about the Radley's though, is the fact that they are vampires and they abstain from drinking blood. Peter is going through a mid-life crisis, Helen can't get through the day without her Ibuprofen, Clara thinks herself a vegan and Rowan spends his time reading classic poetry. But when Clara thirsts for more than soy milk at a party and eats someone, all bets are off.

The Radleys call in an uncle, Uncle Will, who can use his knack to lure the police away from Clara. But Uncle Will drinks blood, from the source and from the bottle. He does not abstain and the teenagers find it calling to them. But will they abstain like their parents have raised them or will the pressure get to them?

Amusing, entertaining, and refreshing, you will either love or hate The Radleys. Several issues are touched upon as well as between every chapter, a verse from the Abstainer's handbook, which I found pretty delightful. Somewhat predictable, yet again, told from a unique perspective not seen on the general market. I thoroughly enjoyed myself!