Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Under the Skin

Under the Skin
perryfran avatar reviewed on + 1195 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is definitely one of the strangest novels I have read in a long time. It tells the story of "Isserly" who picks up hitchhikers in the Scottish countryside and provides them for "processing" by her fellow beings. Isserley is an alien who was altered to look like a human with large breasts to attract beefy men who can be used as a food supply. The book is really a satire making points about humanity including its use of animals for food, animal cruelty, environmental concerns, and even women's rights. The book reminded me of another book I read a couple of years ago that has some similar themes: Meat. I would recommend both books if you are not easily shocked!

I know "Under the Skin" was recently made into a movie starring Scarlett Johansson. I'm curious to see how they were able to adapt this book into a film.