A review by my_expanding_bookshelf
The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks

challenging dark slow-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

3.5

 The Wasp Factory is probably one of the most disturbing books I have ever read and I couldn't stop reading it. It is about 16-year-old Frank, his creepy ways that he passes the time, and how he deals with the news that his brother has escaped from hospital. 

This book is very much a horror book, with graphic depictions of animal killing and murder. It is both complex and simple. I felt I had to concentrate to understand what was going on half the time, but the actual writing is easy to read.

The story is told from the POV of Frank, who is quite frankly a psychopath and absolutely terrifying. A very unlikeable person. Actually, there wasn't one likable character in the whole book! Frank's brother, Eric, is also a psychopath (I have slightly more sympathy given his story though). And his father is physically there, but he doesn't really pay much attention to Frank or what he's getting up to. He should have sought out help from Frank and Eric a long time ago. 

The Wasp Factory is set in a fictional town on the east coast of Scotland. But to be honest, apart from the odd Scottish dialogue, it didn't feel like it was set in Scotland at all. And I'm Scottish and from the east coast!

The plot did keep he hooked as I wanted to know what horrific thing Frank would do next and he was so unpredictable. Although he did drop hints. And there were plenty of twists to the story too. But I also felt the ending could have been tied up a bit more and felt it was very loose.

Iain Banks was a brilliant write though, so I think I'll definitely seek out more by him. I didn't necessarily enjoy The Wasp Factory, but I can appreciate it as being very well written. I'd recommend it to anyone with a strong stomach who doesn't mind being utterly horrified by what they are reading. 
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