The Wasp Factory?

Question

To read or not to read?I have heard it is pretty disturbing? :S

Answer 1

It's very strange but definately worth the read. It's turned into a bit of a Cult classic and was recommended to me whilst on a creative writing course - most of the people there seemed to have already read it which just underlines its popularity. Give it a go, you'll either love it or hate it.

Answer 2

Your choice. But although many people enjoyed it, I wouldn't recommend. Iain Banks never struck me as a top class writer. His use of language is excellent but I've read a few of his books, and in pretty much all of them his narrative is aimless, and the plot really doesn't go anywhere. I wouldn't call it 'disturbing,' although it has its less savoury moments. Some people called it a twist, but I thought the ending of 'The Wasp Factory' was arguably the most preposterous I've ever read. I got the same sense after finishing it that I got from 'The Business' and 'The Bridge' - a sense that the story served no purpose, and that Banks had no clear objective in mind when he wrote it.
I read it for the same reason you're considering it - I had loads of people tell me how great it was, and that I had to read it or I'd regret it forever. Maybe I'm missing something here, but I could never understand what they were all getting so excited about.

Answer 3

Most of Banks' books have at least one scene which is pretty disgusting, and The Wasp Factory's is more disgusting than most. But the rest of the book isn't really disturbing, although it is pretty bizarre. If you haven't tried Banks yet, I would recommend it.

Answer 4

It's a brilliant book. If you aren't willing to read anything that disturbs you at all then you will be left reading a whole lot of bland books which don't make you think...

Answer 5

It is disturbing but it hasn't given me any nightmares! Above all its a good read, so have a go. Like any book give it 100 pages and if you don't like it stop.

Answer 6

Its a fantastic book, I would definitely recommend it. It's not disturbing just very dark and I found it quite funny in parts. Besides - you should be able to make up your own mind on these things - start it and if you don't like it put it down.

Answer 7

i think you'll find most people who read it do so because its supposed to be disturbing, but they are usually dissapointed because these sorts of people have already read much more disturbing books.

i didnt find it very exciting of disturbing and gave up on it because it wasnt that gripping and seemed drawn out. i dont remember it that well but i , like^, chose it because it was supposed to be disturbing and just found it irritating to read. if you want to read disturbing books you probably wont find anything to satisfy you.

Answer 8

Not disturbing - its the first novel by Banks and its pretty good. Not wonderful or over literary, but a good concept and story - albeit a bit wooden in parts. Read it for yourself and make your own opinon!

Answer 9

I read it about 10 years ago. It's worth reading, but be warned - it is disturbing!

Answer 10

It is a very engaging story, with a twist. But I don't think I should say more.
Read it .....as Iain Banks style is worth reading the book for alone!