Mysterious Skin

By Scott Heim

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Average Rating: (See all reviews) Format: Paperback, 304 pages, Film tie-in edition Edition Published In: United States, 12 October 2005 Other Editions: Paperback, USA $28.95 View Ships within 6-11 days At the age of eight Brian Lackey is found bleeding under the crawl space of his house, having endured something so traumatic that he cannot remember an entire five-hour period of time. During the following years he slowly recalls details from that night, but these fragments are not enough to explain what happened to him, and he begins to believe that he may have been the victim of an alien encounter. Neil McCormick is fully aware of the events from that summer of 1981. Wise beyond his years, curious about his developing sexuality, Neil found what he perceived to be love and guidance from his baseball coach. Now, ten years later, he is a teenage hustler, a terrorist of sorts, unaware of the dangerous path his life is taking. His recklessness is governed by idealized memories of his coach, memories that unexpectedly change when Brian comes to Neil for help and, ultimately, the truth. Publisher: HarperCollins ISBN: 0060841699 EAN: 9780060841690 Dimensions: 20.0 x 135.0 x 1.0 centimeters

Accurately reviewing this book is incredibly difficult. It is incredibly well written and one of the most challenging books I have ever read. As such, I feel to give it anything less than 5 stars would be unfair to the author. That being said, this book is in no way enjoyable. The theme of child abuse is constant through out the book, and it also explores the after effects of this abuse in the lives of the children involved. As such, it is a traumatic read and it took me quite a while to finish the book.

As mentioned, it is challenging. Heim in no way supports or excuses child abuse, but the story is written from the perspective of the children involved so in some cases the relationship between the child and the abuser is almost a romance. There are parts of the book which would have been sweet and romantic and sensual had the characters both been adults, but as they are not, you come crashing back down to the realisation that you are reading about child abuse and it again becomes horrifying.

A brilliant and challenging book, but as explained, not enjoyable. You put it down a huge range of contradictory emotions. An intense read, for sure. A big warning, though, to those who may not handle the subject material well - this may not be the book for you.