**Highland Porn**

In the desolate expanse near the Moray Firth, a disturbing tale unfolds. It's a place where the dark and twisted merge, as if "Lord of the Flies" and "American Psycho" have collided.

Frank, a teenage boy with no official trace of his existence, resides with his father in a secluded cottage in the dune land. His days are filled with the macabre acts of killing birds and small animals, and on occasion, even people. But his true passion lies in bomb-making, at which he shows remarkable skill.

Frank's half-brother Eric is on the run from a psych-ward. During his escape, he engages in even more heinous acts, killing and eating dogs. Frank, despite his own warped nature, deems Eric as completely insane. Their father, Angus, lives in a bygone era of sixties hippiedom, with a basement filled with decaying and highly dangerous Army surplus cordite. Meanwhile, their biker-mother, Agnes, has been missing for years.

Frank is a narcissist, yet refreshingly honest about it. He openly admits that his actions are all about boosting his ego, restoring his pride, and giving himself pleasure, rather than any noble cause. He is also superstitious, much like an athlete or a soldier who believes in certain rituals for success and survival. He has an exceptional awareness of his physical and mental states. However, an initially undisclosed handicap makes it difficult for him to form friendships, except with those who are equally deformed.

The wasp factory, a strange combination of Tarot and Ouija, provides advice in a manner that would befit Poe or Lovecraft. Frank turns to it to find the best way to defend himself from Eric. In this dysfunctional family, tensions run deep, and the way they are resolved is far from conventional, bordering on what could be described as conventional ghoul-porn.

There is nothing edifying in this story, folks. So, move along briskly. It'll be three hours or so before I can get back.

Reading vlog: https://youtu.be/EbcWXp-a50M

Well, this reading vlog seems to have some interesting content. However, unfortunately, it's just not for me. Maybe it's the way the vlogger presents the books or the topics they cover. I have my own preferences when it comes to reading and vlogs. I might be looking for something more specific or in a different style. But that doesn't mean this vlog isn't great for others. Everyone has their own taste and what might not appeal to me could be someone else's favorite. I'll keep looking for that perfect reading vlog that suits my interests and catches my attention.

I was first introduced to Iain M. Banks’ works through his science fiction series, the Culture series. However, I had never delved into any of his other fictional pieces. So, I decided to pick up his very first novel and give it a go. The Wasp Factory, published in 1984, is a dark and deeply disturbing tale. It revolves around a 16-year-old boy named Frank L. Cauldhame, who resides on an isolated Scottish island with his father. Frank is a deeply troubled and confused individual, with a warped and violent imagination. He lacks the ability to empathize with others and has a distorted sense of morality, being completely obsessed with death and the concept of sacrifice, which is vividly reflected in the rituals he conducts on the island.

This is a twisted coming-of-age story that delves into how isolation can have a profound impact on family dynamics and mental stability. The father-son relationship takes center stage, highlighting how it can shape an individual's identity, psychological state, and behavior. Frank's constant yearning for approval and affection from his cruel and manipulative father only exacerbates his confusion about his "self." He often remarks, "Sometimes the thoughts and feelings I had didn't really agree with each other, so I decided I must be lots of different people inside my brain."
Frank's disturbing behavior and emotional issues are deeply intertwined with his notions of manhood and sexuality. He laments, "I am not a full man, and nothing can ever alter that; but I am me, and I regard that as a compensation enough." In his warped view, masculinity is equated with violence and domination, seen as the only means to deal with problems. His deep-seated anger and misogynistic attitude stem from his childhood traumatic experiences of abuse at the hands of his father. He blatantly states, "women.. are weak and stupid and live in the shadow of men and are nothing compare to them," and "both sexes can do one thing specially well; women can give birth and men can kill."
Bank's non-linear narrative adds an extra layer of confusion that persists throughout the novel. His "poetic" yet raw imagery and edgy prose create a palpable sense of restlessness. For instance, he describes, "I stood in the slanting sunlight, warm and yellow around me, the stench of burning flesh and grass on the wind, the smoke rising into the air from borrows and cadavers, grey and black, the sweet smell of leaking unburned petrol coming from the Flamethrower where I’d left it, and I breathed deeply."
The Factory... is a warning: it’s always easier to succeed at death!
This is a powerful and "beautifully uncomfortable" read. 4.25/5

What a load of absolute rubbish! I was told that this was a brilliant book, but it was nothing of the sort. It was bloody awful! It stunk to high heaven.

I have a huge fear of wasps, and I was led to believe that there were no wasps in this book. But it was all lies, all bloody lies! Ever since I read this, I've used it as an award - The Wasp Award for the biggest load of bullshit of the year.

The book "Bunny Monroe" is now officially the worst book I've ever read.

If you want to read a truly ghastly book, then this is it. It's like an Iris Murdoch novel gone wrong. I would not recommend this book to anyone, not even my worst enemy. It's that bad.

This is one of those books that you will either love or despise.

I belong to the first camp. What makes this book so relentlessly engaging is the expert execution of the writing. The tale begins at a leisurely enough pace, allowing the reader to become acquainted with the characters and the setting.

Then, mercilessly, it accelerates as it races toward its famed (rightly so) twist ending. You had better hold on tight because it will take you on a wild ride.

The first person perspective is utilized to disturbing effect. Frank, the narrator, is a deeply disturbed individual with a flair for describing events in the most graphic terms. His voice is both captivating and repulsive, drawing you in while simultaneously making you want to look away.

That's all I'm saying. This was a quick and savage read that defied my expectations. It was not what I was expecting, but it was better.

Prepare to view the world through deranged eyes if you decide to read The Wasp Factory. It is not for the faint of heart, but if you are brave enough to take on this challenge, you will be rewarded with a truly unforgettable reading experience.

Ian... honey... were you okay?

The story was so fucked up and weird. It had everything I ever wanted. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit queasy about the animal abuse part. The animals were cute and they really didn't deserve that kind of treatment.

There was a major plot twist that I unfortunately got spoiled. I had kind of figured it out on my own, but I still annoyed myself for reading reviews when I was only on page 100 or so.

This is hands down the weirdest coming of age story I've ever read. I highly recommend that you read it without knowing anything about it.

Interestingly enough, there is an opera adaptation of this story. Even though I generally can't stand operas, I'm extremely intrigued to see how they've adapted this strange and wonderful tale.

It's going to be a wild ride, I just know it.

One word: boring.

I really don't understand why this has to be so dull. It's like a never-ending loop of monotony.

And also, what the fuck? How could something be this uninteresting? It makes me question if there's any point in even bothering.

It's as if all the excitement and energy have been sucked out, leaving only a void of boredom.

I can't help but wonder if there's a way to make this more engaging and less of a chore.

Maybe a change in approach or a new perspective could bring some life to this otherwise lifeless situation.

But for now, all I can do is endure the boredom and hope for something better to come along.

The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks is an incredibly captivating read. I devoured it in one evening as it was impossible to put down once started. Although gothic horror isn't typically my cup of tea, there's something about this ghastly and twisted tale told by a sixteen-year-old psychopathic sadist that makes it truly unique. It's so extreme that several scenes could almost pass as dark Monty Python sketches.

The story is filled with surprises from the very beginning. To avoid spoilers, I'll limit my observations to quotes from Chapter One. For example, the description of Frank Cauldhame jumping and sliding down the dune and looking back at the small heads and bodies tied to "Sacrifice Poles" creates a vivid and disturbing image. Frank lives in isolation with his father on a small island, and his father's strange behavior, such as being obsessed with the dimensions of objects in their house, adds to the mystery and unease.
The mention of Frank's older brother Eric escaping from the mental hospital and the revelation that Frank's presence in the world is not official further heighten the tension. Additionally, the Wasp Factory, which Frank keeps in the loft and the nature of which is initially unknown, adds another layer of intrigue.
Overall, The Wasp Factory is a dark and twisted novel that combines elements of horror, mystery, and black humor. Iain Banks' writing is engaging and keeps the reader hooked until the very end.

The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks makes for one hellofa compelling read. I finished it in an evening - once started, I simply couldn't put it down.

Gothic horror isn't my taste but there's something about this ghastly, gruesome, twisted tale told by a sixteen-year-old psychopathic sadist that's so extreme a number of scenes could qualify as dark Monty Python sketches.

Since there's a bushel basket full of surprises after the first pages, I'll avoid spoilers by confining my observations to quotes taken from Chapter One -

"I jumped and slid down the slope of the dune into its shadow, then turned at the bottom to look back up at those small heads and bodies as they watched over the northern approaches to the island."

The small heads and bodies belong to animals such as rats, seagulls, rabbits and they are tied to "Sacrifice Poles" by narrator Frank Cauldhame who lives in isolation with his father on a small island over the bridge from a Scottish town. Recall I said Gothic horror back there.

"It crossed my mind that my father looked worried, but he was good at acting and perhaps that was just what he wanted me to think, so deep down I remained unconvinced."

Frank's father is what we might call titched in the head. Ever since Frank can remember his father has been obsessed with the dimensions - height, length, breadth, area, volume - of the various objects in their large old house. He continually demanded Frank go around room to room, recording all measurements in a book. Also, there was that time Dad even had Frank believe that the earth's shape wasn't a sphere but a Möbius strip.

"Eric has escaped from the hospital. That was what Diggs came to tell us. They think he might head back here."

So Frank's father tells Frank during their evening meal. Eric, Frank's older brother, was sent to a mental hospital some years back. There's mention of Eric setting dogs on fire and stuffing worms in children's mouths. Frank's father goes on to tell Frank that he, Frank, should have been the one sent to be locked up in the hospital. Additionally, he tells Frank to keep out of sight of Diggs (the local police officer) - and for good reason: Frank's presence in this world has never been made official, that is, there are no records of Frank's birth.

"That stick is the symbol of the Factory's security. My father's leg, locked solid, has given me my sanctuary up in the warm space of the big loft, right at the top of the house where the junk and the rubbish are, where the dust moves and the sunlight slants and the Factory sits - silent, living and still."

The stick Frank mentions is the walking stick his Father uses to hobble around with. Due to his bad leg, Frank's father can't climb up to the loft where Frank keeps his Wasp Factory. The exact nature of the Wasp Factory isn't revealed in the beginning.

"The only other remnant of our glorious past is the name of Porteneil's hot-spot, a grubby old pub called the Cauldhame Arms where I go sometimes now, though still under age of course, and watch some of the local youths trying to be punk bands. That was where I met and still meet the only person I'd call a friend: Jamie the dwarf, whom I let sit on my shoulders so he can see the bands."

There is the suggestion Frank's father gets his money somehow, ownership perhaps, from this pub. And that bit about Frank having dwarf Jamie sit on his shoulders brings to mind a scene from Monty Python and the Holy Grail and also, curiously enough, a happening at a psychiatrist's office in the author's novel, The Bridge. This to say, Iain Banks leavens his fiction with the blackest of humors.

"I hate having to sit down on the toilet all the time. With my unfortunate disability I usually have to, as thought I was a bloody woman, but I hate it. Sometimes in the Cauldhame Arms I stand up at the urinal, but most of it ends up running down my hands or legs."

Frank has a mysterious disability serving as yet another reason he's disinclined to venture very far from the island. And speaking of taking a pee, Frank pisses on the Sacrifice Poles during the day, infecting them with his scent and power. For Frank, all this makes perfect sense according to his mutilated logic.

"I'm too fat. It isn't that bad, and it isn't my fault - but, all the same, I don't look the way I'd like to look. Chubby, that's me. Strong and fit, but still too plump. I want to look dark and menacing; the way I ought to look, the way I should look, the way, I might have looked if I hadn't had my little accident. Looking at me, you'd never guess I'd killed three people."

Mystery, mystery - Frank's little accident. There's another lurking mystery in Frank's life: his Father's den. What does his father do in there? Frank knows his Father has a background in chemistry but what exactly goes on in his den? And, yes, Frank did kill three people, thus we have foreshadowing with a vicious vengeance.

Here's what worked for me while reading The Wasp Factory: imagining sixteen-year-old chubby Frank walking around with the enormous head of John Cleese. The grim, gnarly grotesque has never been more completely different.


Scottish novelist Iain Banks, 1954-2013

I admit that it pertains to a rather narrow demographic. However, if this description aligns with you, then I give you my word that you are going to have an absolute blast and love it to the core.

This might seem like a niche offering, but for those who fit into this specific category, it holds the potential for an unforgettable experience.

You'll find that it caters precisely to your interests and preferences, providing a level of satisfaction that is truly unique.

So, don't be deterred by the fact that it's a narrow demographic. If it's for you, embrace it and get ready to be amazed.

This is essentially a mystery, and mysteries rise or fall depending on their final acts, and this is an extremely absurd final act.

For approximately the first 90 percent, Banks does a rather decent job. He poses a series of fascinating questions:

- When and how will the brother return?

- Why is this kid such a psycho?

- How did both of these kids turn out to be psychos?

- What's in the study?

- Holy crap, did that kid say he killed three other kids?

- What's the wasp factory?

He dishes out some answers at a good pace, keeping you entertained. And the protagonist's voice is original and engaging: a terrifyingly intelligent little nutjob who has constructed an elaborate fantasy world in his isolated Scottish environment, complete with long-standing political feuds and alliances (him vs. bunnies; him vs. birds) and some sort of religious system.

But you're still wondering about the fundamental question: how did this kid become like this? And the answer to that question is idiotic. He's a woman? That's the revelation? And if I'm understanding this deluge of nonsense at the end, he became a psycho killer because his feminine soul overcompensated in its attempt to conform to masculinity? Seriously? That is extremely fucking stupid, man. It's stupid intellectually, for one thing: gender dysphoria, which I guess is what this is sort of, does not logically lead to setting bunnies on fire. It leaves the fact that both brothers are murderously insane as more or less a coincidence, for another. And finally, even if we accept the ending, there haven't been enough hints to make it a satisfying reveal. A good mystery provides a sudden explanation for a number of clues; there haven't been good clues here. Yeah, a brief mention of the kid being unhappy with his body, and the fact that his brother occasionally cross-dressed for unclear reasons, but nothing that logically leads to this.

It's a deus ex vagina, and this book is dumb.

This was a book that was truly unique, unlike any other I've ever had the experience of reading before.

It was an incredibly disturbing and dark piece of literature, yet it was also brilliant in its own right.

The novel centers around 16-year-old Frank, weaving together stories of the present and his past, in which he shockingly murdered 3 of his young family members.

My absolute favorite aspect of this book was the character that Iain Banks so masterfully created. Frank is deeply disturbing, and more often than not, I found myself feeling extremely uncomfortable while reading about his heinous deeds. However, that is precisely what made this book so outstanding. I felt as if the character truly came to life on the pages - a phenomenon that was both terrifying and utterly fascinating. I was compelled to learn as much as I possibly could about Frank - his personality, his behavior, and his history. I thought the twist in the story was an excellent addition, and I certainly didn't see it coming.

I did rate this book down a star, though. At times, I found myself drifting off and getting easily distracted. But it's important to note that I have been unwell with an infection throughout the entire time I was reading it. So, it's possible that this illness was partly to blame for my lack of focus.

Despite this small drawback, I would definitely recommend this book. However, I would issue a very stark warning along with this recommendation. I would say, do not read it if you would find it deeply distressing to read about any form of animal abuse or child murder!

I really have no clue how to rate this. This book appears on numerous "best of" lists, and I had heard a great deal of praise for both it and Banks. So, I decided to pick it up. Before delving into it, I was aware of two things: first, many people claim it's difficult to read as it's rather disturbing; second, there are several revelations throughout the story and a major twist ending.

I have definitely read my fair share of disturbing novels, so I wasn't overly concerned about it affecting me. However, I have a great deal of trouble reading anything that involves animal torture or cruelty. So, I'll be straightforward and say that if such things bother you too, then simply avoid this one.

The story is extremely captivating right from the start. But unfortunately, the violence and torture are also present from the very beginning and continue mercilessly all the way to the end. I became engaged early on, and Banks provides just enough information to keep you reading and craving more. I reached a point where I had to know how it was going to end. So, I basically had to repeatedly remind myself that all of the cruelty was fictional, and thus I persevered.

The novel explores themes such as isolation, manipulation, and the effects of insanity on multiple family members. I'm certain that a number of readers will assert that they saw the ending coming from a long way off, but I truly didn't anticipate it.

Overall, Banks is an outstanding writer who effortlessly draws you into the story very early. Just bear in mind that once you've read something, you can't unread it. The Wasp Factory is not a轻松的读物 (light read).