Review: Foe by Iain Reid (Spoiler-Free)

No, I say. It’s the opposite. Beauty isn’t fleeting. Beauty is eternal. But... I’m not. I’m fleeting. That’s more the point. I don't think Iain Reid of capable of writing a book I don't like. Is that a bold statement to make after only reading two of his books? Maybe. But I already know We Spread is going to be five stars (I just feel it) and that would bump it up to three. While this novel was less mind-blowing to me than his first, I found myself rapt all the same. His books are like puzzles, unable to be viewed properly until every piece has fallen into place. Foe is more predictable than I'm Thinking of Ending Things, but it still has a fascinating message. It's a slow build despite being so short and its pacing really reminded me of Christina Henry's Near the Bone. I think this is going to make quite a good arthouse movie, especially if I'm Thinking of Ending Things is any indicator. Also it's starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal so you KNOW the girlies are gonna be lining up to see it. I also think fans of Jordan Peele's Us would enjoy this story.