I don't have much to say apart from the part Amlis was talking about the big expanse of water which made me wonder what the ship was!! If it was a ship ship he would have travelled on the water, so I guess from what some of you have said a spaceship is the only explanation! Norway was also mentioned and at first I thought that they had come from there but as the story progressed I realised that if he hadn't seen snow he couldn't have come from there...

I thought that the factory farming of humans (vodsels) was clever and it did make me think about how we farm today. But I got over that quite quickly. Interesting also that it could have been a space ship (didn't get that). I find the problem with any sci-fi movie is usually that when the alien is revealed (and I mean Amliss Vess here) they are suddenly less frightening, and it was the same for me here.

The A9 is presumably rich in (somewhat dense) hitchhikers, low on policemen, and full of lay-bys (to look at the beautiful scenery, obviously).

I think overall, I became frustrated at being led up so many blind alleys, I just wanted the book to end. And then when it did, I felt slightly let down. I had much the same feelings about Never Let Me Go.

You could make the film but just show vodsels recoiling in horror at the sight of Isserley whilst examining her, rather than showing Isserley.

If the 'humans were filling a ship every month or so with 'vodsels' that adds up to an awful lot of kidnappings.

I loved this book, I thought it was thought-provoking and beautifully written. I think Faber's style is delicious - descriptive, but with an edge. I agree with all the points above, though it didn't really put my off meat, but has oddly enough put me of crisps!  

I thought my sympathy for Isserley was at its highest when she was raped, because it was like being raped by an animal for her - something she would eat. I was really upset for her at this point and that is where things started to go downhill for her.

I also thought the ending was weak, the foreshadowing of the rattle in the car was a bit obvious, and it seemed a shame that after making her decision not to go back she didn't have the chance to try and make a go of it on Earth.

Still a great book and I can't wait to read more of his work.

I feel I can add very little to all the reviews so far as they have been superb. Like others I sympathised with Isserley completely & no it hasn't put me off meat, but then I'm not fussy about meat & will eat it off the bone. In some ways I thought it was like Animal Farm in reverse, as we were the animals although intelligent. I didn't feel sorry for any of the hitchhikers either, the author had written it so well. I think I clicked early on she wasn't human, but until then was intrigued as to what exactly she was doing. The point where she puts the blonde wig on the vodsel in the car, I thought was some sexual kink, in that she wanted these men to remind her of an ex-lover! Faber was definitely leading us down blind alleys. The book was just so different to what I expected, wished I read it sooner. Will definitely look out for more of his. Read Crimson Petal & the White years ago & although very good I wasn't overwhelmed by it. I thought it was overhyped & the beginning very slow. However now having read UTS I think I'd view his writing differently & appreciate the richness of his words. Not explaining myself well here! I liked the ending in UTS but beforehand had thought she would leave the farm & stay in the caravan with the dog as long as she could.

she isn't human, I thought they looked like sinister alien eyes peering at me the reader, and also me the passenger/potential vodsel. I'm sure the cover designer was playing on this idea.