Foe

A Novel

By: Iain Reid

Narrated by: Jacques Roy

*Now a major motion picture starring Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal*

A taut, psychological thriller from Iain Reid, “one of the most talented purveyors of weird, dark narratives in contemporary fiction” (Los Angeles Review of Books).

Severe climate change has ravaged the country, leaving behind a charred wasteland. Junior and Henrietta live a comfortable if solitary life on one of the last remaining farms. Their private existence is disturbed the day a stranger comes to the door with alarming news.

Junior has been randomly selected to travel far away from the farm, but the most unusual part is that arrangements have already been made so that when he leaves, Henrietta won’t have a chance to miss him. She won’t be left alone—not even for a moment. Henrietta will have company. Familiar company.

Told in Iain Reid’s sparse, biting style, Foe is a “mind-bending and genre-defying work of genius” (Liz Nugent, author of Unraveling Oliver) that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Loved it!

I saw some mixed reviews so I was hesitant to buy it but I ended up liking it a lot! The narrator did a fantastic job and the story was thought-provoking. Going to read more by this author.

SKIP

I feel like I missed something because I read the glowing reviews but this was the most boring anti climactic thing I had ever experienced.

Several clues. Wish there was more of an ending.

I like the sentence structure and the shortness of the speech. But the story is very open in a few aspects that I wish were explained. Anxiety level 10 at some points with no real justice felt at the end.

An excellent, thought-provoking listen

I loved Reid's first novel so I approached Foe with a slight sense of trepidation and high expectations. My worries were unnecessary. Foe is superb, a tautly-written book in which the reader is always on slightly shaky ground. The novel's focus is narrow so the rules and reality of it's near-future setting are often implied but never crystal clear. That's entirely intentional and immensely effective. It's best to go into this story knowing next to nothing about the plot. Pay attention and you will be rewarded.

Reid is fast becoming one of my favorite authors. I can't wait for his next effort.

Pretty good.

I prefer Reid’s last novel, but this one toys with some very interesting concepts. It’s all about relationships, and communication.
Just don’t be like me and read it after getting dumped.