Reader Score
76%
76% of readers
recommend this book
Critic Reviews
Great
Based on 7 reviews on
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.
Gabino Iglesias is an author and book critic.
Tweeting 1-star Goodreads reviews of books I love for perspective, day 13: “Incredibly disappointing. It’s the literary equivalent of eating a bowl of plain white rice, accompanied by a warm La Croix.” —Jamie’s 1-star review of Iain Reid’s Foe.
Tajja Isen is a writer.
@sydvincent22 Yesss I have read—and loved—the entire Iain Reid canon but I think Foe was my fave.
Books, dogs, Dr Pepper.
@reid_iain Quick question- Do the beetles in Foe represent bugs in the AI? Absolutely loved the book - my favourite read this year 👍🏻