This book initially hooked me by its intriguing title and cover, then after reading the prologue, I dove in. Having said that, it wasn’t what I expected and I love books that are able to make me feel that way.
This book is about Jonathan and his autistic brother Roger, and of course about an insect farm. (But I’d rather leave the actual insect farm for you to discover within the pages of this novel) The gruesome first chapter sets the stage for what is to follow in this psychological crime novel.
After their parents die in a house fire, Jonathan makes the decision to take care of his brother and quit University. Many things are about to change in Jonathan’s life. Police are called in after a disappearance and we are cleverly guided through a watching and waiting labyrinth with law enforcement. Through all this, we discover just how far Jonathan will go to protect and care for his older brother.
Although I could predict certain things in this book, some twists I didn’t see coming. The prologue was gruesome, but don’t let that fool you. This is a book with rich characters and themes that go beyond scratching the surface. Obsession, trust, family and secrets radiate from the pages of The Insect Farm.
Overall I enjoyed it very much. At times it felt slow, but after a second read of certain parts of the book… it didn’t feel that way at all. With an unusual setting such as an insect farm and a fascinating set of characters, Stuart Prebble gives us an original and reflective novel to ponder on, long after you’ve put it down.
Available July 7th 2015
An e-copy of this novel was supplied by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The Insect Farm by Stuart Prebble
Mulholland Books/ Little, Brown and Company
Hachette Book Group
ISBN 9780316337366