Eileen hates everybody (except for a guy she fantasises about but even then, her interest wanes), she hates everything, and yes, she even hates herself. Not a great deal happens for an awful long time but the character is so well written that the narrative manages to keep a queasy hold on your attention. It's essentially a character study of someone you really don't want to meet and who, in all probability, wouldn't be too chuffed about meeting you either. Probably best avoided if you're prone to even the most mild depression. It's a real contender for the Booker but boy, will it knock the smile off your face.

Well, I loved it. But, there's no accounting for tastes! A marmite book, I surmise.

May you enjoy this interesting read.

Safely received. Intrigued by this book's premis. If not a lot happens for a good while, will I have the patience to persevere, especially as I don't like Marmite :-)

Stuck it out to the bitter end. Once she got that gun I half expected her to go on a mass killing spree but I won't say more and spoil it for subsequent readers.

Mailed to another bookcrosser via the wishist tag game.

Thanks for tagging me with this - it has safely arrived in Nepal.
I added it to my wishlist when it was nominated for the Booker Prize, as Booker nominations usually don't let me down if I find the blurb somehow interesting... let's see... I do like Marmite, so there's hope...

This is certainly not a book for everyone. I’d call it a psychological literary thriller (well, kind of thriller, not in the usual sense). It only comprises one week in the life of an amazing protagonist, Eileen, 24. She’s angry, unhappy, isolated, and she knows it. Her life is sad and depressing, especially as she’s been bullied her whole life by her alcoholic father, an ex-cop full of conspiracy theories. Eileen’s inner world is described brilliantly. She’s deep, pondering, observant, a shoplifter and stalker with fantasies to escape from her dreary life. Her insecurities are sometimes heartbreaking. But creepy as she is one can’t develop much sympathy for her. There’s a great built-up to what she time and again alludes to, her reason for finally leaving her home. It’s a disturbing story, dark, bleak and painful – and extremely well written.

Passed this on in person - after we had South Indian dinner and a lovely walk through the narrow lanes of Patan.
Hope you like it!