A. N. Homes wrote one of the most disturbing novels, I think, of all time-- one that takes you into the mind of two pedophiles and shows you their world and strange, sick logic. It is not for the faint of heart, not for the weak of spirit, and not for those who want to see a pedophile condemned.

It isn't five stars sheerly for the subject matter, and that's the same reason I write this review -- to warn those who might read this, not knowing what they're going to get into. I don't really feel like glorifying a work wrapped around a pedophile's life or the empathy one can find with him. Still, the writing was sound, the book engrossing -- much like a trainwreck is. ( )

A.M. Homes's powerful narrative shines the light upon the most commonly misunderstood individual, all the while never showing mercy - from the beginning to the end, despite his weaknesses, we do not see the man as tormented, a victim of his lusts, but as a monster tormented. ( )

I think it goes without saying that this book is disturbing--it's meant to be. You aren't supposed to agree with the protagonist or even like who he is, but I think you are supposed to see where he comes from and what happened to make him the way he is. The End of Alice is incredibly well written, so it's obvious that Homes has some serious skills. I'm not going to reccommend this book to anyone, as I think you have to be in a certain frame of mind to read it. Next time you want to read something dark and literary, however, consider picking it up. ( )

Very well written, even though the subject matter is revolting. Though it was recommended to me as a "book with dark subject matter that will shock you", I wouldn't recommend it to most people I know. That said, I'll definitely pick up another A.M. Homes book. Music for Torching looks intriguing and so I'll give that a go as well. ( )

Let's just say that all the descriptions of vaginas made me happy I'm gay and not straight. ( )