Beasts by John Crowley; book review

This is a really interesting and nicely written sci-fi from the 70's. I really like the writing style and the authors ability to both world build and create interesting characters that interact well. I read this years ago but gave away my copy and I am really happy that I found another one so I could re-read.

[@leoden49]

I think the copy of BEAST that you own was reissued along with THE DEEP and ENGINE SUMMER after LITTLE, BIG was published. I think I read Beast twice in the 80s and I really enjoyed you recounting the story and as you did I remembered so much of the story; little things like Painter smoking all the time because he didn't like the smell of humans, the quotation at the beginning of the book, Reynards speech at the end, ect. I really liked the ending, but Crowley already owned me, by then I had already read Little, Big and The Deep and I was looking for a copy of Engine Summer like it was the Holy Grail. His writing is quite good and I would love to hear your take on them. Thanks for the review it made my day remembering that little gem. Have a great day. Forgive my rambling on, new medication.

[@OmnivorousReader]

Thank you. I am pretty sure I read The Deep back in the day - I have a visual memory of the cover, and of enjoying the book, but little or no memory of what was inside it. Crowley is a genius at small evocative details JUST like Painter smoking, and how later after living among the Pride Caddie goes into a city and totally understands why he used to because now SHE can't stand the smell either. Beasts is definitely going to stay with me and I am going to keep the book, try and repair it and probably re-read. I am keen to get more by the author now, especially Little, Big.

[@bonpourvous]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought it was the 1985 movie 'Mask' with Eric Stolz, the book sounds interesting. The last Sci-Fi book I listened to was 'Gladiator' by Philip Wylie from 1930, the first Superman, have you heard of it I wonder?

[@OmnivorousReader]

It does not ring a bell, and I don't think I have read anything by the author - though his name seems familiar. Do you recommend it?

[@bonpourvous]

@@OmnivorousReader There is a good review by Michael K Vaughan on YT which gives the basic story but avoids spoilers and an audiobook by a good narrator also on YT. I found it engrossing and quite deep.