I listened to this on audio book on a walk (it's only 2 hours). I didn't find it that creepy, and I really didn't like the main character. However, I have a feeling that it will stay with me, and as the investment of time is so little, maybe it's worth reading after all.

I can see why some people don't like this book, but I really enjoyed it. It had a sort of dreamlike quality, and although not very much happens, it's really gripping and atmospheric. I actually felt sorry for the main character, Alex, who just couldn't help herself from constantly ruining things in her life. I was fascinated with how she could read people and give them what they wanted. I will definitely read more from this author.

This is a short story really, rather than a book. It's very clever and witty. It really sparkles, and has left a smile on my face.

This was fantastic. It's so atmospheric, with a masterful balance of hope and despair. I loved the central mystery of why the woman are being held captive. Are they even on earth? What has happened to the guards? Harpman explores the themes of love, womanhood, loneliness, community, and what it means to be human from the point of view of someone who has only experienced captivity. I know it will stay with me for a long time.

I loved this small, but perfectly formed book. Upsetting subject matter handled with grace. As an Irish woman, it made me furious (again), with the grip the church had on communities back then. And the treatment of all women at the time. Interesting choice to tell it from the perspective of a man rather than a woman. But I think I understand why - there's just not enough room here to explain. We should all be kind-hearted like Bill.

I loved this so much. So beautifully written. I teared up at the end.

A humorous and enjoyable book full of good people muddling their way through life. It made me laugh out loud. A gentle, life-affirming read.

I fell head over heels at the beginning of this book. I knew I was going to love it; the writing was so beautiful. However as the book progessed, and as her life unfolded, it became less engrossing. I think that this might have been deliberate, to show maturing and aging. But it made it less compelling. I'm glad I read it, and I think it will stay with me for a long time. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.

I was really enthralled by this book. Don't get me wrong, I was horrified by some of the scenes, but I thought it captured perfectly how damaging sexual abuse is, and the contortions Vanessa went through, to help her cope/ rationalise what had happened to her. I really couldn't put it down, and spent most of the day yesterday reading so I could finish it. It's hard to like Vanessa as a character, but I felt an enormous amount of sympathy for her.

This book was fantastic. Wittily written and full of scientific information for lay people.

I make no apologies for really enjoying Sophie Hannah books. This isn't one of her best, but it kept me entertained on a lazy Saturday.

I read this book in two sittings. Beautiful writing and interesting premise. But it did leave me with an eerie feeling, which is good and bad. It was universally liked by my book club.

I loved this book. It was funny, tragic and quietly feminist. I'll definitely read more from this author as it was beautifully written.

Excellent so far