The Comfort of Strangers
The Comfort of Strangers
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1981
Book Brief
128
Novel • Fiction
Venice, Italy • 1980s
1981
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Comfort of Strangers, a British couple, Mary and Colin, on holiday in a European city, become entangled with a local couple, Robert and Caroline, whose sadomasochistic tendencies put them in grave danger. The novel contains themes involving sadomasochistic violence and non-consensual acts.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
20,173 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan offers a psychological thriller that is both intense and unsettling. Praised for its compelling narrative and exploration of dark themes, it skillfully builds tension. Criticisms focus on its disturbing subject matter and sparse character development. Overall, it stands out for its atmospheric storytelling but may not appeal to all readers.
Who Should Read The Comfort of Strangers?
Readers who relish dark psychological thrillers will enjoy The Comfort of Strangers by Ian McEwan. Its eerie narrative echoes the unsettling tones of The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith and American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, making it ideal for fans of suspenseful and disturbing tales.
20,173 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
128
Novel • Fiction
Venice, Italy • 1980s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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