The Restraint of Beasts
The Restraint of Beasts
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Brief
Beta224
Novel • Fiction
England • 1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Magnus Mills' novel, The Restraint of Beasts, follows a foreman and two laborers as they embark on a routine trip to fix fences in rural England. The journey quickly devolves into a series of escalating misadventures. Through dark humor and understated prose, Mills explores themes of work, control, and the complexities of human relationships.
Dark
Mysterious
Unnerving
Gritty
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
3,889 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Magnus Mills' The Restraint of Beasts is praised for its dark humor and unique narrative style, offering a satirical take on labor and absurdity. Critics highlight Mills' deadpan prose and the novel's unsettling atmosphere. Some find the plot slow and repetitive, potentially deterring readers seeking more dynamic storytelling. Overall, it's a distinct and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read The Restraint of Beasts?
Fans of dark humor and absurdism will enjoy The Restraint of Beasts by Magnus Mills. Similar to George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Franz Kafka’s The Trial, this novel appeals to readers who appreciate satire, dry wit, and subtle critiques of bureaucracy and human nature. Ideal for those who relish enigmatic narratives.
3,889 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Restraint of Beasts is the debut novel of Magnus Mills, who previously worked as a bus driver and a fence builder, bringing authentic detail to the laborious tasks described in the book.
The novel was nominated for both the Booker Prize and the Whitbread First Novel Award in 1998, marking an impressive start to Mills's literary career.
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Despite its darkly comedic narrative, the book draws on Mills's personal experiences in labor work, adding a nuanced layer of realism to the otherwise surreal story.
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224
Novel • Fiction
England • 1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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