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Inside the Outside
GRAND PRIZE PARIS BOOK FESTIVALFIRST PLACE HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVALAWARD-WINNING NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVALAWARD-WINNING SAN FRANCISCO BOOK FESTIVAL15-year-old cannibal Timber Marlow has lived her entire life within a murderous cult called the Divinity of Feminine Reproach, but she's always suspected there was more to life than the strange and twisted lessons she's been indoctrinated to believe. After risking her life to escape into the Outside, Timber bears witness to some dark and unsettling truths about the world around her...and the integral role she unwittingly plays in it.In this debut novel, laced with scenes of horrific violence and uplifting humanity, Martin Lastrapes has written a one-of-a-kind story about love, friendship, sacrifice and cannibalism.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2011
48 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Martin Lastrapes
11 books129 followersMARTIN LASTRAPES is an acclaimed author and indie publisher known for his imaginative storytelling and signature humor. His works often explore unconventional characters, such as teenage cannibals, unicorn-killing superheroes, and fireproof college professors. His published works have earned numerous literary accolades, including the Grand Prize at the Paris Book Festival and the Gold Prize at the Self-Publishing Review Book Awards. A native of the Inland Empire in California (where he earned a Bachelor's degree in English and a Master's degree in Composition) he now calls Las Vegas home.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 19, 2021
Timber has lived her entire life as a cannibal within a cult called the Divinity of Feminine Reproach. By the time she is 15 years old she has killed three men. The first half of this book was awesome. I am already fascinated with cults. What is better than a cannibal cult. The rest of the book deals with Timber on the "Outside" which I did not find that interesting. It has a ton of gore to keep me reading to find out what happens. The ending was lackluster, but it is worth a read.
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July 20, 2011
This book had me on the verge of tears, laughter, and terror, sometimes at the same time. Martin Lastrapes writes with such vivid imagery, that there were times where I had to put the book down to avoid being overly spooked. His imagery is lush and visceral. His characters are multi-layered, from the most seemingly minor character, to the novel's heroine, Timber; I found myself caring for each character and caring what happened to them. Though many scenes are very dark, which I love, there is also a lightness and sort of hope that surrounds the book's darker corners. I do not want to give any of the story away, but with its many twists and turns, and Martin's fine understanding of the craft of writing, I am confident in saying you will enjoy this book as much as I did!
December 6, 2012
I have a secret: this book literally changed my life. For some years I had harboured the suspicion that eating animals was morally suspect and a practice I should curb, but goddamn it those critters were just too delicious and the prospect of vegetarianism too inconvenient to compel me to action. Upon finishing 'Inside The Outside', a remarkable tale of a young woman raised within a cannibalistic cult, I instantly stopped eating meat. And fish. That was 7 months ago.
In that time countless friends, relatives and colleagues have asked me "Why?". "Why vegetarianism?" "Why now?" To all of these questions and to all of these people, without exception, I have lied; cobbled together some vague response about having suddenly and inexplicably reached that decision when all along the truth is that MARTIN LASTRAPES MADE ME DO IT.
Why the secrecy? I'm embarrassed. In the end it wasn't the PETA campaigns, the health or environmental arguments that ultimately occasioned this decision. I was simply moved to it by a work of fiction. The detached, unquestioning way in which the book's main characters equate people with meat, coupled with the isolation of the setting and the quality of Lastrapes' prose is tantamount to indoctrination. When I learned, through the book's protagonist, Timber, that people on the outside survive by eating animals, it was as though I was hearing this information for the first time. By that point meat was meat; it was all or nothing, cannibalism or vegetarianism. For the time being at least, I have plumped for the latter.
While this is far from the first time I've been moved by great literature, it is certainly the most impact a book has ever had on my diet and probably on the way I choose to live my life.
'Inside The Outside' is often categorised as horror. This is the expectation I had of it and yet what actually unfolded on the page was not genre fiction at all but an accomplished work approaching literary fiction, albeit one that has moments of high terror, gruesome dismemberment and cannibalism. For people who find it hard to reconcile those two positions I have two words: "American Psycho".
If you want a grisly page-turner, this book will more than deliver. Get beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat though and, as with the human body, what you'll find with 'Inside The Outside' is a complex and impressive structure, not of veins and capillaries but themes, ideas and commentary. Lastrapes deals with them deftly, almost playfully, often allowing only a short glimpse for the idea to form before moving the narrative on, then returning to it pages or sometimes chapters later. Some of the gruesome set-pieces excepted, it is a very accessible read, particularly so when you consider that it touches some big ideas like belief, power, corruption, objectification and consumerism, as well as offering considered insights into intimacy, sexuality and the loss of innocence.
Or it could just be a clever ruse to make you give up eating meat.
Don't waste any more time reading reviews, get this book NOW, you won't regret your decision. Before you start reading it though, take my advice and make time to enjoy a BLT, a rare steak or your favourite burger. If you don't, you may come to regret THAT decision for some considerable time...
In that time countless friends, relatives and colleagues have asked me "Why?". "Why vegetarianism?" "Why now?" To all of these questions and to all of these people, without exception, I have lied; cobbled together some vague response about having suddenly and inexplicably reached that decision when all along the truth is that MARTIN LASTRAPES MADE ME DO IT.
Why the secrecy? I'm embarrassed. In the end it wasn't the PETA campaigns, the health or environmental arguments that ultimately occasioned this decision. I was simply moved to it by a work of fiction. The detached, unquestioning way in which the book's main characters equate people with meat, coupled with the isolation of the setting and the quality of Lastrapes' prose is tantamount to indoctrination. When I learned, through the book's protagonist, Timber, that people on the outside survive by eating animals, it was as though I was hearing this information for the first time. By that point meat was meat; it was all or nothing, cannibalism or vegetarianism. For the time being at least, I have plumped for the latter.
While this is far from the first time I've been moved by great literature, it is certainly the most impact a book has ever had on my diet and probably on the way I choose to live my life.
'Inside The Outside' is often categorised as horror. This is the expectation I had of it and yet what actually unfolded on the page was not genre fiction at all but an accomplished work approaching literary fiction, albeit one that has moments of high terror, gruesome dismemberment and cannibalism. For people who find it hard to reconcile those two positions I have two words: "American Psycho".
If you want a grisly page-turner, this book will more than deliver. Get beneath the skin and subcutaneous fat though and, as with the human body, what you'll find with 'Inside The Outside' is a complex and impressive structure, not of veins and capillaries but themes, ideas and commentary. Lastrapes deals with them deftly, almost playfully, often allowing only a short glimpse for the idea to form before moving the narrative on, then returning to it pages or sometimes chapters later. Some of the gruesome set-pieces excepted, it is a very accessible read, particularly so when you consider that it touches some big ideas like belief, power, corruption, objectification and consumerism, as well as offering considered insights into intimacy, sexuality and the loss of innocence.
Or it could just be a clever ruse to make you give up eating meat.
Don't waste any more time reading reviews, get this book NOW, you won't regret your decision. Before you start reading it though, take my advice and make time to enjoy a BLT, a rare steak or your favourite burger. If you don't, you may come to regret THAT decision for some considerable time...
March 5, 2012
First of all, I enjoyed this book. The premise was intriguing and the tone conveyed the air of creepiness out of normalcy that I imagine the author intended.
Having said that, I was frustrated by a lot of this book. Though I'm sure it was intended, the spoiler-laden chapter titles were a real turn-off. I did not enjoy going into all the best scenes knowing how they would turn out. It took the best part of the suspense out of the actual action scenes that took a long time to build up to. Which is the other huge problem I had with this story. The characters were built up and the setting of the first part was very thoroughly explored, which was essential in the first part of the story, but the fleshing out took up the majority of the text. This book conveys the drudgery of everyday life a little too well in some parts. While that was necessary and a lot of fun while still in the Divinity, once we reach the Outside, it becomes less necessary.
I love Timber very much. She was so believable and sympathetic, and I felt bad for everything that happened to her at every step of her journey. I never judged her decisions, and in fact I think I would have done a lot of the same things in her situation. And a huge thumbs-up to Mr. Lastrapes for conveying so many different sexualities and lifestyles with such an understanding grace. I did enjoy getting to know the people of the story even in spite of my wish for more action to take place.
I would recommend this book for the imaginative setting of the Divinity, which is a chilling cautionary tale in its own right, and for the wonderfully likable protagonists that you'll be glad you got to know. I look forward to Mr. Lastrapes next book.
Having said that, I was frustrated by a lot of this book. Though I'm sure it was intended, the spoiler-laden chapter titles were a real turn-off. I did not enjoy going into all the best scenes knowing how they would turn out. It took the best part of the suspense out of the actual action scenes that took a long time to build up to. Which is the other huge problem I had with this story. The characters were built up and the setting of the first part was very thoroughly explored, which was essential in the first part of the story, but the fleshing out took up the majority of the text. This book conveys the drudgery of everyday life a little too well in some parts. While that was necessary and a lot of fun while still in the Divinity, once we reach the Outside, it becomes less necessary.
I love Timber very much. She was so believable and sympathetic, and I felt bad for everything that happened to her at every step of her journey. I never judged her decisions, and in fact I think I would have done a lot of the same things in her situation. And a huge thumbs-up to Mr. Lastrapes for conveying so many different sexualities and lifestyles with such an understanding grace. I did enjoy getting to know the people of the story even in spite of my wish for more action to take place.
I would recommend this book for the imaginative setting of the Divinity, which is a chilling cautionary tale in its own right, and for the wonderfully likable protagonists that you'll be glad you got to know. I look forward to Mr. Lastrapes next book.
August 13, 2015
-My first 'First-Read' novel- I received this book for free courtesy of Goodreads 'First-reads' giveaway program.
They say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but when the amazing cover art actually reflects the story within, it is definently worth breaking the rules. As a lover of all things art, this cover (not to mention the synopsis of the novel) definently had me sold before I even knew I was a First-Reads winner.
I was drawn into Martin Lastrapes praiseworthy debut novel, Inside the Outside from the very beginning. The endearing characters enthralled me throughout; especially Timber, whos trials and tribulations within the 'Divinity' captivated me and kept me reading into the early morning hours. It is well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of suspense and horror.
They say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover but when the amazing cover art actually reflects the story within, it is definently worth breaking the rules. As a lover of all things art, this cover (not to mention the synopsis of the novel) definently had me sold before I even knew I was a First-Reads winner.
I was drawn into Martin Lastrapes praiseworthy debut novel, Inside the Outside from the very beginning. The endearing characters enthralled me throughout; especially Timber, whos trials and tribulations within the 'Divinity' captivated me and kept me reading into the early morning hours. It is well written and thoroughly enjoyable. I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys a bit of suspense and horror.
March 9, 2012
The premise of a cult of people completely raised away from any type of today's society was bound to be a hit. Add rampant canibalism with no off-putting ideas of wrong doing and great descriptive tones throughout and this one was an awesome adventure.
What happens when you throw such a person back into modern day society? And what happens when that person has no history and no documented background? All around captivating read.
Warning: Very graphic and gore ridden
What happens when you throw such a person back into modern day society? And what happens when that person has no history and no documented background? All around captivating read.
Warning: Very graphic and gore ridden
August 12, 2011
One of the best books I've read all year. Creepy, original, with a tight story and enviable prose. Classified as horror, but in a genre all its own: "creepy Hitchcockian lit", or "lit that fills you with an ever-increasing sense of dread, but you love every moment of it". I plan to read it again, which in today's media clutter, is the biggest compliment I can bestow upon it. It's just that good.
August 11, 2015
Cults and cannibals - I'm in!
This book blew me away. Thoroughly enjoyed it, from plot to characters. This is an author to watch!
This book blew me away. Thoroughly enjoyed it, from plot to characters. This is an author to watch!
August 16, 2011
Fantastic book. I was completely captivated; I'm still thinking about it days later.
February 9, 2012
So, as I was saying, wow, what a book. Timber, bloody hell, the crazy shit that this girl goes through. Just when you think you have her and the story pegged a curveball comes at you outta nowhere and knocks you on your ass. I read a few parts of this book with my mouth open, hands in the air, looking around going, “What. The. Fuck” to my empty book room. I thought the shock would end after Part 1, not knowing how the story could possibly develop any further, but Part 2 didn’t let me breathe for a second.
Here's what I love - the writing style is so calm that even the most gruesome of events seem to flow right off the page. I don’t know how to explain this actually… it’s not that it’s devoid of emotion, you empathize with Timber and her struggles, but I think it’s that the language reflects Timber’s perception of the events. Since she was raised in such a fucked up environment her reaction to, say, decapitation, would vary greatly to, say, mine (!). I could be way off base here, but did anyone else find that? Very well written, gripping really, but left me feeling a little creeped out at how easily it was to read some pretty gnarly parts. And really, didn’t Timber make it though some extraordinarily cruel and insane shit to come outta it fairing well but her character still a bit creepy? As bad as I feel for her I’m still not thinking I’ll make the trip into Bookland to say hello to her and shake her hand.*shudder*
read the rest of the review here: http://www.bibliobabes.ca/3/post/2011...
and another review here: http://www.bibliobabes.ca/2/post/2011...
Here's what I love - the writing style is so calm that even the most gruesome of events seem to flow right off the page. I don’t know how to explain this actually… it’s not that it’s devoid of emotion, you empathize with Timber and her struggles, but I think it’s that the language reflects Timber’s perception of the events. Since she was raised in such a fucked up environment her reaction to, say, decapitation, would vary greatly to, say, mine (!). I could be way off base here, but did anyone else find that? Very well written, gripping really, but left me feeling a little creeped out at how easily it was to read some pretty gnarly parts. And really, didn’t Timber make it though some extraordinarily cruel and insane shit to come outta it fairing well but her character still a bit creepy? As bad as I feel for her I’m still not thinking I’ll make the trip into Bookland to say hello to her and shake her hand.*shudder*
read the rest of the review here: http://www.bibliobabes.ca/3/post/2011...
and another review here: http://www.bibliobabes.ca/2/post/2011...
March 7, 2012
This is a book very unlike anything else I've ever read.
The protagonist, Timber Marlowe, was born and raised in a cult called "The Divinity of Feminine Reproach". She knows no other life.
The rules of the cult are many and breaking the rules is not allowed. The punishment for breaking them? You will be sent to the Sustenance House where your body will be prepared as food for the rest of the cult. This story follows Timber as she tries to escape.
The first section of the book is mostly involved in filling in information about the Divinity. It's detailed but engaging. The second and third sections delve more deeply into Timber's life and her escape from the Divinity.
Timber is not your every day protagonist. She has done some terrible, terrible things. The trick of this book is that you care about her anyway. All of the characters in the book are well drawn and defined. I cared about all of them, both good and bad.
Two last things. First: this book is defintely not for the squeamish or those with weak stomachs. Second: This book was incredibly well edited and well written. I spotted only two typos and I can't even remember the last time I saw a book with that few errors.
I would highly recommend this to any horror fan, even though it is not really a scary story in the traditional sense.
The protagonist, Timber Marlowe, was born and raised in a cult called "The Divinity of Feminine Reproach". She knows no other life.
The rules of the cult are many and breaking the rules is not allowed. The punishment for breaking them? You will be sent to the Sustenance House where your body will be prepared as food for the rest of the cult. This story follows Timber as she tries to escape.
The first section of the book is mostly involved in filling in information about the Divinity. It's detailed but engaging. The second and third sections delve more deeply into Timber's life and her escape from the Divinity.
Timber is not your every day protagonist. She has done some terrible, terrible things. The trick of this book is that you care about her anyway. All of the characters in the book are well drawn and defined. I cared about all of them, both good and bad.
Two last things. First: this book is defintely not for the squeamish or those with weak stomachs. Second: This book was incredibly well edited and well written. I spotted only two typos and I can't even remember the last time I saw a book with that few errors.
I would highly recommend this to any horror fan, even though it is not really a scary story in the traditional sense.
April 26, 2012
Absolutely fascinating read about a cannibal cult. I loved all the characters, they all had little quirks that I could recognise in people I know (with the exception of eating flesh and cutting people up with a cleaver, obviously) and all had quite a sad background; Luscious was by far my favourite character in this novel because he seemed so, well, human and real . At times when the book was written from his point-of-view I just wanted to reach in and give him a hug.
Despite Timber, the protagonist, being brought up a cannibal I was still able to emphasis and sympathise with her throughout. Lastrapes writes eloquently about her, and other characters, throughout and although some scenes are rather graphic and certainly not for the faint of heart, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone.
Initially I gave this book four stars. Then I totally forgot to write a review, hence why this is rather short, but as I was thinking about what to actually say here I realised there is not a single thing about this book I did not like so it is a getting another star. For a debut novel, this is outstanding and I look forward to reading more from Lastrapes in the future.
Despite Timber, the protagonist, being brought up a cannibal I was still able to emphasis and sympathise with her throughout. Lastrapes writes eloquently about her, and other characters, throughout and although some scenes are rather graphic and certainly not for the faint of heart, I would strongly recommend this book to anyone.
Initially I gave this book four stars. Then I totally forgot to write a review, hence why this is rather short, but as I was thinking about what to actually say here I realised there is not a single thing about this book I did not like so it is a getting another star. For a debut novel, this is outstanding and I look forward to reading more from Lastrapes in the future.
January 3, 2012
I rarely give a 5 star review but this book is original and compelling. I read it in 2 sittings as I found it hard to get out of my head. Timber Marlow is born and raised within a cult of cannibals in the wilds of America. It is normal to butcher and eat the human flesh and the descriptions of the Sustenance rituals are gruesome, but you just can't tear your eyes away. Timber escapes to the Outside and the story continues there as she is hunted down. Lastrapes keeps you reading by giving hints of the horrors to come. His writing is skillful and incredibly convincing.
Definitely don't read it before bed if you're alone.
Definitely don't read it before bed if you're alone.
Read
May 16, 2012Ok, I really struggled in terms of 'stars' on this one and finally decided to leave it without stars because I didn't feel qualified to pick. The reason I felt under-qualified is because this story is WAY outside my usual comfort zone (or genre, take your pick). I have read a little horror, mostly classics like King and Koontz, but I have mostly avoided this genre because I have a tendency toward developing truly mind-melting nightmares. This was particularly true when I was a child. They were so bad in fact, that I actually did learn a little dream control (yes, it is sometimes possible to realize one is dreaming and alter a dream). It didn't always work but it worked enough when I managed to change the endings to some repetitive nightmares (usually ending in my being flayed) that they abated...somewhat.
As an adult I guess my sensitivities have dulled because my nightmares are much more rare. When I began Inside the Outside, however, I worried about their return. But I digress. What did I think?
Firstly, the author is incredibly brave, in my opinion, to tackle this subject at all. If you read the synopsis then you know that this is a book about a cannibalistic cult living in the mountains above San Bernadino. If the words 'cannibalistic cult' frighten you in a bad way, I have to say this one is probably not for you. If they scare you in a good way, then this one is right in your wheelhouse. Let's just say in my case that I was intrigued as an author. How does one carry this off?
Well, Lestrapes does it amazingly well. He plunges you right into the heart of this sick society through the eyes of Timber Marlow, a child who has never known anything else. Even so, when she is called upon to take on some of the more disgusting duties in the group (preparing the 'sustenance'...if you know what I mean), even she finds herself questioning their ways. Her questions only grow as she notices the disparities in the way some members of the society are treated by 'Daddy Marlow', the man at the top. She is also disturbed by the rape of the women in the society. In some cases the women are willing, but not in all cases and Daddy even brings in Outsider men to take their women for money. Yuk. Without giving away any spoilers I can say that the details of the cult are really pretty interesting and well thought out, but they are very, very, very, very, very, very disturbing.
The book is divided into two parts. In the first it is all about the cult. In the second, it is all about the outside world and how those two paths collide through Timber's actions. I have to say that I enjoyed the first part a lot more myself...which does leave one to wonder what the heck is wrong with you. Maybe I need a head shrinker because i was more compelled by the disgusting, horrifying, creepy, shudder-worthy cult part than the outside world part. Interestingly this may be because although there are some disgusting, horrifying, creepy, shudder-worthy people and actions on the outside, they seem more 'normal' and don't provoke the same reaction? Hmmm, that is a thinker too.
I have to say that I found the tone of the second half (outside world) very different. It almost reminded me of Carl Hiassen (sorry, spelling? the guy that writes the funny murder mysteries set in Florida). I say that as a compliment because one thing Hiassen does that I love is really capture the soul of scumbags, petty thieves, sleazes, and their toadies. And there are plenty of these types in the 'outside' that Lastrapes manages to bring to life with vivid accuracy. Still, the feeling of the two sections was very different.
POV - I was fascinated that Lastrapes chose to use a narrator (whose identity is later revealed in a pretty good twist). I have been thinking about POVs a lot as I've done my own writing and this was also a brave choice. Narrators are rarely used anymore, for whatever reason, and I found the choice to be successful. It allows for a 3rd person omniscient sort of 'knowledge' of everyone without actually head-jumping. Very interesting approach.
The Details - Lastrapes really does give you the details in all his descriptions and I felt like I could picture (even when I didn't want to) everything that was happening and all the characters and environments very clearly.
Final Thought - If I could give it stars I would probably go '3' because I am not super into horror and a lot of this was beyond my grossness threshold. But I know that horror buffs probably LOVE that Lastrapes goes for the yuck-factor gusto so they would probably give it a '4' or '5'. Hence my choice not to use stars. Hopefully someone will read the full review and take it for what it is worth.
If you really like horror then I think you will love this book. It is truly horrifying in the best way. :)
But if cannibalism (and the associated food prep scenes) is something you can't stomach reading about...OR if you cannot handle VIVID sex scenes including sexual assaults, then this one may be a little much for you.
As an adult I guess my sensitivities have dulled because my nightmares are much more rare. When I began Inside the Outside, however, I worried about their return. But I digress. What did I think?
Firstly, the author is incredibly brave, in my opinion, to tackle this subject at all. If you read the synopsis then you know that this is a book about a cannibalistic cult living in the mountains above San Bernadino. If the words 'cannibalistic cult' frighten you in a bad way, I have to say this one is probably not for you. If they scare you in a good way, then this one is right in your wheelhouse. Let's just say in my case that I was intrigued as an author. How does one carry this off?
Well, Lestrapes does it amazingly well. He plunges you right into the heart of this sick society through the eyes of Timber Marlow, a child who has never known anything else. Even so, when she is called upon to take on some of the more disgusting duties in the group (preparing the 'sustenance'...if you know what I mean), even she finds herself questioning their ways. Her questions only grow as she notices the disparities in the way some members of the society are treated by 'Daddy Marlow', the man at the top. She is also disturbed by the rape of the women in the society. In some cases the women are willing, but not in all cases and Daddy even brings in Outsider men to take their women for money. Yuk. Without giving away any spoilers I can say that the details of the cult are really pretty interesting and well thought out, but they are very, very, very, very, very, very disturbing.
The book is divided into two parts. In the first it is all about the cult. In the second, it is all about the outside world and how those two paths collide through Timber's actions. I have to say that I enjoyed the first part a lot more myself...which does leave one to wonder what the heck is wrong with you. Maybe I need a head shrinker because i was more compelled by the disgusting, horrifying, creepy, shudder-worthy cult part than the outside world part. Interestingly this may be because although there are some disgusting, horrifying, creepy, shudder-worthy people and actions on the outside, they seem more 'normal' and don't provoke the same reaction? Hmmm, that is a thinker too.
I have to say that I found the tone of the second half (outside world) very different. It almost reminded me of Carl Hiassen (sorry, spelling? the guy that writes the funny murder mysteries set in Florida). I say that as a compliment because one thing Hiassen does that I love is really capture the soul of scumbags, petty thieves, sleazes, and their toadies. And there are plenty of these types in the 'outside' that Lastrapes manages to bring to life with vivid accuracy. Still, the feeling of the two sections was very different.
POV - I was fascinated that Lastrapes chose to use a narrator (whose identity is later revealed in a pretty good twist). I have been thinking about POVs a lot as I've done my own writing and this was also a brave choice. Narrators are rarely used anymore, for whatever reason, and I found the choice to be successful. It allows for a 3rd person omniscient sort of 'knowledge' of everyone without actually head-jumping. Very interesting approach.
The Details - Lastrapes really does give you the details in all his descriptions and I felt like I could picture (even when I didn't want to) everything that was happening and all the characters and environments very clearly.
Final Thought - If I could give it stars I would probably go '3' because I am not super into horror and a lot of this was beyond my grossness threshold. But I know that horror buffs probably LOVE that Lastrapes goes for the yuck-factor gusto so they would probably give it a '4' or '5'. Hence my choice not to use stars. Hopefully someone will read the full review and take it for what it is worth.
If you really like horror then I think you will love this book. It is truly horrifying in the best way. :)
But if cannibalism (and the associated food prep scenes) is something you can't stomach reading about...OR if you cannot handle VIVID sex scenes including sexual assaults, then this one may be a little much for you.
June 16, 2012
Hold on a minute... you hear that? That is me taking a nice, deep, refreshing breath. Why, you ask? Because I just finished reading something truly new and exciting! I'm a huge horror fan, both to read and to watch, and seldom lately do I find myself as anxious to review something. INSIDE THE OUTSIDE had me hooked from the first page. The author, Martin Lastrapes, has successfully written a debut novel with an exquisite voice that expertly paints an effective picture of his characters and their surroundings. You feel their emotions. You fight their inner battles along with them. You identify with them. You even feel like you are speaking their words. You really get inside. Martin has done this with rare expertise and I applaud him.
Timber, the main character, is both endearing and creepy. You love her in her strengths and in her weaknesses. You want to protect her (at least I did) from the world at large. You agree with just about every single thing she does. You feel elated when she wins and heartbroken when she loses.
Martin also teases you throughout the book. He throws out reveals but you feel like you never get to them and it's maddening!! In a good way, mind you, because it keeps you hooked. You finish a chapter and think you can put the book down, but NOOOOOOO, he tantalizes you and forces you to keep going. That is part of the genius in his writing style -- the way that he strings you along but doesn't necessarily provide until later on or until the very end. And speaking of the end: NO HOLLYWOOD ENDING HERE. Well, partly, but not fully. You get some, you lose some, and you want more. I highly recommend this story to anyone that likes dark fiction or cult stories -- or even drama! There's a lot of drama that pulls at the heart strings and anyone/everyone can identify with. Horror fan or not. I absolutely loved this book!
Timber, the main character, is both endearing and creepy. You love her in her strengths and in her weaknesses. You want to protect her (at least I did) from the world at large. You agree with just about every single thing she does. You feel elated when she wins and heartbroken when she loses.
Martin also teases you throughout the book. He throws out reveals but you feel like you never get to them and it's maddening!! In a good way, mind you, because it keeps you hooked. You finish a chapter and think you can put the book down, but NOOOOOOO, he tantalizes you and forces you to keep going. That is part of the genius in his writing style -- the way that he strings you along but doesn't necessarily provide until later on or until the very end. And speaking of the end: NO HOLLYWOOD ENDING HERE. Well, partly, but not fully. You get some, you lose some, and you want more. I highly recommend this story to anyone that likes dark fiction or cult stories -- or even drama! There's a lot of drama that pulls at the heart strings and anyone/everyone can identify with. Horror fan or not. I absolutely loved this book!
May 14, 2012
One of my friends took a class with this teacher and posted a picture of this author and said that in person he does not look so scary. Well, after reading his book, I am inclined to think that yes, he must be quite a creepy person. The book sure was creepy. It reads like a clinical, reporter's view about a cannibal, a young female who experiences life as part of a sect in the LA mountains. The young girl eventually encounters every day society. The descriptions are powerful, images stayed with me (ugh!), original writing, solid plot.
After I had my babies I lost my ability to enjoy horrible things in movies and books. I am not the target audience for this story, if I were it would get a much higher rating. I did not look forward to reading the next page - but even I turned the pages to the end. I'll pass the book along to younger readers with more intestinal fortitude.
Epilogue: Thing is, months later, I realized that whereas most books fade into the background, I remember the book, and still think about it....
After I had my babies I lost my ability to enjoy horrible things in movies and books. I am not the target audience for this story, if I were it would get a much higher rating. I did not look forward to reading the next page - but even I turned the pages to the end. I'll pass the book along to younger readers with more intestinal fortitude.
Epilogue: Thing is, months later, I realized that whereas most books fade into the background, I remember the book, and still think about it....
September 29, 2011
This book affected me more than any horror movie ever has. That may be because my imagination is 1,000 times more vivid than any movie director's best creation, but it's definitely due to the fact that this story is incredible. It's so sad and moving and detestable all at the same time. Martin Lastrapes has an amazing ability to draw his readers in to this grotesque and bizarre world that they would normally stay far away from. I would recommend this book to everyone who is a lover of horror stories and anyone interested in a talented representation of the trials of the human spirit with a dark twist.
March 18, 2012
The online book reviews are what intrigued me most about this book. Words like "shocking" or "disturbing" never cease to pique my interest. I must say, I was not disappointed. This book was an emotional rollercoaster for me, which I didn't expect. Timber isn't your typical heroine. I actually thought she was a frightening little child-monster in the beginning, but I realized that she was nothing more than the product of a madman's fantasy. Daddy Marlow was, by far, one of the scariest characters I'd come across. He gives new meaning to that whole "absolute power corrupts absolutely" saying. This book is definitely a must read.
March 27, 2016
A story more different than any other I've read.
I can truly say I experienced quite a few emotions while reading this story, but at no point did I feel hatred or disdain for Timber, the main character, even with the sometimes gruesome things she had to do.
This was quite the astounding adventure, and quite the justified ending.
Great story.
I can truly say I experienced quite a few emotions while reading this story, but at no point did I feel hatred or disdain for Timber, the main character, even with the sometimes gruesome things she had to do.
This was quite the astounding adventure, and quite the justified ending.
Great story.
March 30, 2016
Why did it have to end?
This was the first story about what goes on in an unimaginable cult. Then what happens when the cult is done for and normal life (somewhat) takes over.
Loved it.
This was the first story about what goes on in an unimaginable cult. Then what happens when the cult is done for and normal life (somewhat) takes over.
Loved it.
March 31, 2016
What an excellent book!
Easily read with a fresh theme. I felt myself falling for Timber and wanting her to make it. Couldn't put it down, even when watching TV I 'd pick it up during commercials!
Easily read with a fresh theme. I felt myself falling for Timber and wanting her to make it. Couldn't put it down, even when watching TV I 'd pick it up during commercials!
September 4, 2018
Inside The Outside by Martin Lastrapes got inside my mind, and made me think outside the box. You ever wonder what goes on in an individual's mind to be involved in a cult? Well, Martin gives the reader a chance to dive into the mind of Timber, a young lady who was born and raised in a cannibal cult.
Timber, was such a delightful and brave character. With that name, she was destined to knock down whatever obstacles came her way. Even though, I couldn't necessarily relate to her, I still established a connection with Timber that lasted until the end.
The novel was broken up into three parts. The first part was absolutely fascinating. I loved uncovering the ins and outs of a human flesh eating society. It was gritty, raw and down right chilling. Even in times where I literally said, ew or what the Fuck out loud, it definitely moved me and got under my skin. Now, if that's not great writing, than I don't know what is!
By the second part, it kind of took a different turn. It was a little hard adjusting to the change since I was on a heart pacing high from the first part. But, a few chapters in, I got back into it and once again I was biting my nails with anticipation.
All in all, this was my first cult book and I loved it. It hit all the elements I expected to feel while reading about cannibalistic cult members. But, Martin also expressed other themes such as sexuality and gender roles. I don't know how he managed to cram everything in there without making it confusing. He gave just the right balance to keep everything in sync with the story. I highly recommend this novel if you're into cults or just horror novels in general!
Timber, was such a delightful and brave character. With that name, she was destined to knock down whatever obstacles came her way. Even though, I couldn't necessarily relate to her, I still established a connection with Timber that lasted until the end.
The novel was broken up into three parts. The first part was absolutely fascinating. I loved uncovering the ins and outs of a human flesh eating society. It was gritty, raw and down right chilling. Even in times where I literally said, ew or what the Fuck out loud, it definitely moved me and got under my skin. Now, if that's not great writing, than I don't know what is!
By the second part, it kind of took a different turn. It was a little hard adjusting to the change since I was on a heart pacing high from the first part. But, a few chapters in, I got back into it and once again I was biting my nails with anticipation.
All in all, this was my first cult book and I loved it. It hit all the elements I expected to feel while reading about cannibalistic cult members. But, Martin also expressed other themes such as sexuality and gender roles. I don't know how he managed to cram everything in there without making it confusing. He gave just the right balance to keep everything in sync with the story. I highly recommend this novel if you're into cults or just horror novels in general!
August 17, 2016
Unfortunately the Nook version of this I have is unreadable due to several sentences running off the page. I tried to read it even with the gaps in the story, but it became too difficult. It started as a great story, and I'd like to get my hands on another version and try again.
** Update** I did get another version! And here is my official review.
First posted here: https://rawrisforreading.wordpress.co...
My Review:
This book was unlike anything else I’ve read recently. I was intrigued by it once I read the synopsis and Inside the Outside lived up to my expectations and then exceeded some.
First, the book took readers inside the cult, the Divinity, as it is referred to. The concepts of cults fascinates me, so I was completely captured by the source and beliefs of the Divinity. I’m happy Lastrapes offered a brief, yet detailed history to the origin of the cult. I believe this made it easier for readers to buy in to the story.
The characters were great. They were just like you and I, yet raised on a vastly different belief system. Even so, Lastrapes does a great job exploring human nature and death. While the cult dealt with a lot of death – sometimes eating their own kind – it was obvious that the deaths affected the hearts and minds of some of the cult members. It’s important to understand that while the cult was raised on the belief that human flesh in a necessary sustenance, there’s still a struggle with death and evil.
Timber, the heroin of the story, was fully developed. She was twisted with love and murder. She had a deep knowledge of human kind and no understanding of society. When she gets thrust into the ‘outside’,the story takes on a whole new dynamic. I really liked the fact the story changed settings as it did. It developed the idea of the story and allowed for the larger themes to be explored.
It is difficult to separate good and evil in this book, but it is obvious who the antagonist is. Daddy Marlow is perfectly revolting, and while we know little about his boys, readers aren’t exactly inclined to like them either, but there is certainly sympathy there. The character I most struggled with was Luna. She knows full well the murder and rape happening all around her, yet chooses to stay for the simplicity of life in the Divinity. Regardless of her disregard for the things happening around her, she cares deeply for Timber, and she is a necessary catalyst to the story.
Let me return to the whole murder and rape thing. This book really isn’t for the faint of heart. It tackles big issues, but in doing so Lastrapes includes some graphic imagery. The cannabalism is horrifying, but the rape is by far worse. Sexuality is a major theme of this novel. In the Divinity, Timber and her friends learn about their bodies, but then their bodies get taken advantage of. Once Timber is on the outside, living with a porn star, she carries on this warped sense of sexuality until she finally finds and understands love. It’s a long journey for her, but the character Timber becomes is far from the one at the start of the novel. It’s a truly remarkable journey.
I really loved this novel. It was tough to deal with at times because despite my love for Timber, she wasn’t all that good despite her best efforts. Even Luscious had a shady past. That said, there is no good character in this book, but their flaws are what attracts us to them.
I thought Lastrapes did a great job on this novel. There was some predictability with the way the story developed. With heavy foreshadowing and titled chapters, it was difficult to be really surprised by the story, but it was no less enjoyable. It took me forever to read this book because of moving cities and starting a new job. I think I would have been more impacted if I could have read larger chunks of the story at once, but I was still engrossed with the story even when I wasn’t reading it.
Like I said, it was unlike anything I’ve read before. It tackled big issues such as Good vs. Evil, human limitations, power, money, homosexuality, and love but never truly dwelled on any of them. The story was actually a very easy read, despite the more graphic scenes. It was well written. It read more like young adult fiction in that it the plot moved quickly and the main characters were quite young, but I would definitely classify it as adult fiction because of some of the graphic imagery.
Before I finish this review, I want to give props to Mr. Lastrapes. I had difficulty getting my epub to read correctly on my Nook. A number of sentences ran off the page and I would miss valuable pieces of the story. He reached out to me and offered me a new version of the story. I re-downloaded the new epub on my Nook and I happened to have the same problem. I did find that I could read the story on my iPad through iBooks. I might have been annoyed that I had to read it that way, but since Lastrapes was genuinely concerned with my inability to finish the story, I was happy that he took the time to reach out to me. The story was capturing and I often would find my place on my phone and read in the waiting room of the doctors office, in my car before work, or anywhere I had a few minutes to spare. It actually worked out perfectly and I’m very happy to have finished it.
** Update** I did get another version! And here is my official review.
First posted here: https://rawrisforreading.wordpress.co...
My Review:
This book was unlike anything else I’ve read recently. I was intrigued by it once I read the synopsis and Inside the Outside lived up to my expectations and then exceeded some.
First, the book took readers inside the cult, the Divinity, as it is referred to. The concepts of cults fascinates me, so I was completely captured by the source and beliefs of the Divinity. I’m happy Lastrapes offered a brief, yet detailed history to the origin of the cult. I believe this made it easier for readers to buy in to the story.
The characters were great. They were just like you and I, yet raised on a vastly different belief system. Even so, Lastrapes does a great job exploring human nature and death. While the cult dealt with a lot of death – sometimes eating their own kind – it was obvious that the deaths affected the hearts and minds of some of the cult members. It’s important to understand that while the cult was raised on the belief that human flesh in a necessary sustenance, there’s still a struggle with death and evil.
Timber, the heroin of the story, was fully developed. She was twisted with love and murder. She had a deep knowledge of human kind and no understanding of society. When she gets thrust into the ‘outside’,the story takes on a whole new dynamic. I really liked the fact the story changed settings as it did. It developed the idea of the story and allowed for the larger themes to be explored.
It is difficult to separate good and evil in this book, but it is obvious who the antagonist is. Daddy Marlow is perfectly revolting, and while we know little about his boys, readers aren’t exactly inclined to like them either, but there is certainly sympathy there. The character I most struggled with was Luna. She knows full well the murder and rape happening all around her, yet chooses to stay for the simplicity of life in the Divinity. Regardless of her disregard for the things happening around her, she cares deeply for Timber, and she is a necessary catalyst to the story.
Let me return to the whole murder and rape thing. This book really isn’t for the faint of heart. It tackles big issues, but in doing so Lastrapes includes some graphic imagery. The cannabalism is horrifying, but the rape is by far worse. Sexuality is a major theme of this novel. In the Divinity, Timber and her friends learn about their bodies, but then their bodies get taken advantage of. Once Timber is on the outside, living with a porn star, she carries on this warped sense of sexuality until she finally finds and understands love. It’s a long journey for her, but the character Timber becomes is far from the one at the start of the novel. It’s a truly remarkable journey.
I really loved this novel. It was tough to deal with at times because despite my love for Timber, she wasn’t all that good despite her best efforts. Even Luscious had a shady past. That said, there is no good character in this book, but their flaws are what attracts us to them.
I thought Lastrapes did a great job on this novel. There was some predictability with the way the story developed. With heavy foreshadowing and titled chapters, it was difficult to be really surprised by the story, but it was no less enjoyable. It took me forever to read this book because of moving cities and starting a new job. I think I would have been more impacted if I could have read larger chunks of the story at once, but I was still engrossed with the story even when I wasn’t reading it.
Like I said, it was unlike anything I’ve read before. It tackled big issues such as Good vs. Evil, human limitations, power, money, homosexuality, and love but never truly dwelled on any of them. The story was actually a very easy read, despite the more graphic scenes. It was well written. It read more like young adult fiction in that it the plot moved quickly and the main characters were quite young, but I would definitely classify it as adult fiction because of some of the graphic imagery.
Before I finish this review, I want to give props to Mr. Lastrapes. I had difficulty getting my epub to read correctly on my Nook. A number of sentences ran off the page and I would miss valuable pieces of the story. He reached out to me and offered me a new version of the story. I re-downloaded the new epub on my Nook and I happened to have the same problem. I did find that I could read the story on my iPad through iBooks. I might have been annoyed that I had to read it that way, but since Lastrapes was genuinely concerned with my inability to finish the story, I was happy that he took the time to reach out to me. The story was capturing and I often would find my place on my phone and read in the waiting room of the doctors office, in my car before work, or anywhere I had a few minutes to spare. It actually worked out perfectly and I’m very happy to have finished it.
February 25, 2012
A wonderfully odd mix of being slightly perturbed while actually feeling disturbed was what overwhelmed me for much of the time. There have been only a few instances where I’ve ever felt genuinely uneasy about something and this book somehow taps into that pitting emotion in my stomach. Soaking in the first couple of chapters, the dread set in; slowly creeping into every fiber of my being just as it had when viewing the movie Martha Marcy May Marlene. And while that film addresses similar elements of cultism and escaping into what we consider mainstream normalcy, Inside the Outside is vividly and incredibly different.
The story follows Timber Marlow, a young girl coming of age, describing her trials from both her life in the Divinity to the life beyond that. There was a certain innocence to her character that I quickly grew fond of her — wishing that the things that happened to her hadn’t. With each turn of the page, I found myself often covering my agape mouth incredulously at the events that were transpiring before me. I am really astonished that I was moved to tears by the novel’s end, brought forth by a character that I couldn’t even clearly liken to a celebrity’s look in my head.
Throughout the first part of the book, you are indoctrinated to the cult of the Divinity of Feminine Reproach — learning of their strange rituals and values. Each chapter added something more to an already tumultuous pace of narrative. I could feel my heart pounding all the way until part two where there was a change of perspective as it largely dealt Timber’s assimilation into society. Slow at first, but the build up of her past looming over her newly found life was needed. I felt as if it paralleled her rebirth, experiencing the new things around her slowly but surely. I’ll have to confess that I had wanted a little more looming, but as it stands in the book, it still served to be poignant and central to the plot.
No, this isn’t for children nor is it for those who possess a weak constitution. There is a strong presence of sex, rape, homosexuality laced in with murder and cannibalism that anyone who is offended by all or partially by those things should honestly think twice before picking this one up. It is a fair warning, I should say, though I implore those who are interested to give this a shot. I’m excited to know that the author himself along with another cohort are trying to adapt this into a screenplay, sincerely hoping that it can capture the same feeling that the novel embodied.
And while I hate crying, I would not mind it one bit if I found myself hurriedly wiping away the tears streaming down my face in the darkness of the movie theaters.
*Slightly edited from my personal blog.
The story follows Timber Marlow, a young girl coming of age, describing her trials from both her life in the Divinity to the life beyond that. There was a certain innocence to her character that I quickly grew fond of her — wishing that the things that happened to her hadn’t. With each turn of the page, I found myself often covering my agape mouth incredulously at the events that were transpiring before me. I am really astonished that I was moved to tears by the novel’s end, brought forth by a character that I couldn’t even clearly liken to a celebrity’s look in my head.
Throughout the first part of the book, you are indoctrinated to the cult of the Divinity of Feminine Reproach — learning of their strange rituals and values. Each chapter added something more to an already tumultuous pace of narrative. I could feel my heart pounding all the way until part two where there was a change of perspective as it largely dealt Timber’s assimilation into society. Slow at first, but the build up of her past looming over her newly found life was needed. I felt as if it paralleled her rebirth, experiencing the new things around her slowly but surely. I’ll have to confess that I had wanted a little more looming, but as it stands in the book, it still served to be poignant and central to the plot.
No, this isn’t for children nor is it for those who possess a weak constitution. There is a strong presence of sex, rape, homosexuality laced in with murder and cannibalism that anyone who is offended by all or partially by those things should honestly think twice before picking this one up. It is a fair warning, I should say, though I implore those who are interested to give this a shot. I’m excited to know that the author himself along with another cohort are trying to adapt this into a screenplay, sincerely hoping that it can capture the same feeling that the novel embodied.
And while I hate crying, I would not mind it one bit if I found myself hurriedly wiping away the tears streaming down my face in the darkness of the movie theaters.
*Slightly edited from my personal blog.
June 27, 2012
I'm having a hard time sorting how I feel about Inside the Outside. I'm the type of reader that is generally comfortable with putting a book aside for a while (which is why I'm so slow to finish anything), but this one kept me coming back. The writing has great flow to it, and the story and characters pull you in.
However, the prose also keeps you at arms length. The style is simple, clinical even childish, which makes sense when you find out who the narrator is. It works for the first half of the book, when we are entrenched in the Divinity of Feminine Reproach, and we are seeing things almost exclusively through Timber Marlowe's naive and isolated perspective. The cold wording gives an escape route for some of the horrible things Timber goes through, while still conveying the seed of evil that begins to grow inside her.
Once Timber is on the Outside though, and the perspective expands, I felt a little gypped. Timber was going through some serious life changes - having a child, falling in love, making a real life for herself - and its conveyed with not much more intensity than a grocery list. I didn't want to take Timber's feelings for granted, she's a complex and intriguing character, and not every person feels the same way about becoming a mother, especially one to a product of rape. We just have to take the narrator's word for it that most important thing to Timber is the family that came together around her.
We're also asked to sympathize with a lot of morally questionable characters. Billy D Luscious, for example, while a sweet man who genuinely cares for Timber, also facilitated murder and sex slavery (not to mention, Timber's own rape). Early on in the book, we're supposed to feel for a young man who is executed, an event Timber unintentionally caused, as well as his young lover who later commits suicide. But I kept thinking "Isn't this the guy who had sex with a twelve-year-old? Not caring so much." I like reading about morally questionable characters, and I rather like how this book turns stereotypes on their heads (the whole setting rests in unwholesome worlds, from a cannibalistic cult to the porn industry to organized crime, and yet that's the world where Timber raises a daughter who goes to Disneyland every birthday and loves Cosmic Bowling), but because of the detached prose style it doesn't feel like the story digs deep enough.
Despite all this, I did genuinely enjoy this book, which is partially why its left me so confused. I liked its brutality and straightforward nature, I just wish it took a few moments here and there to show something rather just tell it.
However, the prose also keeps you at arms length. The style is simple, clinical even childish, which makes sense when you find out who the narrator is. It works for the first half of the book, when we are entrenched in the Divinity of Feminine Reproach, and we are seeing things almost exclusively through Timber Marlowe's naive and isolated perspective. The cold wording gives an escape route for some of the horrible things Timber goes through, while still conveying the seed of evil that begins to grow inside her.
Once Timber is on the Outside though, and the perspective expands, I felt a little gypped. Timber was going through some serious life changes - having a child, falling in love, making a real life for herself - and its conveyed with not much more intensity than a grocery list. I didn't want to take Timber's feelings for granted, she's a complex and intriguing character, and not every person feels the same way about becoming a mother, especially one to a product of rape. We just have to take the narrator's word for it that most important thing to Timber is the family that came together around her.
We're also asked to sympathize with a lot of morally questionable characters. Billy D Luscious, for example, while a sweet man who genuinely cares for Timber, also facilitated murder and sex slavery (not to mention, Timber's own rape). Early on in the book, we're supposed to feel for a young man who is executed, an event Timber unintentionally caused, as well as his young lover who later commits suicide. But I kept thinking "Isn't this the guy who had sex with a twelve-year-old? Not caring so much." I like reading about morally questionable characters, and I rather like how this book turns stereotypes on their heads (the whole setting rests in unwholesome worlds, from a cannibalistic cult to the porn industry to organized crime, and yet that's the world where Timber raises a daughter who goes to Disneyland every birthday and loves Cosmic Bowling), but because of the detached prose style it doesn't feel like the story digs deep enough.
Despite all this, I did genuinely enjoy this book, which is partially why its left me so confused. I liked its brutality and straightforward nature, I just wish it took a few moments here and there to show something rather just tell it.
February 28, 2013
3.5
This is a hard one to review since it felt like 3 separate stories.
The first is all introduces a cult type commune in the mountains. It was the best of the three parts of the stories. I guess it makes me a little morbid to think that since the story was all about how the village inhabitants live as cannibals as their way of life. The group is known as The Divinity and human flesh has been their sustenance for decades. Divinity children don’t know their biological parents and are raised by the village. The story is told through the eyes of a 14 year old girl named Timber. It was such a different concept that I couldn’t help but finish this section in one sitting just to satisfy my impatient curiosity.
The second part of the story involves the secondary characters. These are Timber’s “Outside” friends. Their back stories, while interesting, didn’t have the same “I need to read the next chapter” feeling as the first part. Later these characters would become Timber’s family and most important people in her life, but it felt more about them than Timber.
The third part consists of the first five years of life on the “Outside”. It is told through another source much further in the future. I liked this section because it had plenty of action and kept the story moving quickly. But this was my least favorite of the three parts since the ending is a little abrupt and leaves the reader to imagine what happened next. I felt cheated spending so much of the book around Timber to not have full closure on her life. You just kind of assume they all lived happily ever after since someone is narrating the story after the fact.
What made this book scary for me is that it is actually plausible. There is no paranormal element to it to make it farfetched. As other readers have stated in their reviews, there is a little bit of everything: Friendship, Family, Love, Hatred, Sex (consensual and non- consensual) and Cannibalism. Be warned though, it is very gruesome and you will learn more about dismembering a body than you thought you’d want to know.
This is a hard one to review since it felt like 3 separate stories.
The first is all introduces a cult type commune in the mountains. It was the best of the three parts of the stories. I guess it makes me a little morbid to think that since the story was all about how the village inhabitants live as cannibals as their way of life. The group is known as The Divinity and human flesh has been their sustenance for decades. Divinity children don’t know their biological parents and are raised by the village. The story is told through the eyes of a 14 year old girl named Timber. It was such a different concept that I couldn’t help but finish this section in one sitting just to satisfy my impatient curiosity.
The second part of the story involves the secondary characters. These are Timber’s “Outside” friends. Their back stories, while interesting, didn’t have the same “I need to read the next chapter” feeling as the first part. Later these characters would become Timber’s family and most important people in her life, but it felt more about them than Timber.
The third part consists of the first five years of life on the “Outside”. It is told through another source much further in the future. I liked this section because it had plenty of action and kept the story moving quickly. But this was my least favorite of the three parts since the ending is a little abrupt and leaves the reader to imagine what happened next. I felt cheated spending so much of the book around Timber to not have full closure on her life. You just kind of assume they all lived happily ever after since someone is narrating the story after the fact.
What made this book scary for me is that it is actually plausible. There is no paranormal element to it to make it farfetched. As other readers have stated in their reviews, there is a little bit of everything: Friendship, Family, Love, Hatred, Sex (consensual and non- consensual) and Cannibalism. Be warned though, it is very gruesome and you will learn more about dismembering a body than you thought you’d want to know.
March 13, 2012
I wasn't too sure I was going to like this book. The main topic just seemed well....different for me. But once I got into it, I could not put it down. This is such a heart wrenching, touching, thought provoking, want to choke some of the characters, kind of story! I found myself really immersed in this story, I could see the compound in my mind and the soroundings. I could empathize and laugh and cry with the story as it was told through the eyes of the main character. What a life! What a way of life. It is interesting what some people make as truth's in this world. How they could totally believe and obey the rules that were set before them because this is the way they were raised. I don't like to give out plot information, so I will not regurgitate that information. I like to say how a book made me feel, or where it took me during the reading. I can say this book really got to me. I could feel the pain as well as Timber' triumphs. I really came to like Luna' character and her demeanor. I loved the inicents of it all and yet was horrified by how women were treated at times (you would of thought it would have been about the cannabalism, but it wasn't...I know that is weird). I really appreciate being given the opportunity to read this story. I would recommend it highly. It is a good study of human kind and of survival (physically and emotionally). Thank you Martin Lastrapes for writing this book, I hope you have others up your sleeve such as this.
June 14, 2012
I am very happy that Martin Lastrapes came to my creative writing class with a box of his books and some pretty amazing advice. I am proud to say that now that I have a little more free time, due to graduating from school, I was finally able to read this book!
Ok so I will say I really fell in love with Lucious and his loving nature towards his family. He is probably my favorite character because of the sanctuary he provided for Timber, our heroin. My heart squeezed for these characters-- the struggles that they have seen and the strength that they show. (I don't want to give anything away so maybe I should stop there) I found myself most into part two of the book, although part one still haunts my curiosity. Every time I drive up the 15 fwy I think... "what if...."
"what if" "oh man, what if"
"what if" can be a scary thing to ponder but I just love to do it.
I enjoyed spending time in the world that Martin Lastraps created. I would read another of his books and tell my friends to read them too.
So anyway, enough reading my lame review. Go buy the book and check it out. Summer is here, catch some rays in the back yard and get to reading. It's a good one.
Ok so I will say I really fell in love with Lucious and his loving nature towards his family. He is probably my favorite character because of the sanctuary he provided for Timber, our heroin. My heart squeezed for these characters-- the struggles that they have seen and the strength that they show. (I don't want to give anything away so maybe I should stop there) I found myself most into part two of the book, although part one still haunts my curiosity. Every time I drive up the 15 fwy I think... "what if...."
"what if" "oh man, what if"
"what if" can be a scary thing to ponder but I just love to do it.
I enjoyed spending time in the world that Martin Lastraps created. I would read another of his books and tell my friends to read them too.
So anyway, enough reading my lame review. Go buy the book and check it out. Summer is here, catch some rays in the back yard and get to reading. It's a good one.
March 1, 2023
Thanks to Martin Lastrapes for the honor to review this book for him. Also for writing it. I must say this is well deserving of 5 stars. Totally over and beyond what I usually read. LOVED LOVED LOVED it! AMAZING!
When you think about cannibalism, might gross you out but don't let that keep you from reading INSIDE THE OUTSIDE! Very well written. I never got bored or uninterested. I wanted it to keep going. I was sad when I was done reading it, not because the way it ended because I didn't want it to end.
I totally loved this book. It was hard to read at times imaging what was laid out about cannibalism. Made me cry and laugh. I am not quite sure how to review this book with out giving spoilers. I want more, more of the same twisted story but also more of Martin Lastrapes amazing imagination and his talented writing. The way he can lay a story out I am in awe of. I recommend this read to any adult reader that doesn't have a weak stomach and enjoys a good warped, distorted story.
When you think about cannibalism, might gross you out but don't let that keep you from reading INSIDE THE OUTSIDE! Very well written. I never got bored or uninterested. I wanted it to keep going. I was sad when I was done reading it, not because the way it ended because I didn't want it to end.
I totally loved this book. It was hard to read at times imaging what was laid out about cannibalism. Made me cry and laugh. I am not quite sure how to review this book with out giving spoilers. I want more, more of the same twisted story but also more of Martin Lastrapes amazing imagination and his talented writing. The way he can lay a story out I am in awe of. I recommend this read to any adult reader that doesn't have a weak stomach and enjoys a good warped, distorted story.
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