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Tarantola
Richard Lafargue è un famoso chirurgo plastico. Nessuno sa che la donna che porta in giro con orgoglio è in realtà sua prigioniera. Richard costringe Ève a prostituirsi, gode nel vederla torturare dai clienti, si bea del disgusto e della sofferenza di lei. E ogni tanto, la porta da Viviane... Alex Barny ha rapinato una banca. Ha ucciso un poliziotto, è rimasto ferito. Deve nascondersi. Ma le telecamere di sorveglianza hanno ripreso il suo volto. È disposto a tutto pur di salvarsi... Vincent Moreau è andato a fare un giro in moto. È notte, qualcuno lo insegue nella foresta. Viene catturato. Sono quattro anni che se ne sono perse le tracce... Thierry Jonquet ci catapulta in un incubo senza fine, in un orrore crudele celato dietro la normalità dell'apparenza, dove la ferocia è marchiata a fuoco nella carne dei protagonisti e insinua un interrogativo atroce: fin dove può arrivare una persona ferita?
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
60 people are currently reading
3869 people want to read
About the author
Thierry Jonquet
64 books124 followersThierry Jonquet was a French writer who specialised in crime novels with political themes. he was born in Paris; his most recent and best known novel outside of France was Mygale (2003), which was published in English translation as Tarantula in 2005 (Serpent's Tail). He wrote over 20 novels in French, including Le bal des débris, Moloch and Rouge c'est la vie.
Jonquet died aged 55 in hospital in Paris.
Tarantula has been adapted for the cinema by acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.
Jonquet died aged 55 in hospital in Paris.
Tarantula has been adapted for the cinema by acclaimed Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 455 reviews
December 19, 2015
I watched the film adaptation by Pedro Almodovar titled "The Skin I Live in" ("La Piel que Habito") in 2011. I liked a lot the movie and when I found out that it was based on a novel, I decided that eventually I will read it.
Finally it happened. First of all, taking out the major surprise in the storyline (don't worry, I won't spoil it), both stories are quite different, so it helped to appreciate the novel, while being the original story, and still have some surprises or unexpected developments.
However, I think that the film had the avantage of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the novel and being able to create an alternate storyline, in some ways milder and some ways stronger.
I was hoping that the novel wouldn't have the limitations of the film in presenting the though and crude elements of the story that in both versions are kinda similar, however, while on the novel you met some more shocking scenes, at the end, I think that the overall impression of the development on the novel it falls in ending in a weak way from a strong premise with tremendous potential.
Revenge and madness are primary factors in the novel to construct this twisted and bizarre story, however, I think that the character Dr. Richard Lafargue failed to acomplish my own expectations of fulfilling his plans of insane vengeance. Even more since the developments in a key sub-story put him in a priviledged position to extend his vendetta but he got like "cold feet" and remembering his own human nature and even developing some guilt merged with impossible "love" feelings. I mean, I think that if somebody took so heavy steps to engage a revenge that after all, it's quite justified, well, having second thoughts after being on it for years it's quite disappointing from the point of view of storytelling. Maybe, just maybe it's more realistic, I don't know, I am not psychologist to know if somebody can change so much and expressing feelings so impossible ones after being for several years in the process of such deranged retribution.
But even the other main character is quite contradictional, maybe a little more justified for experiencing such unique events, however even so, it's also kinda dissapointing.
The story had so much potential for ending in a perfect scary tale, but I don't know if the author got frighten himself for the novel that he was writing. I wouldn't blame him since it's indeed a twisted and sick story. However, if he conceptualized it and decided to publish it, well, I think that he should have the nerves to finish on its full potential.
And after reading the novel, I didn't get the impression that he did that. It was like running a marathon and tripping over just a few meters from the finishing line and while he crossed it, he did it on limping without the same impact that he started the race.
Finally it happened. First of all, taking out the major surprise in the storyline (don't worry, I won't spoil it), both stories are quite different, so it helped to appreciate the novel, while being the original story, and still have some surprises or unexpected developments.
However, I think that the film had the avantage of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the novel and being able to create an alternate storyline, in some ways milder and some ways stronger.
I was hoping that the novel wouldn't have the limitations of the film in presenting the though and crude elements of the story that in both versions are kinda similar, however, while on the novel you met some more shocking scenes, at the end, I think that the overall impression of the development on the novel it falls in ending in a weak way from a strong premise with tremendous potential.
Revenge and madness are primary factors in the novel to construct this twisted and bizarre story, however, I think that the character Dr. Richard Lafargue failed to acomplish my own expectations of fulfilling his plans of insane vengeance. Even more since the developments in a key sub-story put him in a priviledged position to extend his vendetta but he got like "cold feet" and remembering his own human nature and even developing some guilt merged with impossible "love" feelings. I mean, I think that if somebody took so heavy steps to engage a revenge that after all, it's quite justified, well, having second thoughts after being on it for years it's quite disappointing from the point of view of storytelling. Maybe, just maybe it's more realistic, I don't know, I am not psychologist to know if somebody can change so much and expressing feelings so impossible ones after being for several years in the process of such deranged retribution.
But even the other main character is quite contradictional, maybe a little more justified for experiencing such unique events, however even so, it's also kinda dissapointing.
The story had so much potential for ending in a perfect scary tale, but I don't know if the author got frighten himself for the novel that he was writing. I wouldn't blame him since it's indeed a twisted and sick story. However, if he conceptualized it and decided to publish it, well, I think that he should have the nerves to finish on its full potential.
And after reading the novel, I didn't get the impression that he did that. It was like running a marathon and tripping over just a few meters from the finishing line and while he crossed it, he did it on limping without the same impact that he started the race.
May 7, 2017
Οι ουράνιες θεϊκές και δαιμονικες δυνάμεις να σε φυλάνε απο τους ιστούς της αράχνης που υφαίνονται σε αυτή τη δηλητηριώδη ιστορία.
Ανατριχιαστική- σκοτεινή - φρικτή-ευχάριστα θα έλεγα εκδικητική απο την πλευρά του αρρωστημένου πατέρα-ακραία ερωτική και καθόλου αστυνομική αυτή η επιεικώς τέλεια γραφή σε νοσηρό φόντο.
Αρχίζει η εξιστόρηση μιας βατής ιστορίας μυστηρίου τριών επιπέδων - ανώμαλων θα έλεγα- ανεξάρτητων μεταξύ τους τουλάχιστον ως ένα σημείο. Αργότερα όσο προχωράει η ανάγνωση και γνωρίζουμε καλύτερα τους σκοτεινούς χαρακτηρες, η πολυεπίπεδη ιστορία πλέκεται και δένει τοσο σαδομαζοχιστικά ανατρεπτικά και λεπτομερώς τέλεια όσο περίτεχνα πλέκεται γλυκά και ύπουλα ο ιστός της αράχνης.
Σε ελάχιστες σελίδες ο αναγνώστης βιώνει άπειρα συναισθήματα και καταστάσεις καθημερινές, παρανοϊκές,θλιβερές,απαξιωτικές, απίστευτες και χαοτικές μέσα σε έναν κόσμο που υπάρχει τριγύρω μας και λειτουργεί ίσως σε άλλο υπαρξιακό επίπεδο ή σε μια κοινωνία που είμαστε αναγκασμένοι να ζήσουμε ως παγιδευμένοι.
Εξαιρετικό μυθιστόρημα απο μια αναμφισβήτητα μοναδική πένα.
Καλή ανάγνωση!!
Πολλούς ασπασμούς!
*ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ ΓΚΕΛΛΥ ΜΟΥ ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΤΟ ΕΙΧΑ ΔΙΑΒΑΣΕΙ ΑΝ ΔΕΝ ΕΙΧΑ ΔΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΚΡΙΤΙΚΗ ΣΟΥ.
Ανατριχιαστική- σκοτεινή - φρικτή-ευχάριστα θα έλεγα εκδικητική απο την πλευρά του αρρωστημένου πατέρα-ακραία ερωτική και καθόλου αστυνομική αυτή η επιεικώς τέλεια γραφή σε νοσηρό φόντο.
Αρχίζει η εξιστόρηση μιας βατής ιστορίας μυστηρίου τριών επιπέδων - ανώμαλων θα έλεγα- ανεξάρτητων μεταξύ τους τουλάχιστον ως ένα σημείο. Αργότερα όσο προχωράει η ανάγνωση και γνωρίζουμε καλύτερα τους σκοτεινούς χαρακτηρες, η πολυεπίπεδη ιστορία πλέκεται και δένει τοσο σαδομαζοχιστικά ανατρεπτικά και λεπτομερώς τέλεια όσο περίτεχνα πλέκεται γλυκά και ύπουλα ο ιστός της αράχνης.
Σε ελάχιστες σελίδες ο αναγνώστης βιώνει άπειρα συναισθήματα και καταστάσεις καθημερινές, παρανοϊκές,θλιβερές,απαξιωτικές, απίστευτες και χαοτικές μέσα σε έναν κόσμο που υπάρχει τριγύρω μας και λειτουργεί ίσως σε άλλο υπαρξιακό επίπεδο ή σε μια κοινωνία που είμαστε αναγκασμένοι να ζήσουμε ως παγιδευμένοι.
Εξαιρετικό μυθιστόρημα απο μια αναμφισβήτητα μοναδική πένα.
Καλή ανάγνωση!!
Πολλούς ασπασμούς!
*ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ ΓΚΕΛΛΥ ΜΟΥ ΔΕΝ ΘΑ ΤΟ ΕΙΧΑ ΔΙΑΒΑΣΕΙ ΑΝ ΔΕΝ ΕΙΧΑ ΔΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΚΡΙΤΙΚΗ ΣΟΥ.
September 1, 2014
**5 "CONUNDRUM OF CONFUSION” STARS***
I started this book w/ minimal expectations and in return they were met 10 fold. TARANTULA is MOST DEFINITELY NOT FOR EVERYONE …. This tale will test the readers patients, endurance, frustration level and fundamental math skills **1+1= ? .. WHAT?**...... Here's a little glimpse of emotions you can expect to endure....
..okay, you’ve been warned.
The chaos begins with the Dapper Richard Lafargue summoning Eve in this manner--> "For God sakes, hurry up you piece of shit!". Richard is a highly regarded plastic surgeon whom has some rather disturbing secrets. Eve is his girlfriend? Wife ? Whore ? Prisoner? Expensive play toy? All of the above? None of the above???...
Vincent and Alex confused me the most. I couldn't understand their purpose but their actually the characters whom matter the most... or maybe they mean absolutely nothing at all.
Viviene is Mygale <--- who? *EXACTLY* daughter who's gone mad.
And...unfortunately that is all I can say without giving away all the shebang.... This is a story where REVENGE is a dish that's best served BOLD!!!
Now...
.... be prepared to have your mind blown.
Thank you Enigma for recommending such an unforgettable story...MUAH!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
I started this book w/ minimal expectations and in return they were met 10 fold. TARANTULA is MOST DEFINITELY NOT FOR EVERYONE …. This tale will test the readers patients, endurance, frustration level and fundamental math skills **1+1= ? .. WHAT?**...... Here's a little glimpse of emotions you can expect to endure....
..okay, you’ve been warned.
The chaos begins with the Dapper Richard Lafargue summoning Eve in this manner--> "For God sakes, hurry up you piece of shit!". Richard is a highly regarded plastic surgeon whom has some rather disturbing secrets. Eve is his girlfriend? Wife ? Whore ? Prisoner? Expensive play toy? All of the above? None of the above???...
Vincent and Alex confused me the most. I couldn't understand their purpose but their actually the characters whom matter the most... or maybe they mean absolutely nothing at all.
Viviene is Mygale <--- who? *EXACTLY* daughter who's gone mad.
And...unfortunately that is all I can say without giving away all the shebang.... This is a story where REVENGE is a dish that's best served BOLD!!!
Now...
.... be prepared to have your mind blown.
Thank you Enigma for recommending such an unforgettable story...MUAH!
For more reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
December 16, 2016
Από τις πιο ευχάριστες και ανατριχιαστικές αναγνωστικές εμπειρίες για την φετινή χρονιά. Η υπόθεση εξελίσσεται πραγματικά σαν να ιστός αράχνης και κάθε σελίδα του βιβλίου είναι ενδιαφέρουσα, σκοτεινή, μυστήρια και κυρίως άμεση στον αναγνώστη…
Ο Ζονκέ «υφαίνει» τον ιστό της πλοκής με απόλυτη δεξιοτεχνία. Οι ανατροπές και οι αποκαλύψεις είναι τόσο γρήγορες και καταιγιστικές που στην κυριολεξία τρακάρουν μεταξύ τους και ο θόρυβος που προκαλούν είναι ανατριχιαστικός… Υπήρξαν φορές που η έκπληξη ήταν τόσο μεγάλη, που γύριζα πίσω τις σελίδες να δω αν πραγματικά έγινε αυτό που υποπτευόμουν!!!
Με έναν σχεδόν σουρεαλιστικό τρόπο γραφής οι 3 διαφορετικές ιστορίες τρέχουν η μια δίπλα στην άλλη και μαζί με αυτές τρέχει κι ο αναγνώστης περιμένοντας την τελική πρόσκρουση. Ο Ζονκέ έχει επηρεαστεί από τον Μαρκήσιο Ντε Σαντ και λίγο από τον τρόπο γραφής του Σαρτρ…. Κάποιες σκηνές μου θύμισαν αρκετά την Ζυστίν, του Μαρκησίου… Οπότε έχουμε σαν αποτέλεσμα ένα αστυνομικό νουάρ με επιρροές από τον διεστραμμένο κόσμο του Ντε Σαντ!!
Και κάτι ακόμα… Για αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα, ο Ζονκέ έχει κάνει πολλή καλή δουλειά και στους χαρακτήρες… Ο πλαστικός χειρουργός, η φυλακισμένη ερωμένη του και ο ληστής είναι χαρακτήρες που μπορεί κανείς να τους φανταστεί… Είναι γήινοι και καθημερινοί, κάτι το οποίο κάνει το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο ακόμα πιο τρομακτικό …
Με λίγα λόγια 5/5… Αριστουργηματική σύλληψη, σφιχτοδεμένη δουλειά και… 131 δηλητηριώδεις σελίδες…
Ο Ζονκέ «υφαίνει» τον ιστό της πλοκής με απόλυτη δεξιοτεχνία. Οι ανατροπές και οι αποκαλύψεις είναι τόσο γρήγορες και καταιγιστικές που στην κυριολεξία τρακάρουν μεταξύ τους και ο θόρυβος που προκαλούν είναι ανατριχιαστικός… Υπήρξαν φορές που η έκπληξη ήταν τόσο μεγάλη, που γύριζα πίσω τις σελίδες να δω αν πραγματικά έγινε αυτό που υποπτευόμουν!!!
Με έναν σχεδόν σουρεαλιστικό τρόπο γραφής οι 3 διαφορετικές ιστορίες τρέχουν η μια δίπλα στην άλλη και μαζί με αυτές τρέχει κι ο αναγνώστης περιμένοντας την τελική πρόσκρουση. Ο Ζονκέ έχει επηρεαστεί από τον Μαρκήσιο Ντε Σαντ και λίγο από τον τρόπο γραφής του Σαρτρ…. Κάποιες σκηνές μου θύμισαν αρκετά την Ζυστίν, του Μαρκησίου… Οπότε έχουμε σαν αποτέλεσμα ένα αστυνομικό νουάρ με επιρροές από τον διεστραμμένο κόσμο του Ντε Σαντ!!
Και κάτι ακόμα… Για αστυνομικό μυθιστόρημα, ο Ζονκέ έχει κάνει πολλή καλή δουλειά και στους χαρακτήρες… Ο πλαστικός χειρουργός, η φυλακισμένη ερωμένη του και ο ληστής είναι χαρακτήρες που μπορεί κανείς να τους φανταστεί… Είναι γήινοι και καθημερινοί, κάτι το οποίο κάνει το συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο ακόμα πιο τρομακτικό …
Με λίγα λόγια 5/5… Αριστουργηματική σύλληψη, σφιχτοδεμένη δουλειά και… 131 δηλητηριώδεις σελίδες…
December 29, 2018
Ψυχαγωγικό ανάγνωσμα, με κάποιες εκπλήξεις και ανατροπές. Η αλήθεια είναι πως από τη μέση και μετά είχα πλέον καταλάβει τι θα γινόταν και το τέλος με άφησε μάλλον ψυχρό. Είχα την αίσθηση πως ο συγγραφέας έκλεισε το βιβλίο αμήχανα.
Αν μάλιστα κάποιος έχει δει και την ταινία του (πάντα αδιάφορου σ' εμένα) Αλμοδόβαρ σίγουρα χάνεται και το στοιχείο της έκπληξης.
Τι απομένει λοιπόν, ώστε να κρατηθεί ο -παράξενος και απαιτητικός, εγώ δηλαδή- αναγνώστης, κολλημένος στην καρέκλα του; Μα φυσικά η αφηγηματική τέχνη του συγγραφέα. Και ομολογώ, πως αυτή δεν μου φάνηκε άξια λόγου– μάλλον διεκπεραιωτική.
Ολίγη από νουάρ, ολίγη από θρίλερ, αλλά όχι κάτι σπουδαίο, τίποτα που να παραπέμπει σε στυλίστες όπως οι Chandler, Thompson ή, βεβαίως, Manchette. Στα υπέρ του Jonquet, το γεγονός πως ήταν ολιγοσέλιδο.
Αν μάλιστα κάποιος έχει δει και την ταινία του (πάντα αδιάφορου σ' εμένα) Αλμοδόβαρ σίγουρα χάνεται και το στοιχείο της έκπληξης.
Τι απομένει λοιπόν, ώστε να κρατηθεί ο -παράξενος και απαιτητικός, εγώ δηλαδή- αναγνώστης, κολλημένος στην καρέκλα του; Μα φυσικά η αφηγηματική τέχνη του συγγραφέα. Και ομολογώ, πως αυτή δεν μου φάνηκε άξια λόγου– μάλλον διεκπεραιωτική.
Ολίγη από νουάρ, ολίγη από θρίλερ, αλλά όχι κάτι σπουδαίο, τίποτα που να παραπέμπει σε στυλίστες όπως οι Chandler, Thompson ή, βεβαίως, Manchette. Στα υπέρ του Jonquet, το γεγονός πως ήταν ολιγοσέλιδο.
August 16, 2014
Please try to refrain from looking at my shelf tags for this book. Unless of course you don't mind spoiling this book before you could get to it. You have been adequately warned.
Rating: 4.5 stars
What a twisted book with a twisted ending to match. I was left aghast and reeling with mixed emotion after finishing it.
Be ready for a dark and twisted story driven by hate and fear. It all started with a crime of lust and selfish indulgence which lead to the destruction of an innocent young girl. But was that enough reason to seek justice in the most vile manner? And how far should it go before it's too much that it destroys you too?
The story was set in France and centers around Richard Lafargue a prominent plastic surgeon and his disturbing relationship with a beautiful mysterious young woman named Eve, whom Lafargue had under lock and key literally. She would only be released from her gilded cage whenever Lafargue felt like parading her around his high society social circle.
Although Lafargue seems to dote on her at times, buying her gifts and taking her out to lavish dinning, he would also subject her to perform unspeakable sexual acts with multiple partners just to debase her and enjoy her sufferings. On the surface it looks like Eve was nothing more than a pet or a toy to Lafargue but the reasons behind it was far more devious than it appears to be.
Lafargue is quite a manipulative and malicious character. Highly intelligent and dangerously cunning. The mental tortures he subjected Eve to was both ingenious and effective in molding her body and soul to his will. It was chilling to see him in action sometimes. He kept me wondering what was truly on his mind? Has he gone mad as Eve perceived him to be or is his hatred really that all consuming? How far could one go driven by hatred? When will it be enough to quench his thirst for justification?
I could understand Eve's confused state of mind whenever it comes to Lafargue as he was never truly constant especially in the beginning of their relationship. He would hurt her at one time and dotes on her the next. When Eve tries to lean on his tenderness, she would be promptly slapped away only to be comforted again when she slips into depression.
In my humble opinion, the writing was beautiful and refine albeit chilling and disturbing at the same time. I shudder often thinking of all those irreversible physical and psychological scarring on the victim. To be so forcefully changed forever. How could one forgave another for causing such grievous harm on them for whatever justification at all?
I am in total agreement with Mizuki Genshou's review that this is a tale of suffering of the body and soul, domination and submission, hurt and comfort, love and hate. An intriguing twisted relationship between predator and prey, prisoner and jailer.
I especially like this remark by Mizuki on her review, "I found it to be very bold and imaginative, even kind of sexy in a twisted way." I ditto that wholeheartedly although I am too not sure I would or should be tagging this book under my BDSM shelf.
I have already mentioned right at the beginning of this review that the ending has taken me by surprise and left me amazed in a shocked way as it wasn't what I have expected to happen at all. A thousand questions flooded my mind at once. How I wish I could discuss it with someone, anyone, just to get it off my chest. What motivates her decision towards the end? Why? I have a few speculations myself. Ahh... how I love it when a book does that to me, making me think and delve deeper into the story even after it ends. I would love to encounter other books of similar nature. This one was such a rare gem.
Both the book and the movie adaptation was unique in itself and are equally good. Each has its own set of storyline with the movie preserving only part of the premise of this story. What I love in the movie was not found in the book and vice versa. If you still have to know which I prefer best, I'll go with the book because it is inevitably more detailed in nature.
This story isn't going to leave my mind anytime soon as it has etched itself deep into my psyche. It was such a page turner for me that I have finished it in a day! As a slow reader, this is a record for me.
This book should thrill most DMCers.
To those who must know if this book contains a HEA/HFN, click here - (Only click if you MUST really know before you could even consider reading this book. So please don't blame me if you spoil it for yourself. Hehe)
Extra Info:
Translated from French by Donald Nicholson-Smith
Original Title: Mygale (Tarantula, was adopted for English translation)
Approximate Word Count: 35,000 words
Title of the film adaptation: The Skin I Live In (2011) / "La piel que habito" (French title) (Directed by Pedro Almodóvar)
August 1, 2016
{*5 STARS*}
ΠΩΣ ΚΑΤΑΦΕΡΕΣ ΡΕ ΜΑΓΚΑ Jonquet ΝΑ ΧΩΡΕΣΕΙΣ ΣΕ 130 ΣΕΛΙΔΕΣ ΚΑΤΙ ΤΟΣΟ ΣΚΟΤΕΙΝΑ ΕΞΥΠΝΟ,ΜΕ ΠΛΗΡΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΑΛΥΤΙΚΗ ΠΕΡΙΓΡΑΦΗ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΕΩΝ-ΣΥΝΑΙΣΘΗΜΑΤΩΝ,ΜΕ ΕΞΑΙΡΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΝΑΠΑΝΤΕΧΗ ΠΛΟΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΜΕ ΕΝΑ ΑΝΑΤΡΙΧΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΤΕΛΟΣ;;;;
Θα ομολογήσω την τελείως αρνητική μου στάση απέναντι στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο!
Με βαριά καρδιά ξεκίνησα να το διαβάζω για το χατήρι της μαμάς μου,που με παρότρυνε να το ξεκινήσω,εκθειάζοντάς το μου,μεχρί που με έπεισε!
Στην αρχή παρέμεινα αρκετά δύπιστη,καθώς ξεκινάει η ιστορία χωρίς να ξέρουμε πολλά πράγματα για τους πρωταγωνιστές και την ζωής τους..
Η ιστορία κυλάει ήρεμα και ωραία,περιμένοτας ένα στοιχείο,μια πληροφορία παραπάνω,κάτι τελος πάντων για να καταλάβεις περι τίνος πρόκειται....Ώσπου ο Jonquet έχοντας καταλάβει οτι έχεις αρχίσει να παραπονίεσαι για την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας του,από την μέση του βιβλίου μέχρι και την τελευταία πρόταση,σε τιμωρεί με απανωτές εκπλήξεις και αποκαλύψεις αφήνοντας σε με το στόμα ανοιχτό,ανατριχιάζοντας σχεδόν σε κάθε πρόταση,χωρίς να μπορείς να συνηδειτοποιήσεις αυτό που μόλις διάβασες!
Αν δεν το έχετε διαβάσει, ήρθε η ώρα!
P.S: ελπίζω η ταινία να μην μας απογοητεύσει,όπως γίνεται συνήθως....
ΠΩΣ ΚΑΤΑΦΕΡΕΣ ΡΕ ΜΑΓΚΑ Jonquet ΝΑ ΧΩΡΕΣΕΙΣ ΣΕ 130 ΣΕΛΙΔΕΣ ΚΑΤΙ ΤΟΣΟ ΣΚΟΤΕΙΝΑ ΕΞΥΠΝΟ,ΜΕ ΠΛΗΡΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΝΑΛΥΤΙΚΗ ΠΕΡΙΓΡΑΦΗ ΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΕΩΝ-ΣΥΝΑΙΣΘΗΜΑΤΩΝ,ΜΕ ΕΞΑΙΡΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΝΑΠΑΝΤΕΧΗ ΠΛΟΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΜΕ ΕΝΑ ΑΝΑΤΡΙΧΙΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΤΕΛΟΣ;;;;
Θα ομολογήσω την τελείως αρνητική μου στάση απέναντι στο συγκεκριμένο βιβλίο!
Με βαριά καρδιά ξεκίνησα να το διαβάζω για το χατήρι της μαμάς μου,που με παρότρυνε να το ξεκινήσω,εκθειάζοντάς το μου,μεχρί που με έπεισε!
Στην αρχή παρέμεινα αρκετά δύπιστη,καθώς ξεκινάει η ιστορία χωρίς να ξέρουμε πολλά πράγματα για τους πρωταγωνιστές και την ζωής τους..
Η ιστορία κυλάει ήρεμα και ωραία,περιμένοτας ένα στοιχείο,μια πληροφορία παραπάνω,κάτι τελος πάντων για να καταλάβεις περι τίνος πρόκειται....Ώσπου ο Jonquet έχοντας καταλάβει οτι έχεις αρχίσει να παραπονίεσαι για την εξέλιξη της ιστορίας του,από την μέση του βιβλίου μέχρι και την τελευταία πρόταση,σε τιμωρεί με απανωτές εκπλήξεις και αποκαλύψεις αφήνοντας σε με το στόμα ανοιχτό,ανατριχιάζοντας σχεδόν σε κάθε πρόταση,χωρίς να μπορείς να συνηδειτοποιήσεις αυτό που μόλις διάβασες!
Αν δεν το έχετε διαβάσει, ήρθε η ώρα!
P.S: ελπίζω η ταινία να μην μας απογοητεύσει,όπως γίνεται συνήθως....
June 25, 2018
Maybe you have to be a sick and deranged individual to enjoy this. Or maybe you need to be able to detach yourself a little from your own humanity and perceive human nature with a neutral eye. One thing is clear: Tarantula is not for the faint of heart.
For me, this is hands down the best revenge book I’ve ever read! I seriously can’t imagine a more terrifying form of revenge than the one presented here (and I assure you, I have a wild imagination). Complex type of vengeance too, if you think about it, both physically and psychologically scarring. Not to mention irreversible.
You’ll shudder often. You’ll probably guess some of the twists and turns, but you’ll refuse to believe you might be right. Your feelings will be toyed with ruthlessly and the ending will leave you gaping. And you’ll never get bored.
The writing has a chilling simplicity and, without being the best I’ve encountered, it’s fitting.
Highly disturbing and scary without being gory, Mygale (or Tarantula as it was translated) and Almodovar’s loose adaptation “The Skin I Live In” are both brilliant in their own way. The movie keeps, of course, the big horrifying twist, but you’ll be amazed to realize how the essential changes Almodovar makes create a whole new story. Highly recommended!
For me, this is hands down the best revenge book I’ve ever read! I seriously can’t imagine a more terrifying form of revenge than the one presented here (and I assure you, I have a wild imagination). Complex type of vengeance too, if you think about it, both physically and psychologically scarring. Not to mention irreversible.
You’ll shudder often. You’ll probably guess some of the twists and turns, but you’ll refuse to believe you might be right. Your feelings will be toyed with ruthlessly and the ending will leave you gaping. And you’ll never get bored.
The writing has a chilling simplicity and, without being the best I’ve encountered, it’s fitting.
Highly disturbing and scary without being gory, Mygale (or Tarantula as it was translated) and Almodovar’s loose adaptation “The Skin I Live In” are both brilliant in their own way. The movie keeps, of course, the big horrifying twist, but you’ll be amazed to realize how the essential changes Almodovar makes create a whole new story. Highly recommended!
November 23, 2013
DAMN!!
My first hunch was correct.....*patting myself on the back
But I LOVED how the author incorporated doubt in that hunch over and over again.
And I especially loved the ending....can you consider that an HEA?? hahahaaa
My first hunch was correct.....*patting myself on the back
But I LOVED how the author incorporated doubt in that hunch over and over again.
And I especially loved the ending....can you consider that an HEA?? hahahaaa
April 22, 2020
Con un argumento muy interesante el libro se desenvuelve sin sorpresas, lo cual no hace que se torne aburrido pero tampoco conmemora lo impresionante que pudo haber sido sí hubiera tenido sólo un poco más de intensidad.
Richard e Éve mantienen una relación enfermiza, que se acentúa en la dos últimas páginas (cambiando así mí percepción respecto a avía como individuos) a pesar de que continuaron con algo que desde la tercera parte intuías, pero no estabas del todo seguro sí pasaría.
Richard es un personaje completamente dañado, al que no lográs terminar de odiar. Mismo caso con Eve, por más que deseas compadecerla no puedes hacerlo del todo, y no porque no sufra o porque no merezca ser ayudada, sino porque algo en su personalidad la hace repelente hacia el lector.
Lo que más me gusto es la razón por la cual recibió este título el libro, entre más conocía a los personajes, más me convencía de que era muy adecuado. Todo se desarrollaba de tal forma que no sólo ellos terminaron en la red, tu también lo hicistes.
Entretenido para pasar una tarde lluviosa, pero no como para ser imprescindible.
April 21, 2014
*****5 Puzzling Stars*****
I am not sure how to begin, I can just tell you as I read this I felt like I was solving a puzzle.
Not a very easy to solve puzzle, at least for this girl, might I add. While I was reading it I had a million different possibilities as to what could possibly be going on.
The story is about Dr. Lafargue, an eccentric plastic surgeon. Dr. Lafargue keeps a woman, Eve, confined in his home. Eve is only permitted to leave the home for dinners, social obligations, oh and...when he is prostituting her out.
Yeah, I had my "What??" face on a lot while reading this.
The whole situation with Dr. Lafargue and Eve, is odd because Eve accepts her situation with Dr. Lafargue and is pleasant when taken out, and even helps find "customers" for herself...SAY WHAT!!
We also meet Viviane. Dr. Lafargue and Eve visit her in a psych ward...UM, WHY??
Then there is Alex and Vincent, who I felt like were not even necessary characters in the beginning...YOUR WAY OFF!!
I know this review is vague, but there is only so much that can be said without giving away the plot twists.
I will say this book had me thinking nonstop, and when it all came to together I was still like
In my opinion this story had a happy ending. I finished this hours ago and I am still contemplating about it. That is why I give it 5 Stars.
With that let me add, this isn't for everyone. I would have probably quit if I wasn't so hell bent on figuring this story out, and I had not had encouragement from my GR Friends. This book had me questioning my intelligence and I had a million different "theories".
But, to sum everything up...
Thanks to Wonderful Jahy for recommending!
I am not sure how to begin, I can just tell you as I read this I felt like I was solving a puzzle.
Not a very easy to solve puzzle, at least for this girl, might I add. While I was reading it I had a million different possibilities as to what could possibly be going on.
The story is about Dr. Lafargue, an eccentric plastic surgeon. Dr. Lafargue keeps a woman, Eve, confined in his home. Eve is only permitted to leave the home for dinners, social obligations, oh and...when he is prostituting her out.
Yeah, I had my "What??" face on a lot while reading this.
The whole situation with Dr. Lafargue and Eve, is odd because Eve accepts her situation with Dr. Lafargue and is pleasant when taken out, and even helps find "customers" for herself...SAY WHAT!!
We also meet Viviane. Dr. Lafargue and Eve visit her in a psych ward...UM, WHY??
Then there is Alex and Vincent, who I felt like were not even necessary characters in the beginning...YOUR WAY OFF!!
I know this review is vague, but there is only so much that can be said without giving away the plot twists.
I will say this book had me thinking nonstop, and when it all came to together I was still like
In my opinion this story had a happy ending. I finished this hours ago and I am still contemplating about it. That is why I give it 5 Stars.
With that let me add, this isn't for everyone. I would have probably quit if I wasn't so hell bent on figuring this story out, and I had not had encouragement from my GR Friends. This book had me questioning my intelligence and I had a million different "theories".
But, to sum everything up...
Thanks to Wonderful Jahy for recommending!
November 18, 2013
O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O O_O
4.5 SHOCKING STARS!! In order to read this book, perseverance is a must.
Someone take me to a mental hospital:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWEST EDIT: Due to some enlightening of certain characters and plot twists, I am reading this one NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW.
Edit: I'll pick this one back up later. I have no darn clue what's going on, and these words aren't making sense to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do you know me so well Jahayra? EXACTLY my type of book
4.5 SHOCKING STARS!! In order to read this book, perseverance is a must.
Someone take me to a mental hospital:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
NEWEST EDIT: Due to some enlightening of certain characters and plot twists, I am reading this one NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW.
Edit: I'll pick this one back up later. I have no darn clue what's going on, and these words aren't making sense to me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
How do you know me so well Jahayra? EXACTLY my type of book
December 24, 2018
Η γραφή του Ζονκέ είναι ένας χείμαρρος λέξεων που αποτυπώνουν με ειλικρίνεια τις σκληρές συνθήκες διαβίωσης ενός ολοκλήρου βασανιστηρίου,απάνθρωπα βασανιστήρια.
Με φόντο λοιπόν τα απάνθρωπα βασανιστήρια,τη κακοποίηση,το πόνο,απόρριψη αλλά και ταπείνωση αισθάνεσαι και εσύ τη ψυχή σου να πάλλεται-να θέλει να δει ένα τέλος στο βασανιστήριο αυτό (που έρχεται σιγά-σιγά και αναπότρεπτα).
Όλη η ιστορία είναι ένας γρίφος μέσα στο γρίφο,εμπλέκοντας 2 μυστήρια μεταξύ τους,ένα "όμορφο" σφιχτό κουβάρι που σε προκαλεί να καταπιαστείς μαζί του και να το ξεμπερδεύεις νήμα-νήμα μέχρι τέλος.
Ιστορία αρκετά ωμή,με περιγραφές κάποιες φορές ανατριχιαστικές-αηδιαστικές,νιώθοντας την απαξίωση,τη βία στο πετσί σου.Είτε μας αρεσει είτε όχι αυτή είναι η αλήθεια,γινόμαστε ένα κομμάτι της εξιστόρησης και μάρτυρας της σκληρής αλήθειας.
Και σαν φτάνει το συγκλονιστικό φινάλε,και πάνω που ελπίζεις να δεις μια ηλιαχτίδα να ξεμυτίσει,ένα γιατί έρχεται να σου κατασπαράξει την καρδιά.
November 19, 2013
4.5 *Holy Shit* Stars!!
Wow..where do I begin...first off this book is not for everyone..and I really mean that!!This book will test every ounce of patience you have..but the payoff is worth its wait in gold!!..
In all honesty..there were a few times I said screw this..im done this is going on my DNF shelf..
But I'm so glad I didn't give up..because what a helluva mindfuck this one turn out to be!!
Now im gonna be vague with this one because to much info will give this story away..so bare with me!!!
Tarantula tells the story of Richard Lafargue who is a plastic surgeon..and his disturbing relationship if that's what you wanna call it.. with a woman named Eve..who he keeps imprisoned in the basement of his chateau!!The only time shes allowed to leave is to attend parties or when Richard decides to pimp her out!! There are other characters who's stories are also told.
Alex..Vincent..Viviene..and Mygale..They all may or may not play a part in this Mindfuck! Sorry but you will have to read this one to find out..
This was one Twisted..shocking..intense..psychotic jigsaw puzzle that will have you expressing a wide range of emotions..
So if your a MF Junkie like me I suggest you grab this one!!!
*Thanks Jahy for the recommending this one*
Wow..where do I begin...first off this book is not for everyone..and I really mean that!!This book will test every ounce of patience you have..but the payoff is worth its wait in gold!!..
In all honesty..there were a few times I said screw this..im done this is going on my DNF shelf..
But I'm so glad I didn't give up..because what a helluva mindfuck this one turn out to be!!
Now im gonna be vague with this one because to much info will give this story away..so bare with me!!!
Tarantula tells the story of Richard Lafargue who is a plastic surgeon..and his disturbing relationship if that's what you wanna call it.. with a woman named Eve..who he keeps imprisoned in the basement of his chateau!!The only time shes allowed to leave is to attend parties or when Richard decides to pimp her out!! There are other characters who's stories are also told.
Alex..Vincent..Viviene..and Mygale..They all may or may not play a part in this Mindfuck! Sorry but you will have to read this one to find out..
This was one Twisted..shocking..intense..psychotic jigsaw puzzle that will have you expressing a wide range of emotions..
So if your a MF Junkie like me I suggest you grab this one!!!
*Thanks Jahy for the recommending this one*
November 25, 2013
4.5 stars
I don't even know if I can write a review right now. I think I may need some time to digest what I just read.
I'll try to review it anyway.
Was this a romance? Nope, can't say it was but some kind of twisted love came out of this and I'm left here asking "what the hell just happened?"
Funny thing is I believed I knew what was playing out then I kept reading and started doubting myself, that will teach me go with my gut next time. But even realizing your thoughts were correct did't make this any less of a really good story to me.
I'll admit at first my head was spinning from the three different story lines that were playing out but not for long. This was an exciting dark and twisted read.
If you are looking for romance, keeping moving.
If you are a dark and twisted junkie, give this a go!!
http://www.rebelbookchicks.com/home.html
I don't even know if I can write a review right now. I think I may need some time to digest what I just read.
I'll try to review it anyway.
Was this a romance? Nope, can't say it was but some kind of twisted love came out of this and I'm left here asking "what the hell just happened?"
Funny thing is I believed I knew what was playing out then I kept reading and started doubting myself, that will teach me go with my gut next time. But even realizing your thoughts were correct did't make this any less of a really good story to me.
I'll admit at first my head was spinning from the three different story lines that were playing out but not for long. This was an exciting dark and twisted read.
If you are looking for romance, keeping moving.
If you are a dark and twisted junkie, give this a go!!
http://www.rebelbookchicks.com/home.html
September 8, 2022
Tiene sus diferencias con la adaptación de Almodóvar, en mi opinión el libro está mejor. Engancha muchisimo.
June 30, 2021
Ένα εφιαλτικό, νοσηρό παραλήρημα, μια ιστορία εκδίκησης που φτάνει στα άκρα, χαρακτήρες που αλληλεπιδρούν μεταξύ τους κλώθοντας ένα μυστηριώδη ιστό ικανό να τους εμπεριέξει όλους. Δε θα πω παραπάνω γιατί θα προδώσω την ατμοσφαιρα που έχτισε ο Jonquet μέσα σε 120 σελίδες με αρχή, μέση και τέλος.
Αν και έχουν περάσει δέκα χρόνια από την αριστοτεχνική - αν και όχι ακριβή - κινηματογραφική μεταφορά από τον Pedro Almodóvar, θυμάμαι κάθε σκηνή, κάθε ανατροπή και κάθε ερμηνεία, γι' αυτό και ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση με επιφύλαξη, σχεδόν περιμένοντας μια μεγάλη απογοήτευση που, ευτυχώς, δεν ήρθε ποτέ.
Αντιθέτως, το βιβλίο με εξέπληξε ευχάριστα , τόσο που με θλίβει βαθύτατα ο πρόωρος χαμός του δημιουργού του.
Αν και έχουν περάσει δέκα χρόνια από την αριστοτεχνική - αν και όχι ακριβή - κινηματογραφική μεταφορά από τον Pedro Almodóvar, θυμάμαι κάθε σκηνή, κάθε ανατροπή και κάθε ερμηνεία, γι' αυτό και ξεκίνησα την ανάγνωση με επιφύλαξη, σχεδόν περιμένοντας μια μεγάλη απογοήτευση που, ευτυχώς, δεν ήρθε ποτέ.
Αντιθέτως, το βιβλίο με εξέπληξε ευχάριστα , τόσο που με θλίβει βαθύτατα ο πρόωρος χαμός του δημιουργού του.
January 20, 2015
Take my words, This book is fascinating.
The story is a brilliant but bizarre mixture of thriller and erotica, a complicative, finely crafted tale of revenge and suffering, domination and submission, (both mental and physical) abuse and tenderness, love and hate. It shows us a heart-stoppingly violent power struggle between two 'men' and two 'women', it revealed the complicated relationship between predator and prey, prisoner and jailer.
It's difficult to comment on Mygale without spoiling the surprise. So I'll leave it to you to discover what's in store for you. Even before I read Mygale, I knew that director Pedro Almodovar had adapted it into a movie called 'The Skin I Live In' (but the author of Mygale, Mr Jonquet passed away before he could see the movie). Now I'm definitely looking forward to watch the movie as well.
In the recommendation and also in one of the reviews for Mygale, the reviewer went into great length to talk about Marquis de Sade, von Sacher-Masoch; also helpfully informed us the difference between realistic, practical BDSM lifestyle and fantasy, but I found what makes Mygale so successful and unsettling is that the novel blurs the lines between 'sane', 'acceptable' BDSM practice and the 'bad', 'insane' and illegal fantasy of imprisoning someone and changing him or her according to one's liking. I found it to be very bold and imaginative, even kind of sexy in a twisted way.
I'm also impressed by the author for creating plot twists which seem to be bizarre and outlandish but still managed to keep the plots make sense. Bravo, Mr. Jonquet.
The story is a brilliant but bizarre mixture of thriller and erotica, a complicative, finely crafted tale of revenge and suffering, domination and submission, (both mental and physical) abuse and tenderness, love and hate. It shows us a heart-stoppingly violent power struggle between two 'men' and two 'women', it revealed the complicated relationship between predator and prey, prisoner and jailer.
It's difficult to comment on Mygale without spoiling the surprise. So I'll leave it to you to discover what's in store for you. Even before I read Mygale, I knew that director Pedro Almodovar had adapted it into a movie called 'The Skin I Live In' (but the author of Mygale, Mr Jonquet passed away before he could see the movie). Now I'm definitely looking forward to watch the movie as well.
In the recommendation and also in one of the reviews for Mygale, the reviewer went into great length to talk about Marquis de Sade, von Sacher-Masoch; also helpfully informed us the difference between realistic, practical BDSM lifestyle and fantasy, but I found what makes Mygale so successful and unsettling is that the novel blurs the lines between 'sane', 'acceptable' BDSM practice and the 'bad', 'insane' and illegal fantasy of imprisoning someone and changing him or her according to one's liking. I found it to be very bold and imaginative, even kind of sexy in a twisted way.
I'm also impressed by the author for creating plot twists which seem to be bizarre and outlandish but still managed to keep the plots make sense. Bravo, Mr. Jonquet.
June 26, 2013
OMFG two things came to mind when I was finished reading this one was pure revenge and just the karma bites you in the ass kind either and the other was coincidence on an epic scale and I can say no more with out writing spoilers in here (which I won't do).
This book was the biggest mind-fcuk I have ever read and I'm left not sure how I feel about any of the characters LOL..do I blame Mygale for what he did? well yes but based on his reasons how can I? do I feel sorry for Eve? well yes but based on what she did to start this whole thing off how can I? the only one I don't feel sorry for is Alex but he's where the WTF talk about coincidence!! comes in of all the places to end up he ends up at the docs house..bad luck?? or karma catching him?
Even up to the last paragraph my mouth kept dropping open in-fact the last 3 lines floored me and I felt like the whole book was leading up to Eve's last words.
This book is not for the faint hearted and if you do read it make sure you set aside a full afternoon (you wont be able to put it down) and be prepared to be shocked.
This book will stay with me forever!
This book was the biggest mind-fcuk I have ever read and I'm left not sure how I feel about any of the characters LOL..do I blame Mygale for what he did? well yes but based on his reasons how can I? do I feel sorry for Eve? well yes but based on what she did to start this whole thing off how can I? the only one I don't feel sorry for is Alex but he's where the WTF talk about coincidence!! comes in of all the places to end up he ends up at the docs house..bad luck?? or karma catching him?
Even up to the last paragraph my mouth kept dropping open in-fact the last 3 lines floored me and I felt like the whole book was leading up to Eve's last words.
This book is not for the faint hearted and if you do read it make sure you set aside a full afternoon (you wont be able to put it down) and be prepared to be shocked.
This book will stay with me forever!
December 3, 2018
Ένα λεπτό να πάρω ανάσα....
Λοιπόν, άλλη μια από τις περιπτώσεις που λυπάμαι και μετανιώνω που είδα πρωτα την ταινία πριν διαβάσω το βιβλίο (παρότι και σαν ταινία ήταν αριστουργηματική!) . Απλά, συνειδητοποίησα διαβάζοντας, ρουφώντας κυριολεκτικά το κείμενο απνευστί για 4 ώρες, πως θα ήθελα να μην έχω τις εικόνες του Αλμοδοβαρ στο μυαλό και να αφηνομουν αμαχητί στην σκοτεινή μαγεία του συγγραφέα!
Όντως, πόσο δεξιοτέχνης είναι ο Ζονκε, που κατάφερε σε τόσο λίγες σελίδες να μεταφέρει ΤΟΣΟ άψογα, μια τόσο πολύπλοκα δεμένη ιστορία, με τόσο πλουσιοπάροχες περιγραφές τοπίων, ανθρώπων και συναισθηματικών καταστάσεων. Με πόση τόλμη , θρασύτητα και ταλέντο ξετυλίγει το νήμα της ιστορίας κρατώντας σε οριστικά καθηλωμένο μέχρι την ύστατη κορύφωση!!!
Ανατριχιάζω!
Πραγματικά αριστουργηματικό!
Πέντε αστεράκια είναι λίγα, τόσα πιάνει και μόνο για την σύλληψη της ιδέας του σεναρίου. Θέλει αλλά τόσα πραγματικά.
Να το διαβάσετε!
Τα σπάει!
Λοιπόν, άλλη μια από τις περιπτώσεις που λυπάμαι και μετανιώνω που είδα πρωτα την ταινία πριν διαβάσω το βιβλίο (παρότι και σαν ταινία ήταν αριστουργηματική!) . Απλά, συνειδητοποίησα διαβάζοντας, ρουφώντας κυριολεκτικά το κείμενο απνευστί για 4 ώρες, πως θα ήθελα να μην έχω τις εικόνες του Αλμοδοβαρ στο μυαλό και να αφηνομουν αμαχητί στην σκοτεινή μαγεία του συγγραφέα!
Όντως, πόσο δεξιοτέχνης είναι ο Ζονκε, που κατάφερε σε τόσο λίγες σελίδες να μεταφέρει ΤΟΣΟ άψογα, μια τόσο πολύπλοκα δεμένη ιστορία, με τόσο πλουσιοπάροχες περιγραφές τοπίων, ανθρώπων και συναισθηματικών καταστάσεων. Με πόση τόλμη , θρασύτητα και ταλέντο ξετυλίγει το νήμα της ιστορίας κρατώντας σε οριστικά καθηλωμένο μέχρι την ύστατη κορύφωση!!!
Ανατριχιάζω!
Πραγματικά αριστουργηματικό!
Πέντε αστεράκια είναι λίγα, τόσα πιάνει και μόνο για την σύλληψη της ιδέας του σεναρίου. Θέλει αλλά τόσα πραγματικά.
Να το διαβάσετε!
Τα σπάει!
November 22, 2013
It's not often I pick up a short book and give it a 5 stars (if ever?) but this one really appealed to my inner dark and twisted psyche.
What doesn't usually work for me in short reads is they tend to miss out the build up of characters and momentum of a plot. However in this, the ambiguity of both the characters and plot is all part of the story line that builds its own momentum and impetus.
The writing is simple but effective, the story unique and base, together they are unusually seductive but it won’t appeal to everyone.
This wasn't a romance in any form, although I think that by the end, a definitive love had formed.
What doesn't usually work for me in short reads is they tend to miss out the build up of characters and momentum of a plot. However in this, the ambiguity of both the characters and plot is all part of the story line that builds its own momentum and impetus.
The writing is simple but effective, the story unique and base, together they are unusually seductive but it won’t appeal to everyone.
This wasn't a romance in any form, although I think that by the end, a definitive love had formed.
September 26, 2021
This is maybe the most messed up thing I've ever read. crazy, crazy little book.
October 10, 2014
I love my dark reads, I love them clever, to leave me guessing and at the end to be completely blown away by elements I didn't forsee coming. Tarantula does that and more, what a clever short novel that packed a big punch, full of twists and turns. It sure left an big impact, the writing was skillful and engaging.
The main plot narrates the story of expert plastic surgeon, Richard Lafargue, a mysterious character who keeps a woman, Eve, captive in his home. Richard uses Eve to perform for him with other men the lewdest acts and sometimes violent ones are committed against her, while he watches from a one way mirror. Lafargue keeps Eve locked up and seemingly is only satisfied when he sees her broken. It's revealed later on that he also has a daughter in a psychiatric hospital, whom he visits regularly; with each visit, his pain at seeing her so unwell increases. Another subplot is of a thief and a murderer, whose path crosses later with Richard's and Eve's. Here's where I will stop talking about the plot.
I did guess one twist earlier on in the story, which added to my questions, What purpose does it serve. I kept reading, waiting for the end reveal and turning the pages to reach the big climax.
‘His suffering had to be appeased, and Eve existed solely for this purpose.’
Well this book was totally unexpected, original and very cleverly narrated. I loved the ending and for that I may seek professional help, I actually had an 'awww' moment, the ending while unexpected, shouldn't inspire an 'awww' moment. Don't worry, Jahy, I'll send you the number when I find a good doctor.
I'm planning now to see the movie, glad I resisted doing so before reading this.
The main plot narrates the story of expert plastic surgeon, Richard Lafargue, a mysterious character who keeps a woman, Eve, captive in his home. Richard uses Eve to perform for him with other men the lewdest acts and sometimes violent ones are committed against her, while he watches from a one way mirror. Lafargue keeps Eve locked up and seemingly is only satisfied when he sees her broken. It's revealed later on that he also has a daughter in a psychiatric hospital, whom he visits regularly; with each visit, his pain at seeing her so unwell increases. Another subplot is of a thief and a murderer, whose path crosses later with Richard's and Eve's. Here's where I will stop talking about the plot.
I did guess one twist earlier on in the story, which added to my questions, What purpose does it serve. I kept reading, waiting for the end reveal and turning the pages to reach the big climax.
‘His suffering had to be appeased, and Eve existed solely for this purpose.’
Well this book was totally unexpected, original and very cleverly narrated. I loved the ending and for that I may seek professional help, I actually had an 'awww' moment, the ending while unexpected, shouldn't inspire an 'awww' moment. Don't worry, Jahy, I'll send you the number when I find a good doctor.
I'm planning now to see the movie, glad I resisted doing so before reading this.
October 20, 2020
Краткият роман на Тиери Жонке, послужил за основа на филма на Алмодовар Кожата, в която живея, не блести със стилистика и език, а с психопатска фабула и първокласен обрат. Е, бях гледал филма, поради което пазех спомен за развръзката...
Но фактът си е факт, френските трилърни автори са едни от най-болните, в добрия смисъл на понятието, мозъци... Разгърнете Горчива луна, Пурпурните реки, Полетът на щъркелите... и ще се убедите.
Но фактът си е факт, френските трилърни автори са едни от най-болните, в добрия смисъл на понятието, мозъци... Разгърнете Горчива луна, Пурпурните реки, Полетът на щъркелите... и ще се убедите.
November 18, 2020
En 2012:
Vamos al libro : me ha gustado el estilo directo, la convergencia de personajes, el juego que le saca con solo unos pocos protagonistas, la sorpresa que aguarda creo que en las dos primeras frases del libro tercero.
No me gusta la historia en sí. Tengo bastante paquete al Sr Almodovar y no me extraña que basara una película en estos personajes, le "pegan". Síndrome de Estocolmo, sádicos destructores de la personalidad, seres sin moral - o con moral retorcida y sádica-, dementes, enfermos mentales ... todo ello bien mezcladito.
Y la descripción famosa de la que no puedo hablar ... todavía tengo encogidas mis partes (dicho de forma fina). Vamos, que qué mal cuerpo se me ha puesto.
Entonces, qué, ¿me ha gustado o no?. Yo diría que la valoro en un montón de facetas pero no es algo de lo que me agrade leer. Así pues, gracias al que apadrinó el libro porque si no es por propuestas como esta no abandonaría mis lecturas sencillotas.
Vamos al libro : me ha gustado el estilo directo, la convergencia de personajes, el juego que le saca con solo unos pocos protagonistas, la sorpresa que aguarda creo que en las dos primeras frases del libro tercero.
No me gusta la historia en sí. Tengo bastante paquete al Sr Almodovar y no me extraña que basara una película en estos personajes, le "pegan". Síndrome de Estocolmo, sádicos destructores de la personalidad, seres sin moral - o con moral retorcida y sádica-, dementes, enfermos mentales ... todo ello bien mezcladito.
Y la descripción famosa de la que no puedo hablar ... todavía tengo encogidas mis partes (dicho de forma fina). Vamos, que qué mal cuerpo se me ha puesto.
Entonces, qué, ¿me ha gustado o no?. Yo diría que la valoro en un montón de facetas pero no es algo de lo que me agrade leer. Así pues, gracias al que apadrinó el libro porque si no es por propuestas como esta no abandonaría mis lecturas sencillotas.
November 5, 2010
A great 'making you pay' story that reminds me of Franju's "Eyes Without a Face." It has that slightly surreal horror aspect to it. And many years later I am in Paris and looking for something to read in English, I found Joquet's "Tarantula." I purchased it and once I got on the plane i realized it was the British edition of "Mygale." So that was a disappointing moment. But alas I re-read the book.
Its a masterpiece! As I mentioned it does have that Franju horror aspect, but it is also a very nasty revenge story. Almost on the surreal level of violence and behavior. I have read that Pedro Amodovar is doing a film on this - and I can him doing it campy. But alas it is truly a horror story. A great noir horror thriller.
Its a masterpiece! As I mentioned it does have that Franju horror aspect, but it is also a very nasty revenge story. Almost on the surreal level of violence and behavior. I have read that Pedro Amodovar is doing a film on this - and I can him doing it campy. But alas it is truly a horror story. A great noir horror thriller.
January 15, 2025
Става да се прочете, но преди да се гледа филма отличен на Алмодовар по нея!
February 13, 2021
Jest coś niepokojącego w tym jak bardzo podobała mi się ta cieniutka książeczka. Przypomina mi studium beznadziejnego przypadku pragnienia zemsty, która zatruwa ci życie do tego stopnia, że odbiera zdrowe zmysły i człowieczeństwo.
Jak daleko jesteś w stanie się posunąć, gdy twoją egzystencję wypełnia gorycz i rozpacz? Jak mocno jesteśmy w stanie nienawidzić?
Jak daleko jesteś w stanie się posunąć, gdy twoją egzystencję wypełnia gorycz i rozpacz? Jak mocno jesteśmy w stanie nienawidzić?
July 16, 2023
Прочетох я, става за убиване на време, но не е нещо особено.
Подозирам, че филмът по мотиви от книгата ще ми хареса повече, ала едва ли ще намеря свободно време да го гледам скоро. Три звезди, не ми се дават повече.
Подозирам, че филмът по мотиви от книгата ще ми хареса повече, ала едва ли ще намеря свободно време да го гледам скоро. Три звезди, не ми се дават повече.
August 22, 2013
Reč je o kratkom romanu koji se brzo čita, a koji još brže očitava ono što je velikog Almodovara privuklo ovom delu iz sada već davne 1984. godine. Tu je pre svega poigravanje sa pitanjima polnog i rodnog, potom uvek filmski potentan motiv osvete, te kao i kod većine francuskih literata sasvim odomaćena nonšalancija u prikazivanju devijantnog, bizarnog i/ili društveno neprihvatljivog. Da ne bude zabune, Žonkeova Tarantula je roman kao stvoren za ekranizaciju (a čini se da je i sam autor tako nešto priželjkivao dok je stvarao ovo štivo), ali je zanimljivo i vredno delo posmatrano odvojeno od skore Almodovarove filmske interpretacije.
Tjeri Žonke, nažalost, nije dooživeo da vidi Almodovarovo iščitavanje Tarantule, te ostaje da se spekuliše kako bi reagovao i da li bi aminovao nekoliko krupnih intervencija koje je španski sineast preduzeo ne bi li Tarantulu prilagodio svom doživljaju filma i prateće estetike. Ipak, pojava Almodovarovog filma jeste srećna okolnost po Tarantulu, barem kada je u pitanju ovo friško srpsko izdanje, jer nije sigurno da bi ovo sasvim kvalitetno i veoma intrigantno delo, i mimo svojih očiglednih kvaliteta, uspelo da se, samo po sebi, nametne u silini prevedene književnosti u nas.
Tarantula Tjerija Žonkea (u izdanju Čarobne knjige i u prevodu Ive Brdar i Jovane Papović) je, između ostalog, i primer kako se minimialističkim sredstvima i ciljano svedenim izrazom postulati žanrovske kniiževnosti daju unaprediti i preinačiti čak do nivoa filozofskog romana popularnog u vremenu koje je prethodilo nastajanju ove Žonkeove misterije. Otud i poređenja ove priče o čudovišnoj i svirepoj osveti ožalošćenog oca, inače, estetskog hirurga nad odgovornima za beg njegove kćerke u nezacelivo ludilo sa nekim od aspekata dela Markiza De Sada, Žan-Pol Sartra i Edgara Alana Poa. Naravno, to su komparacije koje pre svega služe kao smernice koje vode ka punijem uvidu u sve aspekte ovog romana bremenitog intrigantnim implikacijama.
A te implikacije obuhvataju nenametljivo, sasvim uklopljeno i unutar krimi-priče posve funkcionalno premišljjanje na temu roda, mogućnosti da ljubav (ili barem naklonost proizašla iz sposobnosti da se, uprkos pominjanoj svireposti, razume onaj drugi, pa bio on i onaj koji nas lišava slobode bivstvovanja i najopštije slobode izbora i koji nas drži u zarobljeništvu!) bude iznuđena. Ovo poslednje pomenuto Žonkeovu Tarantulu dovodi u izvesno poređenje sa znamenitog Kolekcionara Džona Faulsa i/ili Te slatke bolesti Patriše Hajsmit.
Međutim, onima koji prevashodno tragaju za veštom ispripovedanim i nesvakidašnjim krimi-misterijama, Žonkeova Tarantula svojom eleganicijom i bizarnošću osnovne premise i znalačkim žongliranjem različitim uticajima iz američkog noir/neo-noir knjiško-filmskog nasleđa ponudiće pregršt uzbuđenja i dovoljno čitalačke radosti. I sve to na samo 140 strana teksta.
4.5 od 5
Tjeri Žonke, nažalost, nije dooživeo da vidi Almodovarovo iščitavanje Tarantule, te ostaje da se spekuliše kako bi reagovao i da li bi aminovao nekoliko krupnih intervencija koje je španski sineast preduzeo ne bi li Tarantulu prilagodio svom doživljaju filma i prateće estetike. Ipak, pojava Almodovarovog filma jeste srećna okolnost po Tarantulu, barem kada je u pitanju ovo friško srpsko izdanje, jer nije sigurno da bi ovo sasvim kvalitetno i veoma intrigantno delo, i mimo svojih očiglednih kvaliteta, uspelo da se, samo po sebi, nametne u silini prevedene književnosti u nas.
Tarantula Tjerija Žonkea (u izdanju Čarobne knjige i u prevodu Ive Brdar i Jovane Papović) je, između ostalog, i primer kako se minimialističkim sredstvima i ciljano svedenim izrazom postulati žanrovske kniiževnosti daju unaprediti i preinačiti čak do nivoa filozofskog romana popularnog u vremenu koje je prethodilo nastajanju ove Žonkeove misterije. Otud i poređenja ove priče o čudovišnoj i svirepoj osveti ožalošćenog oca, inače, estetskog hirurga nad odgovornima za beg njegove kćerke u nezacelivo ludilo sa nekim od aspekata dela Markiza De Sada, Žan-Pol Sartra i Edgara Alana Poa. Naravno, to su komparacije koje pre svega služe kao smernice koje vode ka punijem uvidu u sve aspekte ovog romana bremenitog intrigantnim implikacijama.
A te implikacije obuhvataju nenametljivo, sasvim uklopljeno i unutar krimi-priče posve funkcionalno premišljjanje na temu roda, mogućnosti da ljubav (ili barem naklonost proizašla iz sposobnosti da se, uprkos pominjanoj svireposti, razume onaj drugi, pa bio on i onaj koji nas lišava slobode bivstvovanja i najopštije slobode izbora i koji nas drži u zarobljeništvu!) bude iznuđena. Ovo poslednje pomenuto Žonkeovu Tarantulu dovodi u izvesno poređenje sa znamenitog Kolekcionara Džona Faulsa i/ili Te slatke bolesti Patriše Hajsmit.
Međutim, onima koji prevashodno tragaju za veštom ispripovedanim i nesvakidašnjim krimi-misterijama, Žonkeova Tarantula svojom eleganicijom i bizarnošću osnovne premise i znalačkim žongliranjem različitim uticajima iz američkog noir/neo-noir knjiško-filmskog nasleđa ponudiće pregršt uzbuđenja i dovoljno čitalačke radosti. I sve to na samo 140 strana teksta.
4.5 od 5
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