Bulk

by Simon Fay

The most shocking thing about Barbara Dunne isn’t how big she’s gotten through the sport of bodybuilding. No, it’s how big she’s made her husband in twenty years of grossly overfeeding him. Desperate to have a child, Barbara intends to take drastic measures to maintain this odd coupling. In the winding estates of Santry, Dublin, she must banish her husband’s drinking buddy, an aging skirt chaser with more gut than charm. Battle the botox-stiffened blonde trying to steal his heart. And worst of all, Barbara Dunne will have to destroy her husband’s newfound desire to go on a diet.

A demented downward spiral of tragic black humour, BULK by Simon Fay is a story you won’t soon forget.

222 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2016

About the author

I'm a science fiction author, but I've also been running a Youtube channel where I talk about books I love. I'm big into Kafka, Murakami, Le Guin, and anything a little bit literary or left of field. Send me cool book recommendations.

Twitter: @simonfayauthor

Check out my Youtube channel: Content Lit

Get my science-fiction book, 'Icon-Violet,' on Amazon

Reviews

[Khulood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know how to start with this book! I finished it a few days ago but didn't know how to rate it. Its dark, twisted, and funny all at once. You get to know that characters, some you like, some despise, some you down right hate.. I really enjoyed it!

For a short read, it had plenty of events, and oh God the twists! Every time you think "aha! I knew it", things get turned upside down. I love it when I can't predict what happens in a book, too many books have been ruined for me because I would have it all figured out.. Not BULK! Mr. Fay has done a a great job with this. Can't wait to read more of his future work.


*This arc was kindly provided by the author, Simon Fay, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bulk is a book about a woman who really wants to have a child. The catch is, she’s been bodybuilding for a long time, so she isn’t sure if she’s capable of it. Driven by this insecurity, she feels a need to compensate for it by controlling everything in her life. This includes her husband’s diet. What might seem like a very dark plot actually manages to portray a lot of humour and humanity. I found myself giggling as often as I was surprised by the twists the story took. Sometimes the jokes seem a bit crude, but there’s always a keen sense of irony underscoring them. What I liked best about the book though was how relatable the main character was in the end. I really felt for Barbara Dunne and would recommend Bulk to anybody who asked.

[Kim Luddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barbara's life is centered around two very different things, her gym and her husband. At the gym she is in control, in control of the staff, of the machines, of every inch of her bulging body. At home she is lost, insecure, anxious. Craving to feel the euphoria of ultimate authority. Unfortunately, life doesn't have a drivers seat. And love... well love doesn't even follow the laws of physics.

This is my third Simon Fay novel and while not my favorite of his (I love love love Icon Violet) it is a fantastic read. His writing style is always stellar and his characters unique and memorable. Like his other novels there are hidden gems of subtly scattered in a well told story. If you enjoy a little squirm along with a good story I highly recommend Bulk.

[Shell · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried, I really did. The synopsis was very intriguing but the book just went nowhere and seemed pointless - although I have to admit I only made it about 35% of the way through. Not my cup of tea.

[Faith Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had a feeling this could be a good one, and I was right. It's one of those books that sucks you in and I'm afraid I gobbled it up in a sitting. Really enjoyed it and laughed out loud in places, looking forward to the next one from this talented writer!

[Pamela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not as funny as promised, and not one likeable character in this dull mess. Action starts at about 90%, then it's just messed up and too little, too late.