What do you think?
Rate this book
Hallam Foe
Voyeurism, taxidermy and a hero for our times.
Hallam has an unusual teenage hobby - voyeurism. He spies on everyone: on the gardener's sex life, on his father's ridiculous plans for a underground village, on his wicked stepmother, whom he holds responsible for his mother's suicide - until he is set up, and set adrift. He moves to Edinburgh, where voyeurism is more dangerous, particularly when Hallam has revenge on his mind...
Hallam has an unusual teenage hobby - voyeurism. He spies on everyone: on the gardener's sex life, on his father's ridiculous plans for a underground village, on his wicked stepmother, whom he holds responsible for his mother's suicide - until he is set up, and set adrift. He moves to Edinburgh, where voyeurism is more dangerous, particularly when Hallam has revenge on his mind...
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
5 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 25, 2007
I picked this book up out of curiosity after seeing the film starring Jamie Bell and seeing a review which stated how different the film was. I did like it (more than I expected after the first chapter), but it did not resonate with me. However, I was rather engrossed at times -- just detached. That may be due to the style and subject matter, as Hallam Foe is a loner who "observes" people by spying on them. He tries to keep himself at a distance from human interaction and emotional entanglements. Meanwhile, he is at odds with his aloof father and wicked stepmother which leads him to another journey in his life.
The story was rather rich and interesting, so I would recommend this book if you had a vague interest in it. However, like I said, I really did not connect with it, so it stops me from giving it a higher rating.
The story was rather rich and interesting, so I would recommend this book if you had a vague interest in it. However, like I said, I really did not connect with it, so it stops me from giving it a higher rating.
January 23, 2011
Haunting and intelligent. I couldn't passively read this book and the language was so beautiful. I haven't seen the film but I'm not sure I want to at this point because the book provided all the visuals I needed. It is short but not an easy read and the author really challenges you to make up your own mind about Hallam...he is not an altogether sympathetic character but nonetheless you do grow to love him (if you can let yourself)
April 21, 2013
A smart Y/A book that grown-ups can enjoy too. A penetrating and insightful glimpse into the mind of its truly unique and indelible teen protagonist. Filled with colourful characters whose motivations are as complex as they are real. The narrative flows smoothly, with style and a quiet sort of urgency, as Hallam moves from boyhood into adulthood. This book should be compulsory reading for all teens.
May 6, 2008
A movie was based off this but it's wildly different. In the novel, young Hallam encounters more and you have a better sense for the voyeur he is and how he breaks his own rules.
Also incredibly hard to obtain in the US. Must order from UK.
Also incredibly hard to obtain in the US. Must order from UK.
May 16, 2008
Hard to describe.... very different.... adolescent boy who's mother has committed suicide in the past and he turns to voyeurism to try to find his way through the trauma. Extremely well written and well worth reading
June 3, 2015
A strange, but nostalgic read. I didn't like any of the characters, but I don't think anyone is meant to like them. I enjoyed experiencing the world from such an interesting main character's point of view, no matter how warped it actually is.
October 15, 2007
This was disturbing but brilliantly written!
December 10, 2012
Quirky and well done.
August 28, 2014
Funny, charming, and terribly creepy- a unique little story about voyeurism and family dysfunction.
February 13, 2018
The delivery didn't live up to the premise
After a very exciting start and an introduction to a fascinating, unique character, the book dips drastically in the middle. Then after a tense and exciting build up to disaster, it ties itself up in a bow far too neatly. An enjoyable read, but could have been so much more.
After a very exciting start and an introduction to a fascinating, unique character, the book dips drastically in the middle. Then after a tense and exciting build up to disaster, it ties itself up in a bow far too neatly. An enjoyable read, but could have been so much more.
December 11, 2023
Re-read this book after many years. I had forgotten much about it so it was almost like reading it fresh. Great little amusing book, a little in the style of Ian Banks (The Crow Road). Tells the quirky story of dysfunctional teenager Hallam Foe and his relationship with his dysfunctional family - his father stepmother and sister. Subsequent to his mother's suicide, Hallam takes up a life of spying on his family and others. It is these surprisingly engaging adventures we follow until a resolution is reached.
April 16, 2012
Saw the movie and wasn't really thrilled about it. Probably wouldn't watch it again.
I tried to book twice, but was bored after reading only the first couple of pages. Maybe it would get better once you're really into the story, but I didn't bother trying. I simply have too many books I want to read to spend my time with the ones I probably wouldn't like much anyway.
I tried to book twice, but was bored after reading only the first couple of pages. Maybe it would get better once you're really into the story, but I didn't bother trying. I simply have too many books I want to read to spend my time with the ones I probably wouldn't like much anyway.
May 4, 2008
Left to me by Sarah, this was a quick and easy read. Almost a bit too well thought out and over-heaped with careful phrasing but still an interesting book about a grownup Harriet the Spy type character.
October 15, 2007
nice prose but less content
April 21, 2017
This novel left me feeling a little ambivalent.
The writing itself was very detailed in the witty-observant-sardonic teenage sense; it was relatable and had spark. I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of voyeurism and the driving forces behind it (particularly the will to absorb something beyond the social layer of life, and loneliness – yet the desire to be alone). There was minimal reference to sexual pleasure – it all stemmed from intrigue, curiosity, and deep-rooted psychology. The roof scenes throughout the latter stage were beautiful in melancholic yet peaceful sense.
But, though the general vibe created and Hallam’s characterization still resonates with me (months later), the story itself wasn’t exactly a standout. The ending seemed a little convoluted and haste (despite the enjoyable intensity of the buildup); the resolution was vague and up-in-the-air. It was almost anti-climatic. The plot, though bringing out the subtle and brooding sense of reproach that simmered into a passionate hatred-fueled hunger for revenge (a scarily realistic manifestation, particularly in ‘passive’ natured people) wasn’t particularly spectacular.
Though, I definitely regard this novel more positively than negatively. I do think that I’d appreciate it more if I were to re-read it one day.
The writing itself was very detailed in the witty-observant-sardonic teenage sense; it was relatable and had spark. I thoroughly enjoyed the exploration of voyeurism and the driving forces behind it (particularly the will to absorb something beyond the social layer of life, and loneliness – yet the desire to be alone). There was minimal reference to sexual pleasure – it all stemmed from intrigue, curiosity, and deep-rooted psychology. The roof scenes throughout the latter stage were beautiful in melancholic yet peaceful sense.
But, though the general vibe created and Hallam’s characterization still resonates with me (months later), the story itself wasn’t exactly a standout. The ending seemed a little convoluted and haste (despite the enjoyable intensity of the buildup); the resolution was vague and up-in-the-air. It was almost anti-climatic. The plot, though bringing out the subtle and brooding sense of reproach that simmered into a passionate hatred-fueled hunger for revenge (a scarily realistic manifestation, particularly in ‘passive’ natured people) wasn’t particularly spectacular.
Though, I definitely regard this novel more positively than negatively. I do think that I’d appreciate it more if I were to re-read it one day.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews