The Collector Audiobook (Unabridged)

" this book is short, strong, and sad. "

" The synopsis of the novel sounds interesting; i expected this book to be haunting and captivating. Wrong on both accounts. The novel is broken into three main parts which switch point of views. It tells the story of an obsessive sociopath, Frederick Clegg, with a fixation on a young, beautiful art student named Miranda. When reading the first section you delve into Clegg's odd mind which proves to be somewhat fascinating. However, I found the second section to be nearly unbearable. The second part of the novel goes back and tells the same entire story as the first, but this time through the girl's perspective. Miranda is horribly irritating. She is self-righteous, naive and entertains many thoughts that she views as "enlightened" but really are thoroughly underwhelming and obnoxious. The ending of the book is truly anti-climatic. I will say that I thought the best part of the book was the last couple of pages, which incidentally did creep me out a bit. I don't think I would recommend this book to anyone; mostly because I loathe Miranda. "

" this is not the right edition, the cover of mine is absolutely beautiful. it has a lock of hair, a key & a butterfly of course. I love it. the pages are yellow & smell of cigarette smoke & dust. "

" a very fast read. the end was a bit more messed up than previously anticipated. "

" Creepy! Read about the author before you read this book. He just recently passed away and it is interesting to read about him. This book is hailed as the first modern psychological thriller. "

" God, this is one of my favorite books. It was fantastic from the first page to the last. "

" Read it first when was 14-15 years old. The self-assosiation with Frederick Clegg was, hm, fearfully strong. Re-read when was 20 years old walked through the book in Miranda's shoes. Planning another re-read this summer. "

" Erg eng, maar speciaal boek, het heeft iets wat je bijblijft. "

" Very good read. At times a bit slow, but I think in the end that was all part of the thrill and build up of the story. It is sad but interesting to read. John Fowles delved into the mind of a sociopath amazingly well. "

" A creepy, yet well crafted novel. While an obsessive, possessive kidnapper is a common theme in many books, John Fowles creates a protagonist that is like that, but with other unique qualities that I found unexpecting. It was different, and I liked that. "

" Now I heard Fowles wrote this novel in three weeks? Man. He made it look so easy. I like how the story flowed and the narrator switched twixt Clegg and Miranda. I like it in the end when Clegg decided to repeat his heinous deed. "

" I loved this, it was a semi-thriller for me because it freaked me out but wasn't that scary. But I should read it again to confirm that, since I read this like 7 years ago. "

" A frightening fable about those who are driven to possess. Fowles is a superb writer--erudite, but not afraid of a good plot. "

" Absolutely terrifying because it focuses strictly on the psychological make-up of its protagonist, and not on sensational violence. A masterpiece, and my favorite Fowles book so far. "

" A well written tale of a captor and his captive! The main character frightened me. "

" Grimly fascinating. And what an ending. "

" A chilling read. A book I couldn't put down. "

" This book is about a guy who wins lotto, and uses his funds to stalk and abduct his favorite lady. He collects pretty things. "

" My introduction to Fowles and what an intro! Perverse and absolutely compelling. The shift in narration mid-way through was unexpected, but inspired. Turned into a terrific film too (three cheers for Terence Stamp! Kneel before Zod!) "

" Chilling. Disturbing. Didn't affect me quite like Lolita. But still, very good. 4 1/2 stars. "

" It was interesting but I don't know why I expected it to be romance. I thought the stalker maybe actually loved her in a twisted way. So I was disappointed when I found out in the end that he did not love her and was just a sick f**k. "

" Very well written and an intense book to read. Can recommend this to anyone whose interested in the mind of a capturer and also the mind of the captured. This book gives you both points of view and may make you rethink many aspects of human behaviour. "

" This book made me sleep deprived. "

" Read this book long time ago and definitely would recommend it because it is a classic. Although I liked this book, I would not read it again just because the way it made me feel. "

" Half of the book is written from the man's point of view and the other half from the woman's point of view. If you have the stomach for reading a diabolical tale, this is the book for you. I want to reread it and give it a proper review. "

" This book should probably have a better rating. But honestly, I skipped about half of part 2 and any book that makes me skim should be docked at least a star. If part 2 had been cut down or even excluded, it would've been a much better book. "

" It was a mistake to finish this book five minutes before meeting a blind date. "

" Very good enjoyed it. I would say Charming but sad! "

" It's interesting. The part where Fowles describe Madlen's rich emotional world seems to me less convincing then the very "grey" and simpleton Fred's, which turns at the end into serial killer's mind... "

" Compelling read, but fairly dark subject. Would recommend. "