Who is the author of 'Beautiful Animals'?

The author of 'Beautiful Animals' is Lawrence Osborne.

What are the main themes in 'Beautiful Animals'?

The main themes in 'Beautiful Animals' include Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery and Thriller.

What genre is 'Beautiful Animals'?

'Beautiful Animals' is categorized as Fiction.

What is the main plot of 'Beautiful Animals'?

'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne revolves around a wealthy American family vacationing on the Greek island of Hydra, where they encounter a mysterious young local woman. The story follows two teenage girls, the daughter of the American family and her friend, as they become entangled in a dangerous liaison that involves elements of desire, deception, and moral ambiguity. As their actions have unforeseen consequences, the narrative explores themes of privilege, adolescence, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a stunning yet perilous landscape.

Who are the central characters in the story?

The central characters in 'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne are two teenage girls, Naomi and her friend, who are spending their summer vacation in a luxurious villa on the Greek island of Hydra. They encounter a mysterious stranger named a local man, which leads to a series of events that explore themes of desire, morality, and the complexities of human relationships.

What themes are explored in 'Beautiful Animals'?

'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne explores several key themes including: Obsession and Desire: The novel delves into the intensity of obsession, particularly in the context of personal relationships and the allure of beauty. Exoticism vs. Familiarity: Set against the backdrop of a Greek island, the contrast between the exotic locale and the characters' familiar lives highlights themes of escapism and the search for meaning. Morality and Ethics: The story raises questions about moral ambiguity and the choices characters make in pursuit of their desires, often leading to dire consequences. Isolation and Connection: The characters grapple with feelings of isolation, while simultaneously seeking connection with others, revealing the complexities of human relationships. Class and Privilege: Through its characters, the book examines issues of class disparity and the impact of wealth on behavior and relationships. Overall, 'Beautiful Animals' intricately weaves these themes into a narrative that examines the dark undercurrents of desire and the human condition.

What setting is used in the book, and how does it influence the story?

'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne is set in a luxurious, sun-drenched coastal villa on the Greek island of Hydra. This setting plays a crucial role in the story, as it creates a backdrop of opulence and isolation that influences the characters' experiences and interactions. The beauty and allure of the setting contrast sharply with the darker themes of desire, jealousy, and moral ambiguity that unfold throughout the narrative. The idyllic surroundings serve to heighten the tension and emotional conflicts as characters navigate their complex relationships against the backdrop of the stunning but treacherous landscape.

What message or insight does the author convey through this book?

In 'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne, the author explores themes of privilege, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of human relationships. Through the vivid portrayal of the characters and their interactions on a picturesque Greek island, Osborne conveys insights about the seductive nature of beauty and wealth, and how these elements can lead to both desire and destruction. The narrative raises questions about ethics, the facade of the idyllic life, and the often turbulent consequences of choices made in pursuit of pleasure and escape.

Beautiful Animals Summary | Listen to Podcast-Style Book Summaries on Tales.so

Beautiful Animals

In 'Beautiful Animals' by Lawrence Osborne, a chilling tale unfolds on a sun-soaked Greek island where privilege meets peril. The story follows two young women who become entangled with a mysterious stranger, leading them into a world of deceit and danger. As their idyllic summer rapidly descends into chaos, questions of morality and desire emerge. Each decision propels them deeper into a dark abyss, challenging their understanding of beauty and innocence. What lies beneath the surface of paradise, and what secrets will they unearth?

By Lawrence Osborne

Published: 2018

"In a world of beauty and darkness, the lines we draw often betray us, revealing the true nature of our desires."

"Let’s not mince words. This is a great book. Truly difficult to put down... sophisticated, smart and uncomfortable, and the story is cracking." – Lionel Shriver, Washington Post "Startlingly good...Osborne has been described as an heir to Graham Greene, and he shares with Greene an interest in what might be called the moral thriller.” – Katie Kitamura, New York Times Book Review "A seductively menacing new thriller by Lawrence Osborne...who unites Graham Greene’s fondness for foreign soil with Patricia Highsmith’s fascination with the nastier coils of the human psyche.” –NPR’s “Fresh Air" FINANCIAL TIMES SUMMER PICK 2017 GUARDIAN BEST HOLIDAY READS 2017 On a hike during a white-hot summer break on the Greek island of Hydra, Naomi and Samantha make a startling discovery: a man named Faoud, sleeping heavily, exposed to the elements, but still alive. Naomi, the daughter of a wealthy British art collector who has owned a villa in the exclusive hills for decades, convinces Sam, a younger American girl on vacation with her family, to help this stranger. As the two women learn more about the man, a migrant from Syria and a casualty of the crisis raging across the Aegean Sea, their own burgeoning friendship intensifies. But when their seemingly simple plan to help Faoud unravels all must face the horrific consequences they have set in motion. In this brilliant psychological study of manipulation and greed, Lawrence Osborne explores the dark heart of friendship, and shows just how often the road to hell is paved with the best of intentions.

Similar books you might like →