BOOK BRIEF

The Restraint of Beasts

Magnus Mills
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The Restraint of Beasts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

Book Brief

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Magnus Mills

The Restraint of Beasts

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Magnus Mills' novel, The Restraint of Beasts, follows a foreman and two laborers as they embark on a routine trip to fix fences in rural England. The journey quickly devolves into a series of escalating misadventures. Through dark humor and understated prose, Mills explores themes of work, control, and the complexities of human relationships.

Dark

Mysterious

Unnerving

Gritty

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.0

3,889 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Magnus Mills' The Restraint of Beasts is praised for its dark humor and unique narrative style, offering a satirical take on labor and absurdity. Critics highlight Mills' deadpan prose and the novel's unsettling atmosphere. Some find the plot slow and repetitive, potentially deterring readers seeking more dynamic storytelling. Overall, it's a distinct and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Restraint of Beasts?

Fans of dark humor and absurdism will enjoy The Restraint of Beasts by Magnus Mills. Similar to George Orwell’s Animal Farm and Franz Kafka’s The Trial, this novel appeals to readers who appreciate satire, dry wit, and subtle critiques of bureaucracy and human nature. Ideal for those who relish enigmatic narratives.

4.0

3,889 ratings

70%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

England • 1990s

Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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