The Exquisite Corpse

by Poppy Z Brite

Convicted serial killer, Andrew Compton, escapes his execution by controlling his physical self so well that he appears dead, then steals his pathologist's clothes and car and escapes to London. He soon meets up with Jay, and the two embark on an orgy of violence born of love.

• ISBN10: 0684836270
• ISBN13: 9780684836270
• Publish Date: 25 August 1997 (first published 22 July 1996)
• Publish Status: Transferred
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Prentice Hall (a Pearson Education company)
• Imprint: Prentice Hall & IBD
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 240
• Language: English

Reviews

[mayavswords]

I was shocked at how quickly I was drawn into this book. Sure it may be distasteful to read about serial killers and cannibals but I found it interesting and like anything I'd ever read. Poppy also has a beautiful way of writing, which made it all the more enjoying to read.

Of course it is a tragic tale of LGBT lovers but that's a trope so played that I wasn't even hurt by it.

I actually liked Andrew the most, as he seemed the most interesting out of the cast of characters. Jay is a close second (it's obvious I loved their relationship the most). However I found things with Luke and Tran tiring. Their relationship was only bred off of superficial and racial fetishizing, which really didn't sit well with me personally. Tran was a tiring character, definitely someone who should know better about what he was getting into. Hence his death was imminent.

Despite what I previously mention, Luke is also an interesting character and you find yourself sympathizing with him by the end of the book. A prime example on how lost love can drive someone wild. But justice was served.

5 stars, I'm sure I'll reread this book and recommend it to a couple people.