Cows
Cows
Book Brief
Beta192
Novel • Fiction
England • 1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Cows by Matthew Stokoe explores a young man's tumultuous journey as he escapes an oppressive home life. Surrounded by a disturbing and grotesque world, he navigates complex relationships, both human and animal. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and transformation, challenging societal norms through a surreal and often unsettling lens.
Dark
Unnerving
Gritty
Mysterious
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
14,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Cows by Matthew Stokoe is a divisive novel, praised for its raw and unflinching exploration of societal decay, but criticized for its extreme violence and disturbing imagery. The book's visceral prose and bold themes challenge readers, appealing to those who appreciate avant-garde horror. However, its graphic content may alienate more sensitive audiences.
Who Should Read Cows?
Readers who relish gritty, visceral horror with surreal elements will enjoy Matthew Stokoe's Cows. Fans of Chuck Palahniuk's Haunted and Clive Barker's Books of Blood will be drawn to its boundary-pushing exploration of identity, societal norms, and grotesque imagery. Ideal for those seeking intense, unconventional narratives.
14,715 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cows by Matthew Stokoe was originally published in 1997 and has garnered a cult following due to its extreme, transgressive themes and graphic content.
The novel is often cited as a quintessential example of transgressive fiction, a genre that explores taboo subjects and pushes the boundaries of conventional literature.
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Stokoe's intense and surreal narrative has been compared to the works of authors such as Chuck Palahniuk and Bret Easton Ellis for its brutal examination of society and human nature.
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192
Novel • Fiction
England • 1990s
1999
Adult
18+ years
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