The Savages by Matt Whyman is a story about an unordinary family. If you think your family is strange then this book would take the cake. To most, the Savage family looks like any other. There is the typical mom, dad, 3 kids, and a grandpa living in an older house. Told through many perspectives, the secret that is hidden behind the doors slowly begin to reveal through the characters. It all starts with a model, a detective, and a boy that change the lives of the family. This book contains mystery and a little suspense while keeping the reader intrigued throughout the whole book. I give this 4 stars because I definitely recommend the book. It was easy to read, and I could not put it down. I liked how the author did not fully describe the Savages’ secret, but whoever reads the words knows what is going on. This is unique to any book I have read, and I rather enjoyed it. I say that this is a definite read for every book lover.Find more reviews on my blog: treestandbooksreviews.wordpress.com I enjoyed it as a dark comedy. But, ultimately, I couldn't sympathize with the Savages, and I wanted them to get caught, even while I enjoyed this book. There were moments I was tempted to be on their side, but cannibalism is one of those things I just can't get past. I can't even watch Hannibal because, if I did, I'd be alternately disgusted and frustrated that he was constantly getting away with his crimes. And, I'm not someone who NEEDS characters who do horrible things to suffer consequences but cannibalism is one of those things that engenders that need in me. Other than my personal triggers, this book is fairly easy to read because it's not that graphic and it almost feels unreal. There's a lot of talk about food and family. The bond the Savages share is one of the best things about this book. The one thing that did bother me was that the characters were Russian in origin and that their venture into cannibalism started due to them being in the war. I rolled my eyes at that tidbit because there is a stereotype and threat of the other being perpetuated when such things are connected to Russians, or Eastern Europeans, for that matter. In the end, though, I did enjoy this book. I enjoyed the dark satirical take on militant vegans, vegetarians, and ardent meat eaters. I certainly understood Sasha's and Titus's conflict when Sasha decided to go meatless. I went meatless for about a year and my father, who's a carnivore, felt a bit betrayed and would constantly ask me if I wanted to try meat again. I would recommend it to even squeamish readers as I am one and I could handle it.
What do You think about Els Savage (2013)?
An interesting story about a family of cannibals, which is funny and entertaining.
—niniAl15
More like 3.5 than just 3 it was good but not as good as I was expecting
—Kheita
incredibly smart & funny book, & i say that as a vegan myself!
—bubun
