The Wasp Factory
by Iain Banks
The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks holds a well received rating of 3.85 out of 5, based on 46.2K reader ratings. First published in 1984. The book spans 192 pages.
About The Wasp Factory
Frank, no ordinary sixteen-year-old, lives with his father outside a remote Scottish village. Their life is, to say the least, unconventional. Frank's mother abandoned them years ago: his elder brother Eric is confined to a psychiatric hospital; and his father measures out his eccentricities on an imperial scale. Frank has turned to strange acts of violence to vent his frustrations. In the bizarre daily rituals there is some solace. But when news comes of Eric's escape from the hospital Frank has to prepare the ground for his brother's inevitable return - an event that explodes the mysteries of the past and changes Frank utterly.The Wasp Factory is a work of horrifying compulsion: horrifying, because it enters a mind whose realities are not our own, whose values of life and death are alien to our society; compulsive, because the humour and compassion of that mind reach out to us all. A novel of extraordinary originality, imagination and comic ferocity.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Iain Banks |
| Published | 1984 |
| Pages | 192 |
| Genres | Fiction, Horror, Mystery & Thriller, Mystery & Thriller, Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.85 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 46,179 |
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Rating Overview
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Wasp Factory?
The Wasp Factory is categorized as Fiction, Horror, Mystery & Thriller, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Mystery & Thriller.
Is The Wasp Factory worth reading?
Based on 46.2K reader ratings, The Wasp Factory has an average score of 3.85 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Wasp Factory?
The Wasp Factory has 192 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote The Wasp Factory?
The Wasp Factory was written by Iain Banks. It was first published in 1984.
What is the ISBN for The Wasp Factory?
The ISBN-13 for The Wasp Factory is 9780684853150.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
