Mysterious Skin: A Novel

Scott Heim

Mar 2009 · Harper Collins

About this ebook

A disturbing incident sends two young boys down vastly different paths that reunite ten year later in this “impressive” debut novel (Publishers Weekly).

At the age of eight Brian Lackey is found bleeding under the crawl space of his house, having endured something so traumatic that he cannot remember an entire five–hour period of time.

During the following years he slowly recalls details from that night, but these fragments are not enough to explain what happened to him, and he begins to believe that he may have been the victim of an alien encounter . . .

Neil McCormick is fully aware of the events from that summer of 1981. Wise beyond his years, curious about his developing sexuality, Neil found what he perceived to be love and guidance from his baseball coach. Now, ten years later, he is a teenage hustler, unaware of the dangerous path his life is taking. His recklessness is governed by idealized memories of his coach, memories that unexpectedly change when Brian comes to Neil for help and, ultimately, the truth.

Ratings and reviews

This book isn't for everyone; there's description of graphic man on boy action and so forth. I was drawn in by the characters: Neil, who relishes his abuse as "love" and doesn't see his self destructive actions for what they are. Brian, who repressed his memories but is left shut off and solitary, looking for answers in the extraterrestrials. The people who try to love them but they can't reciprocate. This is powerful reading.

mysterious skin is a careful and wonderfully executed exploration of childhood trauma. it's engaging, sorrowful and intense, and made me wince with its descriptions. every character is complex and deep and every decision they take, no matter how terrible it is, is understandable and it's always possible to understand their motives.

The story is so complex and controversial that you find yourself questioning your reasoning for reading this book. Nonetheless the feeling is quit satisfying once you get you "gist" of the inevitable full circled story. You will realize how much of a great story you've read once you reach the chilling ending. Such a great read!!

About the author

The author of two novels and a volume of poetry, Scott Heim has written for numerous publications, including The Advocate, Village Voice, and Nerve.com. He lives in Boston.