Book description
Bella lives alone in a basement flat. A man threatens rape and mutilation. Trapped and afraid, she finds a way out by adopting a hard and ancient logic. Once embarked on a murderous path of vengeance, there is no stopping her. This is a first novel.
Why read it?
2 authors picked Dirty Weekend as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This novel was once lauded as an “ultimate feminist fantasy” and is about Bella, a woman who’s eventually had enough of being a victim and sets about murdering sleazy men.
I remember how this novel and author lost some respect when the book was picked up by film director Michael Winner (of Death Wish movies fame).
Winner went on to play fast and loose, adapting it into serial killer schlock. But. Don’t let that put you off as this novel is far better, more witty, and funny than any Winner movie.
It fulfils the fantasy of what (every now and…
From Rosemary's list on The best novels whose women characters don’t or won’t conform.
This is an unusual novel about a woman who decides enough is enough. A predatory voyeuristic neighbour is the final straw for Bella (a woman who has suffered a lifetime of misogyny and abuse). Over one grisly weekend in Brighton she wreaks revenge on any man who happens to look as if they might mistreat her. The prose is stylish, sharp, and snappy but readers might balk at the explicit violence.
From Jaq's list on The best books about the aftermath of sexual assault.
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