The Collector by John Fowles tells the story of a lonely and perhaps desperate man. In a twisted way it is a love story; it follows both a love and relationship that were doomed from the start. The main character, Fred Clegg, is an isolated and socially awkward person, who is in love with a young girl, Miranda. His love gradually becomes more of an obsession, which eventually leads to the kidnapping of her. The story follows the development of their relationship and the inevitable tragedy that unfolds. Fredrick Clegg's character is beautifully written; his innocence and naivety make the reader pain for him despite his ...  Read the complete review

Having read and loved another John Fowles novel, "The French Lieutenant's Woman", I saw this in a second hand bookshop and thought I would give it a try. I was aware that the author had written a book called "The Collector" but know nothing more than that so I was surprised when, halfway through the book, I mentioned to a fellow book enthusiast that I was reading it and was captivated. "Oh, The Collector" he said. "A tremendous book". He went on to talk about it at great length and with much passion. It seems that this is a "growing-up text" on a par with such works as "Catcher in the Rye". Does it ...  Read the complete review

I purchased this book, in paperback format, last week from my local Waterstones. It cost me £8.99. I had earned some Leisure vouchers from an internet survey site and I decided to treat myself to a book to read. Originally published in Britain in 1963 by Jonathan Cape, it was written by John Fowles. *John Fowles* The international success of ` The Collector` ended Johns career as a teacher and began his life as a writer.He has since become a modern literary figure as an English novelist and essayist. *The Story* part 1 Set in the early sixties , the story begins with Frederick who is a loner and a misfit who ...  Read the complete review

Without question The Collector is my all time number one read. The book is set around two main characters, the solitary Clegg and the beautiful Miranda. It starts as a simple story, a young man noticing a girl, a yarn we've all read before, yet what transgresses in something altogether more twisted and emotional then anything I have ever read. Clegg collects butterflies and in Miranda he spots a butterfly he simply must add to his collection. The first half of the book is from the perspective of Clegg. We learn of his history, his reasoning and motivation for his seemingly inhumane actions. The second half is through the eyes of Miranda we feel her fear, her ...  Read the complete review