Cows

Matthew Stokoe
60 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 1998

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Book Brief

Matthew Stokoe

Cows

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

216

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Literary Fiction
Setting

England • 1990s

Theme
Loneliness

•

Mothers

•

Self Discovery
First Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Cows by Matthew Stokoe explores a young man's tumultuous journey as he escapes an oppressive home life. Surrounded by a disturbing and grotesque world, he navigates complex relationships, both human and animal. The narrative delves into themes of identity, power, and transformation, challenging societal norms through a surreal and often unsettling lens.

Dark

Unnerving

Gritty

Mysterious

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

2.8

20,106 ratings

31%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

45%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Cows by Matthew Stokoe is a divisive novel, praised for its raw and unflinching exploration of societal decay, but criticized for its extreme violence and disturbing imagery. The book's visceral prose and bold themes challenge readers, appealing to those who appreciate avant-garde horror. However, its graphic content may alienate more sensitive audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Cows?

Readers who relish gritty, visceral horror with surreal elements will enjoy Matthew Stokoe's Cows. Fans of Chuck Palahniuk's Haunted and Clive Barker's Books of Blood will be drawn to its boundary-pushing exploration of identity, societal norms, and grotesque imagery. Ideal for those seeking intense, unconventional narratives.

2.8

20,106 ratings

31%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

45%

Not a fan

Character List

A 25-year-old man struggling with psychological torment and entrapment under his mother's control, who embarks on a journey seeking power and control over his life.

Steven’s abusive mother, whose oppressive presence in his life embodies domestic tyranny and prevents his escape and growth.

Steven’s neighbor and love interest, who is preoccupied with internal purity and struggles with her own psychological trauma.

The foreman at the meat plant, who introduces Steven to a violent philosophy of self-realization and acts as a malevolent mentor.

The leader of the escaped cows, offering an alternative perspective to Steven, initially advocating against violence but later becoming a rival for leadership.

Book Details
Pages

216

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Horror & Suspense

•

Literary Fiction
Setting

England • 1990s

Theme
Loneliness

•

Mothers

•

Self Discovery
First Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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