Books with dislikable characters

[amillionnamechangeslater000]

Ok so weird request, but I have noticed that I tend to quite like books with unlikable and even pretty loathsome characters - think Gone Girl, The Casual Vacancy, and more recently The Recovery of Rose Gold.

So - can anyone recommend any books in this vein (yes I know it’s a bit weird)

Notes on a scandal.

Great call - I read it ages ago and enjoyed it so worth a re-read.

The girl on the train

Lionel Shriver is good at this.

I immediately thought of Gone Girl when I saw the thread title, so not surprised it's already there!

Have you read The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas? Every character is loathsome, but that, for me, made it an interesting read.

Donna Tartt

Ooh beat me to it! I was coming on to say anything by Donna Tartt.

@Bookymcbook oh will try the Slap - remember seeing it on a recommendations list but wasn’t sure - will give it a go. Love Donna Tartt and als o quite enjoyed the Girl on the Train.

Gone With The Wind?

Paul from Sons And Lovers. What a twat.

@Cherrypi I really enjoy Lionel Shriver and not long finished the Mandibles.
@baloonslayer - oh have never read it will add to the list.

Mayor Of Casterbridge might also fit this bill, I seem to recall hating them all

I was going to suggest The Slap too.

Disgrace by J M Coetzee
The Mosquito Coast by Paul Theroux

Both have a flawed unlikeable principal character

@EineReiseDurchDieZeit I’ve overbred read Tess - found it so unrelentingly grim that I’ve avoided Hardy ever since.

Lolita

American Psycho

Angel Clare

Little Fires Everywhere
So Lucky

Vanity Fair

Although Becky is deliciously manipulative

Queenie. But I didn’t actually enjoy this book as the characters irritated me so much!
Normal people
I guess Elinor Oliphant might fall into this category

I hated The Slap. I used to live in Australia and it reminded me of why I wouldn't want to move back.

However, I did read all of it so I guess it couldn't have been that bad.

Lolita might be a step too far

@Ohnopoo oh I liked Queenie. Like Eleanor Olphant too - but really was just annoyed by Normal People - the bloody angst!