The Killjoy

The Killjoy by Anne Fine, published by Penguin in 1994, is a work of fiction that delves into the complex dynamics between a college professor and his student. With a page count of 189, this edition presents a narrative centered around Ian Laidlaw, a professor whose life is marked by a disfiguring childhood accident. His fixation on Alicia Anna Davie leads to a troubling and intense relationship that unfolds throughout the story.

Readers will find a portrayal of obsession and power dynamics as Ian’s fixation on Alicia escalates, ultimately resulting in her becoming his prisoner. The narrative explores themes of control and the psychological implications of such an obsession. This edition, available in English, invites readers to engage with the unsettling aspects of human relationships and the consequences of unchecked desire.