The Loosening Skin

Praise

The Loosening Skin is a sensuous, thought provoking meditation on love that deserves not only a second read, but a third as well. This book will cement Aliya Whiteley’s reputation as one of the finest of a new generation of weird fiction writers. More, please.
– Helen Marshall, author of The Migration

Strange, confounding and satisfyingly original, Whiteley’s new novel is an exploration of relationships and the corrosive effect of time. A speculative enquiry into the meaning of freedom itself, the loosening skin will surprise and delight Whiteley’s existing readership and new fans equally. Above all, this is a book that will excite intense discussion.
– Nina Allan, author of The Rift

Aliya Whiteley’s fiction simultaneously scintillates with ideas, skips back and forth across genre boundaries with an ease and audacity that is glorious to behold, and retains such a sense of immediacy and emotional integrity that her readers are drawn into her worlds body and soul. She has the enviable ability to explore big ideas in the most intimate of settings, and to create wholly original realities that leap instantly from the page. for me, she is very much at the forefront of the new wave of UK genre writers.
– Mark Morris

“Its triumph lies in the way Whiteley uses the metaphor of shedding skin to examine the tortured process of love and attachment.”
– Guardian

“Fascinating new work of fiction.” 
– Library Journal

“Beautiful, inventive, and moving. I couldn’t put it down.”
– British Fantasy Society

“Aliya Whiteley’s work is bold, daring, unique and like nothing you’ve ever read before – if you read one book this year, let it be this! An enthralling story which redefines the science fiction genre and gives birth to a storyteller that will, I’m sure, define a generation!”
– Storgy

“The Loosening Skin is a brave and complicated novel.”
– Neon Books

“This is a must read for all Aliya Whiteley fans, and a great place to start if you’re new to her work.”
– Books, Bones & Buffy

“The Loosening Skin by Aliya Whiteley is such a hard hitting novel that reaches you on so many levels. I wholeheartedly encourage every reader to pick [it] up. It’s the perfect introduction to an amazing author whom I’m frankly quite upset is still indie and not adored by legions of readers.”
– Roadside Reader

“Very occasionally, I’ll read a piece of writing that takes my breath away. It’s rare, but it does happen from time to time. The Loosening Skin by Aliya Whiteley has found a place on this very select list. Whiteley’s work picks apart the nature of love in all its forms.”
– The Eloquent Page

“One of the most fascinating stories I’ve read this year.”
– Runalong the Shelves

“She’s a remarkable writer and this latest offering is a unique take on some of humanity’s constant truths. It is beautiful, it is engrossing and it will remain with you for a long time. Read it!”
– The Middle Shelf

“The book totally blew my mind.”
– Book Geek Says

‘[Whiteley is] no stranger to writing about the weird and frightening ways our bodies may betray us… a fantastic read’
– Fangirl Nation

“Impressive in the way it brings different aspects of this life-altering physiology — and extended metaphor for the lifespan of love — to the fore” – The Frumious Consortium