Rose gets a job running the Classics department at a very highbrow boarding school. The job kind of comes out of nowhere, which should have been a red flag maybe, but honestly- who would see this coming? It seems like a wonderful opportunity, and Rose can help the students become independent women, right? Well...
As expected things are not as they seem at Caldonbrae Hall. The school is supposed to be preparing women for contemporary society, but Rose soon discovers a more sinister purpose. The shenanigans start early and honestly I'm not sure why she didn't just nope out of there right away, but then we wouldn't really have a story. And to be honest they sort of have leverage on her. Rose enjoys teaching Classics to her students, especially female characters such as Medea. The book sort of intertwines some of these classical tales with the goings- on, which is a nice touch.
I thought this book moved a little slow- it takes quite a while to get things moving- but at the same time that slowness does set the stage for what comes after, and the creepiness factor ratchets up. Unlike a lot of books of this sort, the passage of time is also a little different- weeks and months go by and the narration just skips ahead as needed. It's a third person style but told just from Rose's POV. The ending felt rushed too- like, we wait for 300 pages for something really big to happen, and then it does and bam story over.
Having said that, I did enjoy this. It's a good read to snuggle in with in the evening and just see what fuckery happens. I did think at times she could have done a lot of things differently, but that's sort of always the case. I think the real thing here is the examination of class, patriarchy and feminism. What is the role of education and especially in light of modern sensibilities?
So... I'm on a dark academia type kick and love boarding schools stories, especially with a spooky or mystery undertone, and this satisfied my desire for the most part. I do like a supernatural element, which this doesn't have, but this absolutely covers the academy that knows all your secrets sort of angle.
This novel looks interesting. I want to read it. Thanks for your review. Have a good day Greg :)
ReplyDeleteI love a good boarding school story myself...especially when there's a bit of dark mystery and lots of secrets to uncover. I might have to check this one out...I love the cover, but I don't always love slow narratives and rushed endings.
ReplyDeleteYou said, "The job kind of comes out of nowhere, which should have been a red flag maybe", that reminds me of most of the jobs I have done in my career lol. Great review. Just like a lot of books having a good direction at beginning
ReplyDeleteWhat originally brought this book to your attention, anything in particular?
ReplyDeleteMe, lol. I have been bugging him to read it for aaaaaaages.
DeleteI am so glad you finally got a chance to read it!! I figured you would like it, overall.
ReplyDeleteThe premise sounds interesting but I’ll likely pass because of the too slow build and rushed ending. Great review Greg.
ReplyDeleteI often wonder about characters and how they make some of these decisions, but if they just leave, than there is no book!
ReplyDeleteParece muy interesante lo tendré en cuenta. Te mando un beso.
ReplyDeleteThere's potential in this book. My curiosity has peaked. We appreciate you taking the time to write a review. Stay optimistic.
ReplyDeleteBoarding schools are always fun settings, but it is a little jarring when the big "thing" happens and then the book just ends!
ReplyDeleteI read that one - disturbng ending!!
ReplyDeleteI'm still laughing at "I'm not sure why she didn't just nope out of there right away." Bahaha!
ReplyDeleteSeems interesting. Regards.
ReplyDeleteSounds tense and interesting :-)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds really interesting other than the slowness of it. I loved some of the lines in your review: "I'm not sure why she didn't just nope out of there right away" and "It's a good read to snuggle in with in the evening and just see what fuckery happens". Those both made me laugh quite a bit.
ReplyDeleteI also love dark academia. Have you read The Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo yet? That was fun and awesome and I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, hopefully, soon.
Unfortunately, this book is not available in my language, but maybe I will try the original version ..
ReplyDeleteSo sorry that your daughter had such a scary car experience! Glad they safely escaped what could have been a terrible situation. Madam seems like a really intriguing story; thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI liked boarding type books when younger and totally wanted to attend onw
ReplyDeleteI liked the creepy, atmospheric setting of this one and, I agree, the slow build-up just adds to it. Like you, though, I was also disappointed with the buil-up and then the rushed ending. Also, the whole thing just didn't seem very realistic to me. But, yeah, it was entertaining at least and made some strong social statements, like you said. Glad you enjoyed this overall.
ReplyDeleteI do love a good dark academia book. Not sure this would keep my attention though!
ReplyDeleteLauren @ www.shootingstarsmag.net
I think this sounds good, even if it's slow at times. Dark academia is so much fun!
ReplyDeleteAlways love a boarding school setting! I think I'm OK with the slow pace, as long as there's progressive developments of the story and a satisfying ending. I've been curious about this book so thanks for your review, Greg!
ReplyDeleteSounds like the perfect kind of read for this time of year. I had to laugh at this: "I'm not sure why she didn't just nope out of there right away" in your review. I ask myself the same thing in some horror type books, but as you said wouldn't have a story then. Lol.
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