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l1nds's review against another edition
3.0
I honestly thought I was going to DNF this until I reached 38% and it FINALLY picked up, and even then it wasn't until the court case began that I approached it with anything like enjoyment. I know a lot of the beginning was necessary ("speaks to the defendants state of mind your honour" - yes, I have seen way more American legal dramas than British!) but it really felt like it dragged on.
The book is very timely and raises some important issues about the overwhelming misogyny women face both online and in person, especially those in the public eye, but it's very heavy handed about it. Even I, a woman who cares deeply about these issues, felt browbeaten, so I'm not sure how those more ambivalent will take it.
Anyway, I found the book to be a very mixed bag but the courtroom scenes really elevated it. Once I reached the halfway mark it became truly gripping and hard to put down. Those used to a final jaw dropping twist may be disappointed, but those who enjoy a well argued courtroom drama should be quite satisfied.
*ARC from Netgalley for an honest opinion*
The book is very timely and raises some important issues about the overwhelming misogyny women face both online and in person, especially those in the public eye, but it's very heavy handed about it. Even I, a woman who cares deeply about these issues, felt browbeaten, so I'm not sure how those more ambivalent will take it.
Anyway, I found the book to be a very mixed bag but the courtroom scenes really elevated it. Once I reached the halfway mark it became truly gripping and hard to put down. Those used to a final jaw dropping twist may be disappointed, but those who enjoy a well argued courtroom drama should be quite satisfied.
*ARC from Netgalley for an honest opinion*
lucyreadingbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
simonrtaylor's review against another edition
3.0
I couldn't put it down, but in the way you can't stop scoffing flavourless popcorn at the cinema. It's moreish even if unsatisfying.
The fact the main character was an MP wasn't used as much or as well as it could have been. The storyline about her daughter, though entirely predictable, was nevertheless used to good effect.
Eat it quick before you realise the next day it's soggy and flavourless. You won't regret it, or remember it.
The fact the main character was an MP wasn't used as much or as well as it could have been. The storyline about her daughter, though entirely predictable, was nevertheless used to good effect.
Eat it quick before you realise the next day it's soggy and flavourless. You won't regret it, or remember it.
bofrazer's review against another edition
4.0
Pretty good. Nice writing style. Best part is the epilogue when a couple of plot zingers are added or finally explained.
areaderintransit's review against another edition
3.0
Started out slow, but finally kicked off at about 15% into it once the stage was set. This was a character driven novel as you can tell from my rant below
erikoreads's review against another edition
3.0
It took a while to get stuck into this book - so much so that I started and finished another book in the meantime! But it was well worth the investment to plough on because it got better the more I read.
portybelle's review against another edition
5.0
In Reputation, we read about Emma Webster, an MP whose reputation is in tatters.
You’ll see from the info on the back of the book that you get a scant amount of information about what this book entails so I won’t add too much more about the plot.
In the prologue, we find out that someone has died violently. In the first chapter we hear of a photo shoot for The Guardian magazine that MP Emma Webster later regrets. Why? Because, as we are tantalising told, the photos will be used when she is arrested and charged…
Emma Webster is very concerned with online bullying and trolling and the effect that can have on someone’s reputation. It’s such a contemporary issue in the real world when information can be so easily disseminated through social media and when it is readily believed whether true or not. Through Emma’s experience, we see the danger to those in public life, not just online but in real life too. The constant scrutiny must be so hard to live with and of course has an impact on the person in the public eye’s families too. Through chapters from other characters’ points of view, we really get a sense of that.
It’s been interesting to read this in the wake of ‘Partygate’ where it seems that if you are a senior politician, you can get away with more of less anything! Reading about the threats and online bullying Emma experiences of course brings to mind the murders of MPs Jo Cox and more recently David Amess and makes you realise just what a vulnerable position politicians can be in.
I sat down to start reading a few chapters and I was completely hooked. I couldn’t put this book down and was completely absorbed in the story. Sarah Vaughan has done it again with a terrific political thriller and a gripping legal drama. Reputation goes straight onto my list of Top Reads for this year.
You’ll see from the info on the back of the book that you get a scant amount of information about what this book entails so I won’t add too much more about the plot.
In the prologue, we find out that someone has died violently. In the first chapter we hear of a photo shoot for The Guardian magazine that MP Emma Webster later regrets. Why? Because, as we are tantalising told, the photos will be used when she is arrested and charged…
Emma Webster is very concerned with online bullying and trolling and the effect that can have on someone’s reputation. It’s such a contemporary issue in the real world when information can be so easily disseminated through social media and when it is readily believed whether true or not. Through Emma’s experience, we see the danger to those in public life, not just online but in real life too. The constant scrutiny must be so hard to live with and of course has an impact on the person in the public eye’s families too. Through chapters from other characters’ points of view, we really get a sense of that.
It’s been interesting to read this in the wake of ‘Partygate’ where it seems that if you are a senior politician, you can get away with more of less anything! Reading about the threats and online bullying Emma experiences of course brings to mind the murders of MPs Jo Cox and more recently David Amess and makes you realise just what a vulnerable position politicians can be in.
I sat down to start reading a few chapters and I was completely hooked. I couldn’t put this book down and was completely absorbed in the story. Sarah Vaughan has done it again with a terrific political thriller and a gripping legal drama. Reputation goes straight onto my list of Top Reads for this year.
kait_wright's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
2.5