Scan barcode
A review by the_emas
Admission by Jean Hanff Korelitz
3.0
A quick read with some high points and some serious flaws. The major flaw is failing to keep any suspense around the book's main secret. Korelitz has an uncanny ability to provide you with just enough information about the secret to keep you uninterested in finding out the rest of the details. Just when the details of the plot have naturally led you to certain conclusions about Portia's past, Korelitz will provide an aside alluding to what you've already concluded. It's poor writing and it's unfortunate, because otherwise the book could be and at times is an insightful look into what exactly makes a connection between family members - what constitutes the fabric of various familial relationships.
The backdrop of college admissions is important for the story development, and enlightening in its own right. I find the topic interesting, even all these years after my last such application. I'm not sure that Korelitz' proclaimed new perspective - from that of a besieged admissions officer, rather than a student/parent - is really a positive here, since her character often comes off as whiny and self-loathing. For that perspective I'd much sooner recommend the non-fictional work The Gatekeepers.
The other flaw is minor, but aggravating. The author is fixated on the word 'decamp' and uses it every other time she describes a character leaving a building/party/conversation. It may seem a small issue, but the incessant use of such an uncommon word detracts from the otherwise passable writing style. This never should have made it past an editor.
The backdrop of college admissions is important for the story development, and enlightening in its own right. I find the topic interesting, even all these years after my last such application. I'm not sure that Korelitz' proclaimed new perspective - from that of a besieged admissions officer, rather than a student/parent - is really a positive here, since her character often comes off as whiny and self-loathing. For that perspective I'd much sooner recommend the non-fictional work The Gatekeepers.
The other flaw is minor, but aggravating. The author is fixated on the word 'decamp' and uses it every other time she describes a character leaving a building/party/conversation. It may seem a small issue, but the incessant use of such an uncommon word detracts from the otherwise passable writing style. This never should have made it past an editor.