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A review by ellekreads
Madam by Phoebe Wynne
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
In Madam, we follow Rose Christie as she starts her new job as a Classics teacher at the 150-year-old Caldonbrae Hall, an elite boarding school for girls that promises its students will emerge as the cream of the crop, ready to be a boon to society.
The traditions are arcane, the students are frighteningly self-assured, and Rose's love of sharing historical tales of powerful women are garnering the wrong kind of attention. As Rose discovers what really makes Caldonbrae tick, it becomes increasingly apparent that the only way to avoid the fates the school has planned for her, and her girls, will be to save them herself.
What I Liked:
- dark academia but not from the student's POV!
- dark academia but not YA!
- gothic horror but set in the 90s!!!!
- plenty of lore into Greek and Roman tales!
- eat the rich!!!!!!!!
What I Didn't Like:
- the pacing was off now and then - although I didn't struggle, I was definitely more bored in some places than others. The classes felt quite repetitive.
- there are a LOT of characters to keep track of
Overall this was a moody, atmospheric, easily-read gothic horror/thriller. I loved the school and its disgusting underbelly, I loved the girls gaining their baby feminist perspectives. Weird, dark, and unsettling throughout - it kept my attention throughout and I'd definitely recommend it.
Big thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Quercus Books for the ARC. This one's available to buy now!
The traditions are arcane, the students are frighteningly self-assured, and Rose's love of sharing historical tales of powerful women are garnering the wrong kind of attention. As Rose discovers what really makes Caldonbrae tick, it becomes increasingly apparent that the only way to avoid the fates the school has planned for her, and her girls, will be to save them herself.
What I Liked:
- dark academia but not from the student's POV!
- dark academia but not YA!
- gothic horror but set in the 90s!!!!
- plenty of lore into Greek and Roman tales!
- eat the rich!!!!!!!!
What I Didn't Like:
- the pacing was off now and then - although I didn't struggle, I was definitely more bored in some places than others. The classes felt quite repetitive.
- there are a LOT of characters to keep track of
Overall this was a moody, atmospheric, easily-read gothic horror/thriller. I loved the school and its disgusting underbelly, I loved the girls gaining their baby feminist perspectives. Weird, dark, and unsettling throughout - it kept my attention throughout and I'd definitely recommend it.
Big thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Quercus Books for the ARC. This one's available to buy now!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Racism, and Suicide
Minor: Abortion