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A review by faysieh
The Understudy by B.A. Paris, Holly Brown, Sophie Hannah, Claire Mackintosh
5.0
London and a performing arts school where a group of 4 girls, Bel, Sadie, Ruby and Jess are causing trouble, not just any trouble but the sort of antics that can get a girl expelled. Is Ruby jealous of Jess? Is that why she placed a mutilated ballerina in a music box, playing an audition piece, in Jess's locker? This question is the starting point for a novel based on secrets, lies and a lot of acting.
The mothers of the 4 girls, Elise (Sadie), Carolyn (Jess), Bronnie (Bel) and Kendall (Ruby) are all seated in the headteacher's office seething, competing, hiding and then horrified that Adam Rackie's response is not any form of punishment but instead the introduction of new girl Imogen to help change the group's dynamics. Will this tactic work or will it cause more trouble?
Everyone in this novel has plenty to hide, the girls as well as the mothers. There is a darkness lurking, bluffs and double bluffs and no-one appears to be able to tell the truth.
The story is narrated by the mothers mostly and divided into acts. Whilst I did guess who the culprit was, there are still plenty of twists and turns to surprise, delight and confuse the reader as the story delves into yet more sinister incidents, a death, a fall, a noose, a graffitied bench and a roof tile falling that just misses its mark.
Who is after who, and who is who they say they are?!
Read in one sitting I loved this book, co-written by such wonderful authors to bring about a cohesive dramatic tale of jealousy, deceit, revenge and tragedy.
Definitely worth a read!
The mothers of the 4 girls, Elise (Sadie), Carolyn (Jess), Bronnie (Bel) and Kendall (Ruby) are all seated in the headteacher's office seething, competing, hiding and then horrified that Adam Rackie's response is not any form of punishment but instead the introduction of new girl Imogen to help change the group's dynamics. Will this tactic work or will it cause more trouble?
Everyone in this novel has plenty to hide, the girls as well as the mothers. There is a darkness lurking, bluffs and double bluffs and no-one appears to be able to tell the truth.
The story is narrated by the mothers mostly and divided into acts. Whilst I did guess who the culprit was, there are still plenty of twists and turns to surprise, delight and confuse the reader as the story delves into yet more sinister incidents, a death, a fall, a noose, a graffitied bench and a roof tile falling that just misses its mark.
Who is after who, and who is who they say they are?!
Read in one sitting I loved this book, co-written by such wonderful authors to bring about a cohesive dramatic tale of jealousy, deceit, revenge and tragedy.
Definitely worth a read!