Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller.

Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller.
Penguin (2004)

Review by Laura Parish.

From the first day that the beguiling Sheba Hart joins the staff of St George’s, history teacher Barbara Covett is convinced that she’s found a kindred spirit.
Barbara’s loyalty to her new friend is passionate and unstinting and when Sheba is discovered to be having an illicit affair with one of her young pupils, Barbara quickly elects herself as Sheba’s chief defender. But all is not as it first seems in this dark story and, as Sheba will soon discover, a friend can be as treacherous as any lover.

Heller’s book tackles a very controversial subject interestingly.
I saw the film (which I loved) before I read the book and maybe that ruined it slightly in terms of the plot.
However, in both the film and the book, it was the character of Barbara that intrigued me the most. Reading it, I felt the loneliness Barbara feels and the resentment over Sheba’s life and her feelings for her. I almost, but not quite, felt sorry for Barbara, despite her not doing the best thing morally. Throughout, I questioned whether Barbara liked Sheba or the idea of her. Was she so alone that she was clinging onto anything? A question I’m still mulling over long after the last page.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.