Saturday, August 22, 2020

OLIGARCHY


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Oligarchy, Scarlett Thomas, Counterpoint Press, 2020, 230 pp
 
I have been a fan of British author Scarlett Thomas for many years. She is a bit of an acquired taste for some readers but I took to her right away. Her latest is the story of a young girl, illegitimate daughter of a Russian mother. 
 
Her birth father has just discovered her existence and has sent her off to private school in England. The father is the oligarch. She has never met him but suddenly she is catapulted out of her impoverished existence with her mother. He has showered her with money, gifts and a seemingly unlimited credit card.
 
So that is one oddball theme in itself. The real story at boarding school is how all these teenage girls develop eating disorders as they each try to be the thinnest one. Amid all that is a mystery about certain girls who disappear or die with a certain teacher being suspiciously involved. The plot catapults along while Natasha, the Russian heroine, gets advice from her father's sister on how to deal with it all.

Like most of the stories by Scarlett Thomas that I have read, the novel is equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious. The social commentary and the adventure of one female dealing with personal demons left me wondering how she would get through.

I loved it. Natasha survives and gets a clue, as in she starts eating again. I know, that might be a spoiler but how she escapes disaster is what matters. I could imagine that she would go on to have a good life, as do those of us who survive young adulthood.

21 comments:

  1. I have never read Thomas but it sounds like she is worth the read. This book sounds different and creative. Sometimes the funniest stories are the saddest.

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  2. I definitely think that this is something that I enjoy. The fact that there is a bit of mystery, but also real life subjects and some humor is a mix I will enjoy.
    Adding it to Goodreads :)

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    1. Glad to hear that! I hope you find it good when you get to it.

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  3. The designer deserves full marks for the cover!

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  4. I have not tried this author but, it like that its sounds both serious and a bit quirky.

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    1. I do like her way with a story and with female characters.

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  5. I think humor and heartbreak often exist side by side and even rhyme in an idiosyncratic way. It sounds as though this writer might agree with me.

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    1. I think I am finally seeing the truth in what you say.

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  6. Intriguing book, what a great review Judy, I think I’ll be adding this to my list!

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    1. Thank you, Heather! I hope you find it good too.

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  7. Ahh those boarding school stories! I don't think I've heard of Scarlett Thomas but now I have. I will keep my eye out for her books.

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    1. One lucky break I got in life was not having to go to a boarding school! My husband did go for a while to an American boarding school in Switzerland. He has fond memories though he got expelled. I am not allowed to say for what! Ha Ha.

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    2. Oh wow! what a story. I too went to a boarding school (all the way from Calif to southern Virginia, yikes) I'd have liked Switzerland. I think I was not caught for some of my youthful misdeeds there

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  8. curious cover: i'm reminded of some of the art on 50 watts: if you haven't looked at this blog you might check it out: fabulous covers and art from all over the world...

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    1. Sorry for the delay. I was cleaning my office. Then I found my computer-:)
      That 50 Watts site is amazing. I will spend some time there during Happy Hour today.

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  9. i notice my comments are not being printed; started with the last post. maybe i'm forgetting to press the "Publish" button? anyway, was asking if you knew about the 50 watts site, with all the covers from global sources...

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    1. I am also sorry if I missed your comment on The Starless Sea. Would you be willing to try again? I will keep my eyes peeled! I promise.

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  10. oh, no problem, i'm just not very good at doing the computer thing, is all... all i said on the last post was some inane comment about "morning star"; can't recall exactly what it was, now... glad you like the 50 watts place: i think it's fabulous...

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