Review by Erin Madden, aged 15.
In this novel, the School is a place where young girls are brought up in ways focused on pleasing men. In their 16th year, they will attend a ceremony where they will be chosen by the boys to become either companions ( wife types ) or concubines ( more like mistresses, seemingly less desirable ) – Everybody strives to be a companion but who is chosen depends on the lessons they have been taught, from the age of 4. Their beauty is their only asset.
I had been struggling to find an enjoyable book for a while, until this was recommended and bought for me. It’s the first one I have finished in over a month. Interesting Cover. Unique idea. Darker than the average YA. It really made me think about the pressure to be ‘perfect’ in reality. I grew attached to the main character, Freida and found myself worried along with her. It’s really well written and has great character development.
Over all I genuinely enjoyed reading this book. I think the author did a great job of making it unpredictable. I would think “it’s going to end this way” but I would find myself completely wrong. I would definitely read more of Louise O’Neill’s work!
