The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
ardee05's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the twist in this book. I didn’t see it coming and I loved the complexity it added.
mandyyeff's review against another edition
2.0
I don't even know if I have words to describe this book. It was interesting enough for me to read all the way through, but I didn't enjoy it. The pacing was very slow, it took forever to figure out how the timelines overlapped. The ending was not a happy one, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. I always rely on things righting themselves in the end, and this book did not do that. The last line does leave ambiguity on if there will be a happy ending, but I just personally do not like those types of endings.
The author's writing style was enough to keep me from DNF'ing the book, however it was very slow paced. There wasn't enough shocking events to make me stay up at night reading, which is about the only time this student has to read. Definitely not one I'd recommend unless you like slow-burn court cases.
The author's writing style was enough to keep me from DNF'ing the book, however it was very slow paced. There wasn't enough shocking events to make me stay up at night reading, which is about the only time this student has to read. Definitely not one I'd recommend unless you like slow-burn court cases.
janahain's review against another edition
3.0
The story is slow paced and the characters are annoying.
salpullen's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
vicki22's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
caszriel's review against another edition
4.0
Initial thoughts: an absolutely astonishing book, full of court drama and intrigue. Sarah Vaughan really questions the morality of a court case, and how justice isn't always wrought correctly and there are so many factors. She isn't afraid to speak out about the matter of rape allegations in explicit detail, particularly in the voice of Kate.
————————————————————
Spoiler review:
Anatomy of a Scandal is an absolutely amazing book filled with moments geared to make you think, wonder, and question. Sarah Vaughan really dissects the idea of a court drama, heavily analysing every aspect. The characters each have their predetermined roles which we as readers must closely examine, for each has a purpose which may not be clear at the start, but will be by the end of the book. This made me feel the thrill of suspense, giving me a taste of what was to come early on in the book.
“And she, having forgotten, felt ashamed, for he was chivalry itself once she stopped behaving as if he was to be feared.”
A young girl broken by society… The chapter told from Holly’s perspective comes within a few chapters of the introduction, and at first it may seem confusing as she is a character unmentioned in the synopsis, nothing more than a ghost, though later on her role becomes apparent. I pity her for she is a remnant of the past, the remains of a loss of innocence. While I predicted her plot twist upon reading the first chapter told from her perspective, she still added a lot of intrigue to the book. Holly is quite literally erased from society, and her story is so genuine and realistic it saddens me that Sarah Vaughan may be writing in a fictional universe, but many young women out there have stories like Holly’s.
“‘I said…’ and her voice dips but the court is quiet: we are all straining to capture her every word and they are words that could damn her.
‘I said that, sometimes, arrogance could be devastatingly attractive.’”
The quote above is taken from the court case, when Kate asks Olivia what she said in reply to when James asked her if she thought he was arrogant. The quote really got to me, and illustrates the power of self assurance and how it affects those around one with that attribute. Often, arrogance is considered a negative trait yet those with it are granted power too. James may initially seem like someone who believes he has messed up and wants to repent, but it is later realised that this isn’t the case, for James is fundamentally flawed; a short scene where Sophie talks to his mother confirms this, that his troubles are deep in his roots and he’ll never change. As a child he believed he was entitled to anything he wanted, and that belief only strengthened within him as he grew older. This is his fatal flaw, and ultimately leads to his downfall.
“But she is a fool – and it is no wonder.
Men can make fools of us all.”
Sophie and Alison are two contrasting characters who end up sharing a connection. Sophie has grown up wealthy, being the granddaughter of a baron, whereas Ali had nothing but her beauty. While they both went to Oxford, they had different lifestyles and survived in social circles which never connected with each other. As young people, they seemed uncomparable, yet by their college reunion the two had far more in common than either would’ve imagined. Both are loyal to their closest friend without a doubt, have been ‘tricked’ by those people, and have been changed by having children. Their roles as more minor characters in relation to the plot don’t diminish them at all, as their character development, especially Sophie’s, really influences the story.
“Most crimes centre around dishonesty, violence and lust.”
I mentioned this earlier, and it’s in the essence of this story: a court drama. Kate Woodcroft, whom this quote is attributed to, is a hard woman who works many sexual assault cases weekly. When given the chance to prosecute the case against James she takes up the chance eagerly, believing him guilty. But where does her conclusion come from? The jury of the book may find James not guilty, deciding to conclude that there isn’t enough evidence, but when is there ever in a sexual assault case, and when the line between consent and dissent is so fine where should it really be drawn? From the start of the book questions are raised about the court case, and how it will affect those involved in it, as this case has the power to either destroy Sophie’s life and marriage or destroy Olivia’s life. I felt that this was an important moment in the book, and showed the sacrifices and chances Olivia took by speaking up and daring to accuse James.
“It is hardwired into us that we should placate and mollify: bend our will to that of men.”
Kate does have a softer side, as shown in her early exchanges with Ali. She knows full well that finding James guilty will destroy his and Sophie’s life, yet she prosecutes ruthlessly without ever considering James’ innocence. It may make her seem like a fool for never even thinking it, but perhaps she is the only one unfolded by him in the courtroom? The jury falls under his charm, an effortless face he puts on with ease. Really, what reason do they have not to believe him? He is the image of a perfect man; a well respected member of parliament, good looking, wealthy. This helps him win his case, even if we soon discover he is guilty as sin. Kate highlights how important it is to convince the jury in a case, and even her greatest efforts aren’t enough to sentence James. The public seems convinced of James’ innocence as soon as he is acquitted, but what’s to say the court didn’t make a mistake?
Anatomy of a Scandal covers a lot of sensitive topics, questioning social norms and the justice system critically. It really made me doubt the justice system especially in the US, and be unsure of its ability to determine whether or not someone is guilty or innocent. The characters have a lot of depth and meaning to their personalities, I can see parts of them in the people around me. The book doesn’t fail to mention how much court can affect people, and the way it so easily destroys lives and reputations with a wrong sentencing. The psychological side of it is that sometimes you have to accept that some people won’t change, and there is only so much you can forgive from someone.
————————————————————
Spoiler review:
Spoiler
In a matter of weeks, Sophie’s life is about to fall apart. It starts with her husband telling her about an affair he had, and a chain reaction occurs from the first article that appears in the tabloids. James Whitehouse is an MP, and the only thing preventing him from losing his job is his close friendship with the prime minister. Sophie believes he is innocent; after all, he told her his darkest secret all those years ago. But Kate, the barrister prosecuting the case, firmly believes he is guilty. Anatomy of a Scandal will make you question the ways of court and wonder whether a trial can truly prove one’s innocence or guilt.Anatomy of a Scandal is an absolutely amazing book filled with moments geared to make you think, wonder, and question. Sarah Vaughan really dissects the idea of a court drama, heavily analysing every aspect. The characters each have their predetermined roles which we as readers must closely examine, for each has a purpose which may not be clear at the start, but will be by the end of the book. This made me feel the thrill of suspense, giving me a taste of what was to come early on in the book.
“And she, having forgotten, felt ashamed, for he was chivalry itself once she stopped behaving as if he was to be feared.”
A young girl broken by society… The chapter told from Holly’s perspective comes within a few chapters of the introduction, and at first it may seem confusing as she is a character unmentioned in the synopsis, nothing more than a ghost, though later on her role becomes apparent. I pity her for she is a remnant of the past, the remains of a loss of innocence. While I predicted her plot twist upon reading the first chapter told from her perspective, she still added a lot of intrigue to the book. Holly is quite literally erased from society, and her story is so genuine and realistic it saddens me that Sarah Vaughan may be writing in a fictional universe, but many young women out there have stories like Holly’s.
“‘I said…’ and her voice dips but the court is quiet: we are all straining to capture her every word and they are words that could damn her.
‘I said that, sometimes, arrogance could be devastatingly attractive.’”
The quote above is taken from the court case, when Kate asks Olivia what she said in reply to when James asked her if she thought he was arrogant. The quote really got to me, and illustrates the power of self assurance and how it affects those around one with that attribute. Often, arrogance is considered a negative trait yet those with it are granted power too. James may initially seem like someone who believes he has messed up and wants to repent, but it is later realised that this isn’t the case, for James is fundamentally flawed; a short scene where Sophie talks to his mother confirms this, that his troubles are deep in his roots and he’ll never change. As a child he believed he was entitled to anything he wanted, and that belief only strengthened within him as he grew older. This is his fatal flaw, and ultimately leads to his downfall.
“But she is a fool – and it is no wonder.
Men can make fools of us all.”
Sophie and Alison are two contrasting characters who end up sharing a connection. Sophie has grown up wealthy, being the granddaughter of a baron, whereas Ali had nothing but her beauty. While they both went to Oxford, they had different lifestyles and survived in social circles which never connected with each other. As young people, they seemed uncomparable, yet by their college reunion the two had far more in common than either would’ve imagined. Both are loyal to their closest friend without a doubt, have been ‘tricked’ by those people, and have been changed by having children. Their roles as more minor characters in relation to the plot don’t diminish them at all, as their character development, especially Sophie’s, really influences the story.
“Most crimes centre around dishonesty, violence and lust.”
I mentioned this earlier, and it’s in the essence of this story: a court drama. Kate Woodcroft, whom this quote is attributed to, is a hard woman who works many sexual assault cases weekly. When given the chance to prosecute the case against James she takes up the chance eagerly, believing him guilty. But where does her conclusion come from? The jury of the book may find James not guilty, deciding to conclude that there isn’t enough evidence, but when is there ever in a sexual assault case, and when the line between consent and dissent is so fine where should it really be drawn? From the start of the book questions are raised about the court case, and how it will affect those involved in it, as this case has the power to either destroy Sophie’s life and marriage or destroy Olivia’s life. I felt that this was an important moment in the book, and showed the sacrifices and chances Olivia took by speaking up and daring to accuse James.
“It is hardwired into us that we should placate and mollify: bend our will to that of men.”
Kate does have a softer side, as shown in her early exchanges with Ali. She knows full well that finding James guilty will destroy his and Sophie’s life, yet she prosecutes ruthlessly without ever considering James’ innocence. It may make her seem like a fool for never even thinking it, but perhaps she is the only one unfolded by him in the courtroom? The jury falls under his charm, an effortless face he puts on with ease. Really, what reason do they have not to believe him? He is the image of a perfect man; a well respected member of parliament, good looking, wealthy. This helps him win his case, even if we soon discover he is guilty as sin. Kate highlights how important it is to convince the jury in a case, and even her greatest efforts aren’t enough to sentence James. The public seems convinced of James’ innocence as soon as he is acquitted, but what’s to say the court didn’t make a mistake?
Anatomy of a Scandal covers a lot of sensitive topics, questioning social norms and the justice system critically. It really made me doubt the justice system especially in the US, and be unsure of its ability to determine whether or not someone is guilty or innocent. The characters have a lot of depth and meaning to their personalities, I can see parts of them in the people around me. The book doesn’t fail to mention how much court can affect people, and the way it so easily destroys lives and reputations with a wrong sentencing. The psychological side of it is that sometimes you have to accept that some people won’t change, and there is only so much you can forgive from someone.
dryerlindt's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t know for sure what I was expecting but I wasn’t expecting that. Very well written and over all the plot was interesting and kept you guessing. I will say that it was a slow start and it took a bit for me to get really hooked.
poojagodh's review against another edition
4.0
Great story development with a twist I didn't quite see coming.