Notes on a Scandal (2003)

This book is more of a character study than anything; not a lot happens plotwise, but the characters are so beautifully created that it hardly matters. Sheba and Barbara, the two principals, are both deeply, deeply flawed. I can't truly decide which one is more flawed; Sheba, on the one hand, has a bright eyed innocence but is clearly guilty of horrific choices and utter stupidity. Barbara, on the other hand, is more cold and calculating and deeply selfish, but also profoundly lonely and desperate. In any case, both feel true to life and while both are terrible people (it's truly difficult to sympathize with any characters in this novel; perhaps Ben, Sheba's son, who alone seems to be the massive collateral damage) you understand their motivations and understand their flaws. I very much enjoyed the way the novel finished with Barbara victorious; given their personalities, there could be no other way. I also thought the way Heller examined Sheba's motivations was the truest account of a cheating spouse that I've ever read. All in all, the novel felt like it could have easily happened, and perhaps this realism was what I liked best. ( )

Wonderfully-written, brilliantly-drawn characters who each vie for the title of 'most despicable person in the book' as they live through a most despicable situation of a middle-aged teacher having an affair with a young pupil and the Machiavellian machinations of an older, bitter teacher, a repressed lesbian. I would imagine it translated better into a film, especially given the stellar cast of Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett, than it read as a book. ( )

I wish there was 3.5 stars...I liked this book. But I didn't like the characters...maybe it was just me. ( )

I really enjoyed this one! It wasn't really anything like I expected it to be but I say that as a good thing. The writing is beautiful- it's intelligent without being clunky and flows incredibly well, making it a pleasure to read. Both Barbara and Sheba are portrayed brilliantly. They're complex and well developed characters and I felt like we got a good sense of who they are from all angles. Barbara tells her story well and honestly had me laughing out loud more than once which I love in novels. It was an intriguing story and very thought-provoking. This is certainly a unique and memorable work. ( )

מורה מתאהבת בתלמיד שלה. רעיון טוב אבל ספר מגעיל.​ ( )