Notes on a Scandal

Cover of Notes on a Scandal

By Zoe Heller

Bought it at a whopping 50% off at Times Bookstore warehouse sale @ Centro Klang.. finished it over a course of 3 weeks (don't get me wrong! it's a good book, just that there were lots of distractions)

Synopsis:
Sheba Hart, a pottery teacher at middle school (eg lower secondary) was found to be having an affair with one of her students, Connolly (who is like, 15). The entire event is narrated in full account (plus some personal anecdotes) by one of Sheba's close friend and colleague, Barbara.

The interesting part in the novel is definitely Barbara's point of view in the affair. She describes every event in an extremely forthright manner, and her characters are also really believable.

Afterthought:
Though the plot of the story is incredibly scandalous and unthinkable, Barbara helps us to rationalise the whole situation, to understand that sometimes we are capable of doing insane things without good reason.

This issue (teacher having affair with a fellow student) does occur (though not in Malaysia-so far) so it's a wake up call to how easily we point an accusing finger to the elder one in the relationship.

Should I read it?
The author does infuses the narrator with a streamful of sarcastic yet witty remarks! Enjoyable read! It's like the dark version of Gossip Girl ^^

I'd give it a 4.7/5.0

p.s. just realized it was made into a movie in 2006! Check out trailer here: