Notes On A Scandal

Zoe Heller's book was a real surprise. I bought it expecting what the blurb in my book club magazine had said - the tale of Sheba Hart, a teacher, who falls for one of her 15 year old pupils. However, whilst this was the basic theme, the sub story running through it transformed what could have been a fairly ordinary story into a clever and thought-provoking psychological tale.

The narrator, Barbara, is a teacher at St George's School. As soon as Sheba starts teaching at the school, Barbara sees something special in her, and forces her way into her life and becomes her closest confidante. So, naturally, it is Barbara who Sheba tells about her illicit affair. It is also Barbara who is there when the press find out about the affair, and when Sheba's marriage crumbles it is Barbara who provides the shoulder.

The interest in this book is two-fold. The main storyline is quite revealing - I doubt many of us have read the stories in the newspapers of teachers having affairs with their pupils without wondering how they could possibly have fallen for someone in this circumstance. The subplot however is fascinating, the relationship between Sheba and Barbara, and the motivations that drive each character are a real study into human behaviour, and in particular the effect loneliness can have on a person.

Zoe Heller's account of a somewhat controversial subject is a wonderful example of writing at its best. The plotline is actually surprisingly simple and without event, it is instead the characters that she creates and the way in which she uses them that is the real genius in this book. [Jenni Nock]

Notes On A Scandal - Zoe Heller

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