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What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal
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What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal
Author: Zoe Heller

Book Information
Publisher: Picador
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780312421991 - ISBN-10: 0312421990
Publication Date: 6/1/2003
Pages: 272


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover

Book Description:
Shortlisted for The Booker Prize

Schoolteacher Barbara Covett has known none but the most solitary of lifestyles until Sheba Hart joins St. George's. Starting by sharing lunches, then family events, the new art teacher draws Barbara into a touching confidence. Unbeknownst to their colleagues, however, another
relationship blossoms meanwhile: Sheba has begun a passionate affair with an underage male student. When the details come to light and Sheba falls prey to the inevitable media circus, Barbara decides to write an account in her friend's defense--revealing not only Sheba's secrets but her own.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Peggy L. (paigu) wrote on 10/22/2008...

5 member(s) found this review helpful.

I found this book rather abrupt and, sorry to say, pointless. It is written like a memoir and the scandalous headline could very well come from the modern day tabloids. However, this book did too good a job reining in the emotions. There's many subjects implied but never elaborated (for example, the jealousy the narrator feels when Sheba befriends another female teacher) and what we get is the antiseptic story of a teacher having relations with a minor. There's not even a clear picture of why the narrator decides she is going to stick by Sheba, or even if she plans to continue to stick with her until the scandal dies down.

Dayna B. (DaynaAlyson) wrote on 4/28/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

I thought this book was only okay. It was a best-seller and was made into a movie, so I thought it was going to be really good, but I was rather disappointed. Maybe I missed the nuances or it was over my head, but I thout it was neither "compelling" nor "brilliant" as some of the reviews put it. It wasn't terrible, just not as good as I was expecting. I think amusing is a better description, and it was well written, just not the "literary page turner" it was touted to be on the cover.

Sarah F. wrote on 1/6/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Very interesting and wickedly funny narrative of a scandal involving a teacher/pupil relationship. Basis of the upcoming movie with Cate Blanchette. I really enjoyed it - finished it in one day.

Deena C. wrote on 1/30/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

You really don't want to like Sheba, but her story as told by her blah teacher friend is one that captures your interest and in the end you may not like her still (and probably won't), but you'll understand her better. A slow read, but worth it. I wouldn't read it twice, but I'm glad I read it once!

Rhonda G. (rhondag) wrote on 5/5/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Love this book. The characters are written with so much depth. It kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed.

Yesha N. wrote on 11/26/2005...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

A book that captures you with its intrigue, suspense, and insight into human nature. You learn as much about the rather bland narrator as you do about the main character, Sheba, who is a schoolteacher in love with one of her own students. I'd say more, but am afraid of giving too much away. Suffice it to say, this was quite a page-turner.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Lisa T. (tower-of-power) wrote on 4/5/2007...


Read it for book club and now i'm done with it. I was disaapointed by the ending, but its a good story.

Lisa S. (PepperRidgewood) wrote on 3/12/2007...


This is currently being made into a movie with Cate Blanchett.

Athena M. (luv2teach) wrote on 3/9/2007...


Interesting...thought provoking.

Melissa A. (bookwormmelissa) wrote on 9/12/2006...


15 year old boy seduces teacher. This is from the point of view of teachers old spinster best friend. I like the writers style but the story was boring.

Michelle R. (wymxmom) wrote on 5/31/2006...


intense

Dartha wrote on 1/30/2006...


The 'end' of the book is just the beginning.

Chris S. (smallbutfeisty) wrote on 10/23/2005...


I found this book a fast read, but disappointing in the end. I saw no growth in the characters, no evolution, but rather felt the story to be relatively stagnant.

Briana L. (BreezyL) wrote on 10/12/2005...


Thought provoking but disappointing

Joey S. (Joey) wrote on 9/16/2005...


Very enjoyable, witty novel. It is at times funny and other moments heart wrenching. A fairly quick read, and enjoyable.


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