Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove

The Betrayal of Natalie Hargrove
skywriter319 avatar reviewed on + 784 more book reviews


THE BETRAYAL OF NATALIE HARGROVE is an unapologetically guilty-pleasure read that will make your insides squirm with half-pleasure, half-horror. With a wonderful voice, tantalizing characters, and a steady plot, this book seems tailor-made for teen girls looking for a fast and furious read.

Natalie reminds me of many unapologetically bitchy and manipulative queens of high school society. Her voice is spot-on and full of judgment against those who cross her path as well as the constant fear that she will be exposed as a fraud. She is the girl you love to hate, and yet can't read enough about. Her actions may be despicable, but she is also wonderfully justified in doing what she did, which is a remarkable achievement on Lauren Kate's part.

Indeed, I found almost all of the characters fascinating with their complicatedly bad sides. Here, there are no perfect characters, and it's almost like watching a CW drama, the way you can't look away from these train wrecks of characters. Nobody really changes much throughout the story, but they are interesting enough that you just might overlook that and focus on the drama itself.

THE BETRAYAL OF NATALIE HARGROVE may not be for everyone, but if you're willing to overlook the fact that all of these characters and the entire situation itself are far from admirable, you're in for an enjoyable ride.