Most of us would like a glimpse into the lives of the super rich and the world they inhabit but you may have a rethink after reading Queen K, the debut novel from Sarah Thomas. It’s narrated by Mel, who has been hired to tutor Alex – daughter of Kata and Russian oligarch Ivan. Inhabiting the luxurious lifestyle of extreme wealth, privilege and power has a resounding effect on Mel who gleans stories from the family’s past from Alex.
The deception, ignorance and volatility suggests this lavish life is less comfortable than it seems on the surface, and there’s a voyeuristic sense to the narrative as Mel sits on the periphery of proceedings. Behind the glamour, the emotional implications of the lifestyle become apparent, leading to a culmination of repercussions for the family and their support network. Each scene provides an undercurrent of suspense and apprehension for what is about to happen next, and Thomas captures the subtle nuances and behaviours of each character vividly in this tensely charged novel.
The author mentions having previously worked for the super-rich herself; elements of Queen K appear to have been drawn from experience. The rich narrative and subtle undercurrents of the plot read at times like a literary thriller, providing an intriguing and absorbing debut.
Queen K, Sarah Thomas (Serpent’s Tail)
Price: £12.99. Info: here
words RHIANON HOLLEY
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