My first Elin Hilderbrand novel. This sounds defensive, like “Don’t tell anyone I picked up a beach read.”
Well, to be an illogical book snob is to be human. I’m not advocating highbrow “capital L” literature, bloated dirges of atmosphere and no plot. For me thrillers and mysteries are respectable. Throw in as much historical fiction as you want.
It’s time to admit that these genres are just as formulaic as a fun novel by a best-selling author marketed with a pastel book cover. In other words, “The Academy” is a reminder to get over myself.
The plot centers around a New England Prep school. We instantly recognize the cast – rebel, queen bee, jock, loner, underachiever, outsider. Common tropes mask more complex characters neatly overturning some of my assumptions.
Entertaining situations stem from pride, over-reaching and obliviousness. Weighty themes also spill out. A suicide from the previous year casts a shadow.
I’m not sure there are any ‘heroes’ or ‘villains’. One or two of the characters might understand their own motives. Either way, they all still manage to trip over their own shoelaces.
In this tightly contained eco-system, secrets get anonymously posted on a social media app. Friendships are strained, opposites attract and the posts create paranoia and drama. Clueless and unethical teachers use or manipulate each other. Privileged parents, rich benefactors and published rankings take precedence over actual learning. The Gossip Girl* resemblance is real.
We root for East and Charley who are clever and consider themselves mature and above it all. They improbably create a secret upscale cocktail lounge in an old bomb shelter. Don’t worry, they are just as self-centered and insecure as everyone else. The lounge is discovered and the consequences are resolved in an unorthodox way.
Recommend. Certain plot points are easy to predict, some are absurd, all were engaging.
Elin’s daughter being the co-author is interesting. Shelby did go to a New England prep school (please, please tell me this delightful and far-fetched story is not based on real events.)
*Yes, Gossip Girl. My carefully curated reputation slides down even further.
