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When the Filter Fades: A Novel
There's a hierarchy to fame – from the Real Celebs who sell their skills as actors and singers, to the Professionally Pretty (the garnish to any occasion), the Hashtag Hustlers, who range from influencers to the social media savvy, to the Hopeless Hangers-On. Everyone has their place in the ecosystem, and knowing your place in that hierarchy is half the fame game won.
For three young women in Joburg, the new age of internet celebrity presents them with obstacles, opportunities, opulence and a chance at fame, fortune and fierce fashion.
LIN
Through sheer ambition and force of will, Lin has rebranded her entire existence. She's shrugged off her past to fully embrace a new Linfluencer, the high-end influencer whose Outfits Of The Day are obsessively followed by every budding fashionista with a blossoming social media addiction.
LEBO
Then there's Lebo, who has only ever known a life of fame – real fame – as the former child prodigy behind TV phenomenon Sedi Star. Everyone grew up watching her every move, but now, as she's grown up, the work, roles and offers have evaporated. But her penchant for scandal, controversy and social media squabbles have kept her in the headlines.
MBALI
And finally there's South Africa's reigning Queen of Mbali. The entertainment site she runs with an iron fist is known for breaking the hottest news – and the odd celebrity career. With the Hashtag Hustle threatening her media empire, how will she continue to keep her readers enthralled?
As Lin, Lebo and Mbali jostle to take their places in the fame hierarchy, their ambitions, aspirations and agendas collide. Their wins and woes not only affect one another, but can mean that they either individually rise or collectively crumble. Will Lin's past threaten her future? Will Lebo's (self-)sabotage prevent her return to the top? Will Mbali's reign as the Queen of Gossip continue – or reach a dead end? The choices they make can balance or break their entire ecosystem.
JANINE JELLARS, the author of When the Filter Fades, is an editor, marketer and entrepreneur. A child of the 1990s, and the ultimate millennial 'slashie', she's seen it all, done it all, and written all about it.
For three young women in Joburg, the new age of internet celebrity presents them with obstacles, opportunities, opulence and a chance at fame, fortune and fierce fashion.
LIN
Through sheer ambition and force of will, Lin has rebranded her entire existence. She's shrugged off her past to fully embrace a new Linfluencer, the high-end influencer whose Outfits Of The Day are obsessively followed by every budding fashionista with a blossoming social media addiction.
LEBO
Then there's Lebo, who has only ever known a life of fame – real fame – as the former child prodigy behind TV phenomenon Sedi Star. Everyone grew up watching her every move, but now, as she's grown up, the work, roles and offers have evaporated. But her penchant for scandal, controversy and social media squabbles have kept her in the headlines.
MBALI
And finally there's South Africa's reigning Queen of Mbali. The entertainment site she runs with an iron fist is known for breaking the hottest news – and the odd celebrity career. With the Hashtag Hustle threatening her media empire, how will she continue to keep her readers enthralled?
As Lin, Lebo and Mbali jostle to take their places in the fame hierarchy, their ambitions, aspirations and agendas collide. Their wins and woes not only affect one another, but can mean that they either individually rise or collectively crumble. Will Lin's past threaten her future? Will Lebo's (self-)sabotage prevent her return to the top? Will Mbali's reign as the Queen of Gossip continue – or reach a dead end? The choices they make can balance or break their entire ecosystem.
JANINE JELLARS, the author of When the Filter Fades, is an editor, marketer and entrepreneur. A child of the 1990s, and the ultimate millennial 'slashie', she's seen it all, done it all, and written all about it.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2023
About the author
Janine Jellars
2 books14 followersJanine Jellars is an author, editor, marketer, and entrepreneur. An 80s baby, and the ultimate millennial ‘slashie’, she’s seen it all, done it all, and written all about it.
Janine grew up in Hanover Park, Cape Town, where she spent her childhood devouring the contents of the Hanover Park Public Library and dreaming of being a writer or a spy. Her childhood dreams became a reality when she chose the socially accepted route to practising spy-craft: journalism.
Now, she uses the skills she’s honed over her decades-long media career to build strategies for leading corporations. When she isn’t crafting content for corporates and mentoring and leading teams, she still finds time to interview local and global icons, such as Bonang Matheba, Taraji P Henson and Rihanna.
Janine holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from GIBS and lives in – and loves – Johannesburg, South Africa, with her husband and enviable shoe collection.
She is the author of The Big South African Hair Book (non-fiction) and When The Filter Fades (fiction).
Janine grew up in Hanover Park, Cape Town, where she spent her childhood devouring the contents of the Hanover Park Public Library and dreaming of being a writer or a spy. Her childhood dreams became a reality when she chose the socially accepted route to practising spy-craft: journalism.
Now, she uses the skills she’s honed over her decades-long media career to build strategies for leading corporations. When she isn’t crafting content for corporates and mentoring and leading teams, she still finds time to interview local and global icons, such as Bonang Matheba, Taraji P Henson and Rihanna.
Janine holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from GIBS and lives in – and loves – Johannesburg, South Africa, with her husband and enviable shoe collection.
She is the author of The Big South African Hair Book (non-fiction) and When The Filter Fades (fiction).
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 29, 2024
The book provides critical commentary on the socio-economic landscape in South Africa through providing us with light hearted, often hilarious, sometimes cringeworthy, other times infuriating and even tender, vulnerable vignettes of the contemporary experience of the South African woman, living in Johannesburg, working within the entertainment industry. The backdrop? Upmarket Johannesburg, with an underbelly of crime, corruption, decay and inequality. A sparkly city where dreams come true… or don’t?
Told through the lens of three very different women, each with their own place in the entertainment ecosystem. This book is a master class in marketing, PR and journalism ethics. Where the author, obviously seasoned in these areas, constantly drops gems, business ideas and strategies. If you’re not reading the book for the plot, at least read it for these ideas! We see a seamless integration of all aspects of South African society - pop culture, entertainment and politics. Providing us with an inside perspective on how these areas all relate to one another and often feed off each other.
The book is deceptive in the sense that it comes across as a light, poolside read but is really an in depth commentary on South African society. We get an inside look on the unattainable beauty standards being thrust upon young women in the world of entertainment and appearance versus reality - hence the title : When The Filter Fades. It is also quite meta when you think about it because this feels like our lives and the lives of others. Whether you’re a creator or a consumer of this content, we all fall somewhere on the dicey ecosystem.
I couldn’t help but notice how cyclical everything is. The writing style used also conveys this message really well through the use of purposeful repetition, memories and flashbacks, artful juxtapositions and by
creating a musical chairs throughout the text. In each chapter we are reading a different character, portraying a dance between who will remain at the top and who will be toppled. There is no main character. Or is there ? The ending is a clear tell of that…
Also - there is a steamy sex scene!
Although the novel is not preachy, it does force us to reflect on our own relationship to social media, celebrity culture, para-social relationships and fame. While also being quite open ended and not providing the cautionary tale that most texts written through a patriarchal lens do.
A brilliant read and I would most certainly recommend this to all women, particularly aged between 18-25.
Told through the lens of three very different women, each with their own place in the entertainment ecosystem. This book is a master class in marketing, PR and journalism ethics. Where the author, obviously seasoned in these areas, constantly drops gems, business ideas and strategies. If you’re not reading the book for the plot, at least read it for these ideas! We see a seamless integration of all aspects of South African society - pop culture, entertainment and politics. Providing us with an inside perspective on how these areas all relate to one another and often feed off each other.
The book is deceptive in the sense that it comes across as a light, poolside read but is really an in depth commentary on South African society. We get an inside look on the unattainable beauty standards being thrust upon young women in the world of entertainment and appearance versus reality - hence the title : When The Filter Fades. It is also quite meta when you think about it because this feels like our lives and the lives of others. Whether you’re a creator or a consumer of this content, we all fall somewhere on the dicey ecosystem.
I couldn’t help but notice how cyclical everything is. The writing style used also conveys this message really well through the use of purposeful repetition, memories and flashbacks, artful juxtapositions and by
creating a musical chairs throughout the text. In each chapter we are reading a different character, portraying a dance between who will remain at the top and who will be toppled. There is no main character. Or is there ? The ending is a clear tell of that…
Also - there is a steamy sex scene!
Although the novel is not preachy, it does force us to reflect on our own relationship to social media, celebrity culture, para-social relationships and fame. While also being quite open ended and not providing the cautionary tale that most texts written through a patriarchal lens do.
A brilliant read and I would most certainly recommend this to all women, particularly aged between 18-25.
January 30, 2024
*** BOOK REVIEW** 📚 🥰🔥‼️
When The Filter Fades- Janine Jellars
Where do I even START?! 🔥 Look, if you’re looking for a fun, devastatingly entertaining read, I HIGHLY recommend this rollercoaster read! In this one we fellow the POV from 3 different women. We have Lin, the social media influencer, whose rise to fame came from posting her fave fashion outfits online. Lebo, a young prodigy child star, who rise to fame was quickly sent to dust because of an online LIVE rant, and MBALI, a gossip blogger of a website “Sfunukwazi” which is the hottest place to find riveting celeb hot gossip!
The lives of these women collide, and it sparks a lot of drama, spitefulness, gossip making for a rollercoaster read! When I tell you I was page turning like crazy trying to find out what happens next!😩😂🔥 you’ll have to read it to find out!
The book is well written, to the point, with detailed character description’s (you feel like you know all these women personally, I enjoyed this!). A quick read which captures topics of feminism, topics of “wokeness”, what it “means” to be woke, feminine rage, cattiness, conversations on mental health, and also sexual assault** (trigger warning) - but it is definitely one to read, get it for your girls book club, read it while the sun is still sunning over cocktails and vibes ok!
Miss Jellars did me dirty with that ending though! It felt so quick and short, and I REALLY wanted Lebo to get her day in the court of public opinion ok?! But atlas, books end because authors give you your moment to leave it up to your interpretation!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 loved!
Thank you to @jonathanballpublishers for the book gift and @janine_j for an amazing read! 😁 get this book!
When The Filter Fades- Janine Jellars
Where do I even START?! 🔥 Look, if you’re looking for a fun, devastatingly entertaining read, I HIGHLY recommend this rollercoaster read! In this one we fellow the POV from 3 different women. We have Lin, the social media influencer, whose rise to fame came from posting her fave fashion outfits online. Lebo, a young prodigy child star, who rise to fame was quickly sent to dust because of an online LIVE rant, and MBALI, a gossip blogger of a website “Sfunukwazi” which is the hottest place to find riveting celeb hot gossip!
The lives of these women collide, and it sparks a lot of drama, spitefulness, gossip making for a rollercoaster read! When I tell you I was page turning like crazy trying to find out what happens next!😩😂🔥 you’ll have to read it to find out!
The book is well written, to the point, with detailed character description’s (you feel like you know all these women personally, I enjoyed this!). A quick read which captures topics of feminism, topics of “wokeness”, what it “means” to be woke, feminine rage, cattiness, conversations on mental health, and also sexual assault** (trigger warning) - but it is definitely one to read, get it for your girls book club, read it while the sun is still sunning over cocktails and vibes ok!
Miss Jellars did me dirty with that ending though! It felt so quick and short, and I REALLY wanted Lebo to get her day in the court of public opinion ok?! But atlas, books end because authors give you your moment to leave it up to your interpretation!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟 loved!
Thank you to @jonathanballpublishers for the book gift and @janine_j for an amazing read! 😁 get this book!
September 22, 2024
Hehe does Maphephandaba know about this book?
Does Bonang know?
A few names in the industry come to mind but who is the coloured influencer???
Easy read, makes good for a palate cleanser
Does Bonang know?
A few names in the industry come to mind but who is the coloured influencer???
Easy read, makes good for a palate cleanser
January 29, 2024
Today's recommendation: #book6of2024
WHEN THE FILTER FADES is billed as an entertaining beach read, a perfect title for a Sunday afternoon as we wind down the weekend, and prepare to takeover the incoming week.
It's also a glimpse into the world of Influencership, that all that glitters is not gold, and the work that goes into creating CONTENT for payment. Yeah, goodies are great, but money makes the world go round. You cannot live on brand endorsements alone, they must translate to kaching in your bank account.
Nobody ever paid a bond, water and lights, school fees, fuel, insurance, or groceries in #likes and #comments.
There are so many nuggets in this book:
1. Women Empowerment Seminars - there was a post made over the weekend about how the are the biggest scam of the decade...
2. Job vs. Career
3. Alcohol as a salve
4. Women as Gatekeepers across all industries
5. Hoarding Mentality coming from a place of lack.
6. Is the pie enough for all of us though?
The biggest lesson we should takeaway here is the South African POPI Act, what it entails, and most importantly, what it means to and for the individual.
Next time you receive information illegally and unlawfully, whether in text or media form and you are moved by the spirit to share it widely, think about the ramifications.
Make these buzzwords your friend #invasionofprivacy #crimeninjuria #civilclaim #defarmationofcharacter #digitalfootprint and trauma to the injured party.
Thank you @janine_j for this story.
@thebookwormersgp we have a date with Janine.
10 February 2024 @socialbryanston Prepare those filters. We are about to enter the world of Mbali, Lin and Lebo.
WHEN THE FILTER FADES is billed as an entertaining beach read, a perfect title for a Sunday afternoon as we wind down the weekend, and prepare to takeover the incoming week.
It's also a glimpse into the world of Influencership, that all that glitters is not gold, and the work that goes into creating CONTENT for payment. Yeah, goodies are great, but money makes the world go round. You cannot live on brand endorsements alone, they must translate to kaching in your bank account.
Nobody ever paid a bond, water and lights, school fees, fuel, insurance, or groceries in #likes and #comments.
There are so many nuggets in this book:
1. Women Empowerment Seminars - there was a post made over the weekend about how the are the biggest scam of the decade...
2. Job vs. Career
3. Alcohol as a salve
4. Women as Gatekeepers across all industries
5. Hoarding Mentality coming from a place of lack.
6. Is the pie enough for all of us though?
The biggest lesson we should takeaway here is the South African POPI Act, what it entails, and most importantly, what it means to and for the individual.
Next time you receive information illegally and unlawfully, whether in text or media form and you are moved by the spirit to share it widely, think about the ramifications.
Make these buzzwords your friend #invasionofprivacy #crimeninjuria #civilclaim #defarmationofcharacter #digitalfootprint and trauma to the injured party.
Thank you @janine_j for this story.
@thebookwormersgp we have a date with Janine.
10 February 2024 @socialbryanston Prepare those filters. We are about to enter the world of Mbali, Lin and Lebo.
March 4, 2024
Reviewing from the U.S.! I picked this book up at the airport after embarking on my first solo trip, which was a life-changing trip to Cape Town, South Africa. I have always been invested in South African culture and media, and plan to move there and enter the media space one day. I picked this book up because I was intrigued by the cover and the title, but when I tell you-I had no idea what I was really signing myself up for!
WOW! This is easily one of the best books I've ever read. Its ability to critique the mindest and the interworkings of contemporary media from three contrasting yet synchronous perspectives is nothing short of brilliant. As a journalist and filmmaker, I could relate to these characters on an ever deeper level. What this book does so wonderfully, is makes you question the nature of morality and how big of a part our morals play into how we move through the media space.
This book is so freaking juicy that you will not want to put it down. Working full-time in the government while also pursuing separate full-time careers in government, film, and fashion, I don't have a lot of free time on my hands. But EVERY free moment that I got, I was reading this book. Honestly, I am a bit sad that I read it so fast because I was so invested in the world of these characters and loved the poetic writing style of the author. One small critique is that I wish colorism was touched on a bit more, because it often felt very graced over when I think that colorism is a great way to critique the media sphere, especially when some of the characters benefit from it and colorism is a problem amongst all cultures of the world.
My biggest wish for this book is that it lands on the shelves globally! I really wanted my Black and Brown U.S. Government workers book club to read this book, but we can't because paper copies aren't sold in the U.S. yet. Can't even order from the fascist monopoly Am*zon. If this book came to the Americas, it would be flying off of the shelves. One thing I noticed in SA was how the influencer culture permeated the media landscape even more than it does here in the U.S. as influencers at the moment are even more revered than the typical celebrity. As someone in the world of media myself, my hope is that this book can land on our shelves and teach our millennials, gen z and gen alpha the important lessons this book teaches about morals within the media space.
Thank you Ms. Janine Jellars for this incredible work of art. I hope to work with you one day!
With Gratitude,
MacKenzie K. Galloway
WOW! This is easily one of the best books I've ever read. Its ability to critique the mindest and the interworkings of contemporary media from three contrasting yet synchronous perspectives is nothing short of brilliant. As a journalist and filmmaker, I could relate to these characters on an ever deeper level. What this book does so wonderfully, is makes you question the nature of morality and how big of a part our morals play into how we move through the media space.
This book is so freaking juicy that you will not want to put it down. Working full-time in the government while also pursuing separate full-time careers in government, film, and fashion, I don't have a lot of free time on my hands. But EVERY free moment that I got, I was reading this book. Honestly, I am a bit sad that I read it so fast because I was so invested in the world of these characters and loved the poetic writing style of the author. One small critique is that I wish colorism was touched on a bit more, because it often felt very graced over when I think that colorism is a great way to critique the media sphere, especially when some of the characters benefit from it and colorism is a problem amongst all cultures of the world.
My biggest wish for this book is that it lands on the shelves globally! I really wanted my Black and Brown U.S. Government workers book club to read this book, but we can't because paper copies aren't sold in the U.S. yet. Can't even order from the fascist monopoly Am*zon. If this book came to the Americas, it would be flying off of the shelves. One thing I noticed in SA was how the influencer culture permeated the media landscape even more than it does here in the U.S. as influencers at the moment are even more revered than the typical celebrity. As someone in the world of media myself, my hope is that this book can land on our shelves and teach our millennials, gen z and gen alpha the important lessons this book teaches about morals within the media space.
Thank you Ms. Janine Jellars for this incredible work of art. I hope to work with you one day!
With Gratitude,
MacKenzie K. Galloway
February 6, 2024
Okay, where do I start?
*gives a bouquet of flowers to Janine Jellars*
She deserves her flowers for writing such a fun yet deeply compelling book. Her style of writing is so refreshing and charming to me. I honestly felt as though I knew these female characters personally, and I also felt like I was one of the commenters on the sfunukwazi website *giggles*. She painted an on-the-nose picture of celebrity/influencer culture and the entertainment industry in South Africa so well that it made me question my role as a consumer of such media.
I will not spoil anything but I have some things to share:
Firstly, I have BEEF with Lebo. Lebo when I catch you, we must have a chat after school *cracks knuckles*. But that's exactly the kind of writing I enjoy. Janine did a good job of writing complex female characters. One moment I wanted to give them a big hug and the next moment I wanted to throttle them. Lebo, Lin, and Mbali are all women who made me wonder 'What would I do in their situation?'.
Secondly, when someone's social status is at risk of being obsolete, people will do very questionable things and I loved that it made me ponder on topics about feminism, the right to privacy that celebrities/influencers have, and the overall treatment of celebrities/influencers from the general public. I kept turning pages to see what would happen next.
Thirdly: That ending? Ma'am, why?
overall: 4/5 stars.
If you're looking to read a book that feels refreshing and close to home, I would recommend this book for sure.
*gives a bouquet of flowers to Janine Jellars*
She deserves her flowers for writing such a fun yet deeply compelling book. Her style of writing is so refreshing and charming to me. I honestly felt as though I knew these female characters personally, and I also felt like I was one of the commenters on the sfunukwazi website *giggles*. She painted an on-the-nose picture of celebrity/influencer culture and the entertainment industry in South Africa so well that it made me question my role as a consumer of such media.
I will not spoil anything but I have some things to share:
Firstly, I have BEEF with Lebo. Lebo when I catch you, we must have a chat after school *cracks knuckles*. But that's exactly the kind of writing I enjoy. Janine did a good job of writing complex female characters. One moment I wanted to give them a big hug and the next moment I wanted to throttle them. Lebo, Lin, and Mbali are all women who made me wonder 'What would I do in their situation?'.
Secondly, when someone's social status is at risk of being obsolete, people will do very questionable things and I loved that it made me ponder on topics about feminism, the right to privacy that celebrities/influencers have, and the overall treatment of celebrities/influencers from the general public. I kept turning pages to see what would happen next.
Thirdly: That ending? Ma'am, why?
overall: 4/5 stars.
If you're looking to read a book that feels refreshing and close to home, I would recommend this book for sure.
March 2, 2024
When the Filter Fades explores familiar themes; the rise of influencers, the allure of fame and celebrity, the power of social media, and several more.
We all know variations of the characters who bring the book and its themes to life, but do we really know anything at all? Is it all a facade? What are we “sold” and what do we choose to believe? Are we enablers when we comment, like, subscribe, share? When you dig beyond the entertaining storyline, these are some of the questions we should be asking.
Janine has done an excellent job applying a South African filter to issues the world is grappling with and using relatable characters to illustrate what’s wrong with our celebrity obsessed society.
We all know variations of the characters who bring the book and its themes to life, but do we really know anything at all? Is it all a facade? What are we “sold” and what do we choose to believe? Are we enablers when we comment, like, subscribe, share? When you dig beyond the entertaining storyline, these are some of the questions we should be asking.
Janine has done an excellent job applying a South African filter to issues the world is grappling with and using relatable characters to illustrate what’s wrong with our celebrity obsessed society.
November 25, 2023
Such a fun, summer read!
Janine Jellars wrote a South African novel that ticks all the boxes. And I for one am so excited for this world she created.
Exceptionally well-written and good characters, some of whom I fell in love with. And I do hope she continues to expand on this universe, as I really want a prequel and a sequel for my favourite character.
Janine Jellars wrote a South African novel that ticks all the boxes. And I for one am so excited for this world she created.
Exceptionally well-written and good characters, some of whom I fell in love with. And I do hope she continues to expand on this universe, as I really want a prequel and a sequel for my favourite character.
February 29, 2024
A whirlwind of fame, influencer-ville and the gossip mongers who live among us, When the Filter Fades takes us through the lives of 3 women who are all connected in ways they could never imagine.
Lin, Lebo and Mbali are fierce and fighting for their respective wins in the space of social media and when their lives collide, a lot of stakes rise to the occasion.
I liked this book, it's unlike anything I've read in a while and it was a refreshing read for the slump I was in due to the easy to grapple world building, the writing style being concise and the plot really sweating me out. A lot goes on and I really enjoyed the build-up but it never really peaked. The ending was so disappointing and draining, I actually got upset. Wish Janine ended it a bit differently because though I appreciate how things concluded, I can't stop the feeling of things being left unresolved. Could this ending be alluding to a second book? Maybe. Do I think that i could've been done a whole lot better? Absolutely.
Lin, Lebo and Mbali are fierce and fighting for their respective wins in the space of social media and when their lives collide, a lot of stakes rise to the occasion.
I liked this book, it's unlike anything I've read in a while and it was a refreshing read for the slump I was in due to the easy to grapple world building, the writing style being concise and the plot really sweating me out. A lot goes on and I really enjoyed the build-up but it never really peaked. The ending was so disappointing and draining, I actually got upset. Wish Janine ended it a bit differently because though I appreciate how things concluded, I can't stop the feeling of things being left unresolved. Could this ending be alluding to a second book? Maybe. Do I think that i could've been done a whole lot better? Absolutely.
January 25, 2024
It just needs a little bit of tender care to be a good read.
January 29, 2024
I finished it in an afternoon. That's how delicious this book is.
It's witty, smart... and dramatic – I had to shut it closed a few times because of tension or plot points that shocked me. It's a fun book for anyone to read, but there's an added bonus for people who've worked in the media or entertainment industries, or at is at the very least familiar with those worlds.
When I read **that** sex scene, I found myself exclaiming "JANINE JELLARS!" at one point, haha. And that's because it's a well-written sex scene, thank goodness!
Brew a pot of tea or mix a cocktail, kick up your feet and give this book the attention it deserves. Who said you need to leave the house to have a good time?
It's witty, smart... and dramatic – I had to shut it closed a few times because of tension or plot points that shocked me. It's a fun book for anyone to read, but there's an added bonus for people who've worked in the media or entertainment industries, or at is at the very least familiar with those worlds.
When I read **that** sex scene, I found myself exclaiming "JANINE JELLARS!" at one point, haha. And that's because it's a well-written sex scene, thank goodness!
Brew a pot of tea or mix a cocktail, kick up your feet and give this book the attention it deserves. Who said you need to leave the house to have a good time?
January 5, 2025
"When the Filter Fades" by Janine Jellars is a delightful holiday read.
Initially, I had zero expectations for depth, but the book exceeded them, diving dangerously deep for a few dashing chapters.
The romance and sex scenes are vivid and visual making for a sensual read.
My favourite leading lady Lin, portrayed as an influencer, is a hardworking woman who takes herself seriously, challenging the notion that influencing lacks merit.
The further unraveling of Lin's present character through her past traumas was both triggering and enlightening, giving her the depth needed to fully understand, appreciate and empathise with her.
The book also highlights the self-destructive and overall dangers of social media abuse, adding a critical perspective to the narrative.
However, as someone who identifies as a "girls' girl," I found the portrayal of women pulling each other down disheartening.
Despite this, "When the Filter Fades" remains an entertaining holiday read, perfect for those looking for a light yet emotionally charged story.
Initially, I had zero expectations for depth, but the book exceeded them, diving dangerously deep for a few dashing chapters.
The romance and sex scenes are vivid and visual making for a sensual read.
My favourite leading lady Lin, portrayed as an influencer, is a hardworking woman who takes herself seriously, challenging the notion that influencing lacks merit.
The further unraveling of Lin's present character through her past traumas was both triggering and enlightening, giving her the depth needed to fully understand, appreciate and empathise with her.
The book also highlights the self-destructive and overall dangers of social media abuse, adding a critical perspective to the narrative.
However, as someone who identifies as a "girls' girl," I found the portrayal of women pulling each other down disheartening.
Despite this, "When the Filter Fades" remains an entertaining holiday read, perfect for those looking for a light yet emotionally charged story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2024
I'm still reeling! 🤯 This book is a wild ride through the world of social media influencers and the dark side of fame.
Jellars masterfully weaves a tale of three women – Lin, Lebo, and Mbali – each navigating the cutthroat world of online stardom. Their stories intertwine, revealing the pressures, the betrayals, and the sometimes devastating consequences of chasing likes and followers.
The book is a sharp social commentary on our obsession with image and the blurred lines between reality and the carefully curated online personas we present.
Jellars masterfully weaves a tale of three women – Lin, Lebo, and Mbali – each navigating the cutthroat world of online stardom. Their stories intertwine, revealing the pressures, the betrayals, and the sometimes devastating consequences of chasing likes and followers.
The book is a sharp social commentary on our obsession with image and the blurred lines between reality and the carefully curated online personas we present.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews