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Wretched Young Things
When Oxford freshmen Jules and Geoffrey meet in 1947, their worlds instantly collide. Charismatic but reserved, Geoffrey has been raised with everything he could wish for except kindness. Jules meanwhile is impulsive and blunt, defiant of the elitism that surrounds him. What the boys share is a passion for literature, a contempt for convention, and a growing infatuation with each other.
Tasked with maintaining century-old family connections, Geoffrey joins the unscrupulous Clarendon Club. The club’s members will do anything to protect their own privilege—even wreck innocent lives—and Geoffrey must align with their values or expose his parents to financial ruin. Yet one of the Clarendonians bears a fierce resentment towards Jules. Thus, as Jules and Geoffrey’s relationship deepens beyond academic rivalry, it becomes the first of many secrets threatening to derail their futures. Jules’ recklessness and Geoffrey’s pursuit of love drive them to actions they could never have imagined, and soon they must conceal a grisly truth at all costs.
About the author
Saga Hillbom is a third-year history student at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the author of several historical novels including Princess of Thorns (2021). You can visit her website for more information.
Tasked with maintaining century-old family connections, Geoffrey joins the unscrupulous Clarendon Club. The club’s members will do anything to protect their own privilege—even wreck innocent lives—and Geoffrey must align with their values or expose his parents to financial ruin. Yet one of the Clarendonians bears a fierce resentment towards Jules. Thus, as Jules and Geoffrey’s relationship deepens beyond academic rivalry, it becomes the first of many secrets threatening to derail their futures. Jules’ recklessness and Geoffrey’s pursuit of love drive them to actions they could never have imagined, and soon they must conceal a grisly truth at all costs.
About the author
Saga Hillbom is a third-year history student at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the author of several historical novels including Princess of Thorns (2021). You can visit her website for more information.
- GenresHistorical
340 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2024
1 person is currently reading
3 people want to read
About the author
Saga Hillbom
7 books46 followersI am the author of several historical novels, such as Princess of Thorns (2021), A Generation of Poppies (2018, 2021), and most recently Wretched Young Things (2024). Currently, I am pursuing a History BA at Magdalen College, Oxford.
You can find more about me and my books on my author website https://sagahillbom.blog/ . If you want to reach out, you can email me sagahillbom02@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram @saga_hillbom_ .
You can find more about me and my books on my author website https://sagahillbom.blog/ . If you want to reach out, you can email me sagahillbom02@gmail.com or send me a DM on Instagram @saga_hillbom_ .
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 14, 2024
this book was an arc kindly gifted to me by the author and I'm so grateful I got to read this!
the themes and topics mentioned in the summary immediately interested me, and I wasn't disappointed at all.
the story takes place at magdalen college in oxford during the late 1940s. i loved reading about all the relationships the characters had at school and the familial relationships of geoffrey and jules. both had a totally different familial situation and were heavily impacted by it. it was interesting to read about how classicism, misogyny and sexism played big parts in both male and female characters' lives and how they still tried to choose their fate themselves.
as someone who visited oxford not too long ago, it was amazing to read about buildings, streets and places i'd been to too. the whole of oxford just oozes the academia vibe and I now so want to go back.
the writing style was a bit difficult to get into but I got used to it quickly. it had this old, classics vibe which I liked a lot. the literary and historical mentions made the story feel more real. i loved finding out more about the tutorials and their essays.
the plot is littered with secrets and truths that would ruin lives. i never got bored because each time the story slowed down a bit, something else happened to get the story going again. all in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. it kept me intrigued until the end and I have to admit I might have let some tears flow too !
be sure to check out the trigger/content warnings though
the themes and topics mentioned in the summary immediately interested me, and I wasn't disappointed at all.
the story takes place at magdalen college in oxford during the late 1940s. i loved reading about all the relationships the characters had at school and the familial relationships of geoffrey and jules. both had a totally different familial situation and were heavily impacted by it. it was interesting to read about how classicism, misogyny and sexism played big parts in both male and female characters' lives and how they still tried to choose their fate themselves.
as someone who visited oxford not too long ago, it was amazing to read about buildings, streets and places i'd been to too. the whole of oxford just oozes the academia vibe and I now so want to go back.
the writing style was a bit difficult to get into but I got used to it quickly. it had this old, classics vibe which I liked a lot. the literary and historical mentions made the story feel more real. i loved finding out more about the tutorials and their essays.
the plot is littered with secrets and truths that would ruin lives. i never got bored because each time the story slowed down a bit, something else happened to get the story going again. all in all, I really enjoyed reading this book. it kept me intrigued until the end and I have to admit I might have let some tears flow too !
be sure to check out the trigger/content warnings though
November 3, 2024
“Some days the written word was more real than the world around him, and today was one such day.”
Set at Magdalen College in the late 1940s, this book is a historical dark academia love story with dramatic twists and turns throughout. Secret societies, forbidden entanglements, elitist attitudes, and class conflicts can be found throughout.
There was so much tension in the relationships in this book, whether they were familial or collegial or romantic. It was really interesting to explore the familial differences for each of the protagonists and how they each longed for acceptance and belonging. I also really loved the academic tutorial scenes and how the literary pieces, as well as the debates and arguments that were had about said pieces, became symbolic of the plot points and character arcs throughout the novel. (Plus, who can resist cameos from the famed Inklings?)
Another aspect of the book I enjoyed was how the young female characters were portrayed. Though all three of the females were side characters, each was important to the story and was very different in how she went about seeking ambition. The society member struggling to be taken seriously based on her gender, the friend who had to choose between settling for a bland husband who would provide or following her passion in the medical field, the loyal sister who was growing up and forging a path not supported by her brother.
Overall I enjoyed this book, and the tense plot line made me not want to put it down. Thanks so much to the author for an advanced copy of the book!
Set at Magdalen College in the late 1940s, this book is a historical dark academia love story with dramatic twists and turns throughout. Secret societies, forbidden entanglements, elitist attitudes, and class conflicts can be found throughout.
There was so much tension in the relationships in this book, whether they were familial or collegial or romantic. It was really interesting to explore the familial differences for each of the protagonists and how they each longed for acceptance and belonging. I also really loved the academic tutorial scenes and how the literary pieces, as well as the debates and arguments that were had about said pieces, became symbolic of the plot points and character arcs throughout the novel. (Plus, who can resist cameos from the famed Inklings?)
Another aspect of the book I enjoyed was how the young female characters were portrayed. Though all three of the females were side characters, each was important to the story and was very different in how she went about seeking ambition. The society member struggling to be taken seriously based on her gender, the friend who had to choose between settling for a bland husband who would provide or following her passion in the medical field, the loyal sister who was growing up and forging a path not supported by her brother.
Overall I enjoyed this book, and the tense plot line made me not want to put it down. Thanks so much to the author for an advanced copy of the book!
October 22, 2024
~ARC REVIEW~
Title: Wretched Young Things
Author: Saga Hillbom
⭐️3.5/5
I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it because it’s a historical story, but I ended up loving it! The chemistry between the main characters was amazing, and their story was so engaging that I couldn’t stop reading. I finished it in just three days! Saga’s writing feels like reading a classic, with an old-fashioned charm. I’m definitely excited to read more books by this author!
Thank you Saga for sending me your book! I really appreciate it!🥰
Title: Wretched Young Things
Author: Saga Hillbom
⭐️3.5/5
I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it because it’s a historical story, but I ended up loving it! The chemistry between the main characters was amazing, and their story was so engaging that I couldn’t stop reading. I finished it in just three days! Saga’s writing feels like reading a classic, with an old-fashioned charm. I’m definitely excited to read more books by this author!
Thank you Saga for sending me your book! I really appreciate it!🥰
November 12, 2024
I got the incredible pleasure of receiving an ARC copy of "Wretched Young Things" by fairly new author, Saga Hillbom! It will be released for public consumption in December 2024.
The year is 1947 and two college boys from completely different social standings are thrown together in an English Literature tutoring class. They both love the art of words, but see them completely different as well. Geoffrey is a romantic and a dreamer and Jules is more cynical and practical 😏 Unfortunately, on the first night of the first term, Jules gets off on the wrong foot with one of the most well-known and well-off boy's of the area, Laurence, thus becoming a target and leverage to keep Geoffrey in line. As Geoffrey and Jules grow closer, the stakes grow higher and more intense until Laurence threatens to out them if Geoffrey doesn't cut Jules out of his life per an agreement for Laurence to find a business venture Geoffrey's father is exploring. Stemmed from the threat, a most unexpected event occurs which changes the course of the entire book! You'll have to read it to find out what that is 😉
My overall ratings for enjoyment and romance are ⭐⭐⭐⭐/💖💖💖. For me and probably just an American thing, it started off slow, but I'm so glad it picked up and I got so engrossed in it!
The year is 1947 and two college boys from completely different social standings are thrown together in an English Literature tutoring class. They both love the art of words, but see them completely different as well. Geoffrey is a romantic and a dreamer and Jules is more cynical and practical 😏 Unfortunately, on the first night of the first term, Jules gets off on the wrong foot with one of the most well-known and well-off boy's of the area, Laurence, thus becoming a target and leverage to keep Geoffrey in line. As Geoffrey and Jules grow closer, the stakes grow higher and more intense until Laurence threatens to out them if Geoffrey doesn't cut Jules out of his life per an agreement for Laurence to find a business venture Geoffrey's father is exploring. Stemmed from the threat, a most unexpected event occurs which changes the course of the entire book! You'll have to read it to find out what that is 😉
My overall ratings for enjoyment and romance are ⭐⭐⭐⭐/💖💖💖. For me and probably just an American thing, it started off slow, but I'm so glad it picked up and I got so engrossed in it!
December 16, 2024
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
When the author reached out about ARC reading Wretched Young Things, I was happy to take the plunge! This story features a young LGBTQ+ couple studying in Oxford in the late 1940s, and the writing style transported me back in time.
🖤LGBTQ+ Romance
🖤Mutual Pining
🖤”Forbidden” Entanglements
🖤Historical Dark Academia
🖤Suspense
🖤Ruinous Secrets
What happens when two college boys from different social upbringings meet at one of the most prestigious universities and feel an undeniable pull toward one another?
Enter Jules and Geoffrey.
Jules is at Oxford on scholarship and earned his place with grit and determination, while Geoffrey has the wit, but also the family legacy to solidify his standing. On the first night of term, Jules catches the negative attention of an elitist, second-year student and acquaintance of Geoffrey, Laurence. Geoffrey is intrigued by Jules and Jules’ disregard for rules and his rebellious way of thinking. Unfortunately for Geoffrey, Laurence wants to keep as much distance as possible between them, and turns Jules into a target and means of keeping Geoffrey in line.
When Jules and Geoffrey end up being tutorial partners and spend more time together, their interest in one another is hard to deny. Geoffrey views things in more of a romantic lens while Jules has more of an activist, critical and outspoken approach. Geoffrey is drawn to Jules and the mind of the young man who is his opposite, and Jules is frustrated to find that he can’t get Geoffrey out of his head; a dangerous thing when the consequences of acting on their feelings could cause a scandal with dire consequences.
As Geoffrey and Jules grow closer, the stakes of keeping their secret amplify. When Jules and Geoffrey’s secret is found out through underhanded means, Geoffrey is given a terrible ultimatum. What happens next changes the course of the young men’s future. Will Jules and Geoffrey be able to withstand the tumultuous aftermath, or did their all-consuming love cause them to fly too close to the sun?
If you enjoy historical fiction, this will be a great one to try!
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
When the author reached out about ARC reading Wretched Young Things, I was happy to take the plunge! This story features a young LGBTQ+ couple studying in Oxford in the late 1940s, and the writing style transported me back in time.
🖤LGBTQ+ Romance
🖤Mutual Pining
🖤”Forbidden” Entanglements
🖤Historical Dark Academia
🖤Suspense
🖤Ruinous Secrets
What happens when two college boys from different social upbringings meet at one of the most prestigious universities and feel an undeniable pull toward one another?
Enter Jules and Geoffrey.
Jules is at Oxford on scholarship and earned his place with grit and determination, while Geoffrey has the wit, but also the family legacy to solidify his standing. On the first night of term, Jules catches the negative attention of an elitist, second-year student and acquaintance of Geoffrey, Laurence. Geoffrey is intrigued by Jules and Jules’ disregard for rules and his rebellious way of thinking. Unfortunately for Geoffrey, Laurence wants to keep as much distance as possible between them, and turns Jules into a target and means of keeping Geoffrey in line.
When Jules and Geoffrey end up being tutorial partners and spend more time together, their interest in one another is hard to deny. Geoffrey views things in more of a romantic lens while Jules has more of an activist, critical and outspoken approach. Geoffrey is drawn to Jules and the mind of the young man who is his opposite, and Jules is frustrated to find that he can’t get Geoffrey out of his head; a dangerous thing when the consequences of acting on their feelings could cause a scandal with dire consequences.
As Geoffrey and Jules grow closer, the stakes of keeping their secret amplify. When Jules and Geoffrey’s secret is found out through underhanded means, Geoffrey is given a terrible ultimatum. What happens next changes the course of the young men’s future. Will Jules and Geoffrey be able to withstand the tumultuous aftermath, or did their all-consuming love cause them to fly too close to the sun?
If you enjoy historical fiction, this will be a great one to try!
December 18, 2024
set in magdalen college in the 1940’s, this dark academia novel follows geoffrey (the classic rich boy) and jules (the scholarship student) as they navigate their studies, secret societies, and an unlikely friendship burgeoning into something more.
there is a wonderful complexity to every angle of this book—every character is not who they seem to be at first. the intricate web of familial relationships was a real strong point and really allowed hillbom’s exploration of themes like classism, misogyny, homophobia, familial pressures, and mental health really well-rounded and so so compelling. i was rooting for these boys the whole way through 🥹
furthermore it read, at least to me, like a love letter to literature. jules and geoffrey are both english students at oxford, and the scenes where we get to sort of sit in on their tutorials were some of my favourites. seeing how each of them interpret texts and themes differently added a really nice extra layer of symbolism (while also giving us cameos from literary greats like c.s. lewis and j.r.r. tolkien who both taught at oxford during this time!!) the whole book fulfills one of my favourite tenets of dark academia which is being filled with rich intertextuality and thematic symbolism borrowed from the literary greats.
of course, this review would not be complete without gushing about hillbom’s writing style which is so atmospheric and beautiful. that, paired with how well-researched the setting was, made this book so immersive—i truly felt transported to historic oxford and got to live out my dark academia dreams as i was reading!!
WRETCHED YOUNG THINGS is available now for anyone who wants a story riddled with secrets, plot twists, complicated relationships, and that one unlikely bond who sees you through it all <3 a million thanks to saga who sent me a digital copy for review 🫶🏻
there is a wonderful complexity to every angle of this book—every character is not who they seem to be at first. the intricate web of familial relationships was a real strong point and really allowed hillbom’s exploration of themes like classism, misogyny, homophobia, familial pressures, and mental health really well-rounded and so so compelling. i was rooting for these boys the whole way through 🥹
furthermore it read, at least to me, like a love letter to literature. jules and geoffrey are both english students at oxford, and the scenes where we get to sort of sit in on their tutorials were some of my favourites. seeing how each of them interpret texts and themes differently added a really nice extra layer of symbolism (while also giving us cameos from literary greats like c.s. lewis and j.r.r. tolkien who both taught at oxford during this time!!) the whole book fulfills one of my favourite tenets of dark academia which is being filled with rich intertextuality and thematic symbolism borrowed from the literary greats.
of course, this review would not be complete without gushing about hillbom’s writing style which is so atmospheric and beautiful. that, paired with how well-researched the setting was, made this book so immersive—i truly felt transported to historic oxford and got to live out my dark academia dreams as i was reading!!
WRETCHED YOUNG THINGS is available now for anyone who wants a story riddled with secrets, plot twists, complicated relationships, and that one unlikely bond who sees you through it all <3 a million thanks to saga who sent me a digital copy for review 🫶🏻
December 15, 2024
First of all, I’d like to thank Saga Hillbom for sharing an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of her book with me before its release. It’s been such a joy to read and I’m grateful for the opportunity!
This was my first time reading historical fiction and I have to say, it didn’t disappoint. The book is set in 1947 at Oxford University and Hillbom’s writing made me feel like I was right there. The descriptions of the college, the traditions and the atmosphere were so vivid and detailed. I loved how the story didn’t just show the beauty of this world but also the struggles and tensions underneath. It really hooked me from the very first page.
The characters were without a doubt, the highlight of the book. Geoffrey Chadouîr-Ashton, the main character was fascinating to follow. He’s privileged yet torn between living up to expectations and finding his own path. Then there’s Jules Beckhold, a scholarship student who is everything Geoffrey isn’t- bold, idealistic, and unafraid to speak his mind. The two of them are so different but that’s what makes their dynamic so interesting. Both characters are flawed in their own ways, and I couldn’t help but root for them. Hillbom did an amazing job of making them feel real.
The side characters added so much to the story as well. Laurence, with his arrogance, perfectly captured the elitism of Oxford’s upper class. Jules’s family and his tutor, Mr. Lewis brought in emotional depth and showed how much harder it is for someone like Jules to succeed in this world. Even the smaller characters stood out and played their parts well, making the story feel full and alive.
As someone new to this genre, I found myself connecting with the story much more than I expected. Overall, Wretched Young Things is a beautifully written book that I’d recommend to anyone. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or just want to try something different, this story is worth picking up.
This was my first time reading historical fiction and I have to say, it didn’t disappoint. The book is set in 1947 at Oxford University and Hillbom’s writing made me feel like I was right there. The descriptions of the college, the traditions and the atmosphere were so vivid and detailed. I loved how the story didn’t just show the beauty of this world but also the struggles and tensions underneath. It really hooked me from the very first page.
The characters were without a doubt, the highlight of the book. Geoffrey Chadouîr-Ashton, the main character was fascinating to follow. He’s privileged yet torn between living up to expectations and finding his own path. Then there’s Jules Beckhold, a scholarship student who is everything Geoffrey isn’t- bold, idealistic, and unafraid to speak his mind. The two of them are so different but that’s what makes their dynamic so interesting. Both characters are flawed in their own ways, and I couldn’t help but root for them. Hillbom did an amazing job of making them feel real.
The side characters added so much to the story as well. Laurence, with his arrogance, perfectly captured the elitism of Oxford’s upper class. Jules’s family and his tutor, Mr. Lewis brought in emotional depth and showed how much harder it is for someone like Jules to succeed in this world. Even the smaller characters stood out and played their parts well, making the story feel full and alive.
As someone new to this genre, I found myself connecting with the story much more than I expected. Overall, Wretched Young Things is a beautifully written book that I’d recommend to anyone. Whether you’re a fan of historical fiction or just want to try something different, this story is worth picking up.
December 16, 2024
📓📓📓📓/5
I don’t often read book blurbs but this one intrigued me from that very first beginning and followed all the way through!
We’ve been taken back to Oxford in the 1940s and honestly I loved that because it’s not often a place or time I find myself traveling through in books (only WW2 related stories really). The relationships between the characters at the university were complex but interesting. I think what I really liked about it was how Geoffrey and Jules had similar upbringings and how very differently they were impacted by it.
I just love @saga_hillbom_ writing. She always transports you to the place she’s writing about with her imagery and just her voice. Sometimes it is a bit hard to grasp exactly what you’re needing to because of it. But it’s so lovely and unique that I equally enjoy deciphering her words as much as the story. She does historical fiction in a way I haven’t seen before and I’m obsessed with it!
And the plot? There are so many SECRETS that litter these pages and they could RUIN lives. And I honestly loved that. What’s that say about me? The story pacing was good because just as it started to get slow again a new truth was unveiled and went right back to.
If you enjoy historical fiction, academia, secrets, classic literature, oxford, unruly young adults, and very immersive stories….then you found your next read!
I don’t often read book blurbs but this one intrigued me from that very first beginning and followed all the way through!
We’ve been taken back to Oxford in the 1940s and honestly I loved that because it’s not often a place or time I find myself traveling through in books (only WW2 related stories really). The relationships between the characters at the university were complex but interesting. I think what I really liked about it was how Geoffrey and Jules had similar upbringings and how very differently they were impacted by it.
I just love @saga_hillbom_ writing. She always transports you to the place she’s writing about with her imagery and just her voice. Sometimes it is a bit hard to grasp exactly what you’re needing to because of it. But it’s so lovely and unique that I equally enjoy deciphering her words as much as the story. She does historical fiction in a way I haven’t seen before and I’m obsessed with it!
And the plot? There are so many SECRETS that litter these pages and they could RUIN lives. And I honestly loved that. What’s that say about me? The story pacing was good because just as it started to get slow again a new truth was unveiled and went right back to.
If you enjoy historical fiction, academia, secrets, classic literature, oxford, unruly young adults, and very immersive stories….then you found your next read!
January 5, 2025
Full of secrets, twists and turns, romance, class and society expectations versus following one's heart, literature, and so much more, "Wretched Young Things" is a vividly written novel set during the late 1940s surrounding the lives of Geoffrey and Jules, two students at Oxford from differing backgrounds.
Saga Hillbom's writing is incredibly detailed and visceral, and she brilliantly brings the past to life right before the reader's eyes. From each and every location, character, backstory, and conflict, her writing jumps off of the page in such an immersive way. Her world-building and storytelling truly made me feel like I had traveled back in time as I was reading!
When Geoffrey and Jules first meet, they seem like they couldn't be more different. However, soon, they begin to realize they have many commonalities as well. The more time the two young men spend together, they get to know one another on a deeper level, and their relationship begins to develop into something more.
I do not want to say too much about the plot of this novel due to spoilers, but, I will say, this book was so difficult to put down! Full of moments that will have you on the edge of your seat, moments that will break your heart, and moments full of hope, this book truly is gripping. Literature truly plays a huge part as well, and the way it ties in throughout the book is so powerful.
I recommend this book! I can't wait to read what Ms. Hillbom writes next!
Thank you so much to the author, Saga Hillbom, for the gifted e-ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Saga Hillbom's writing is incredibly detailed and visceral, and she brilliantly brings the past to life right before the reader's eyes. From each and every location, character, backstory, and conflict, her writing jumps off of the page in such an immersive way. Her world-building and storytelling truly made me feel like I had traveled back in time as I was reading!
When Geoffrey and Jules first meet, they seem like they couldn't be more different. However, soon, they begin to realize they have many commonalities as well. The more time the two young men spend together, they get to know one another on a deeper level, and their relationship begins to develop into something more.
I do not want to say too much about the plot of this novel due to spoilers, but, I will say, this book was so difficult to put down! Full of moments that will have you on the edge of your seat, moments that will break your heart, and moments full of hope, this book truly is gripping. Literature truly plays a huge part as well, and the way it ties in throughout the book is so powerful.
I recommend this book! I can't wait to read what Ms. Hillbom writes next!
Thank you so much to the author, Saga Hillbom, for the gifted e-ARC of this book! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 29, 2024
I loved this historical dark academia! The writing was beautiful, and I loved the literary discussions. This story takes place in the 1940s at Oxford. We follow Jules and Geoffrey, academic rivals who share a passion for literature, and soon each other. Their secret relationship is riddled with obstacles, and made even harder with their different social groups and family backgrounds.
The academic rivals to lovers between Jules and Geoffrey had me so invested. I also appreciated all the themes explored (misogyny, classism, homophobia, etc). It made for a rich story. The familial drama and secrets kept me hooked the whole time!
*Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me an arc in exchange for my honest review*
The academic rivals to lovers between Jules and Geoffrey had me so invested. I also appreciated all the themes explored (misogyny, classism, homophobia, etc). It made for a rich story. The familial drama and secrets kept me hooked the whole time!
*Thank you to the author for kindly gifting me an arc in exchange for my honest review*
March 18, 2025
It was a wonderful read though it was a bit draggy in the middle. The twist towards the latter half added to the experience and made the story so much more exciting.
In terms of the love story, I found it beautiful and sweet. Loved the two characters but was more drawn to the strong nature of Jules.
In terms of the love story, I found it beautiful and sweet. Loved the two characters but was more drawn to the strong nature of Jules.
December 14, 2024
I received an ARC of this book from Saga Hillbom in exchange for an honest review. This book will be released on 15 December 2024.
The book is set in 1947 (you know I'm a sucker for historical fiction). Geoffrey and Jules are students at Oxford. Geoffrey is of the elite and fits right in at Oxford, while Julies is not and is against the elitism at university. Geoffrey and Jules are placed together in a literature class and find they have the love of literature in common. As Geoffrey and Jules grow closer over time, one of the 'popular' boys threatens to out them if Geoffrey doesn't cut Jules out of his life, which would have massive consequences for Geoffrey's reputation.
The question is, how do Geoffrey and Jules handle this? What do they do next?
This is such a great book and was completely not what I expected. It's academic rivals to lovers (which I expected), but then stuff happens that really gets you sucked into the book and you can't put it down.
The start was a bit slow for me, but once it picked up, it picked up and I devoured this book. I loved the exploration of the relationships between the characters between each other and also the societal expectations thrust upon them based on their social standing. It's a fascinating read from this aspect.
The women are side characters in this book and yet they are so well thought out. They add so much to the historical context of the time and help fill out the story between Geoffrey and Jules.
I love the way Saga Hillbom writes and she keeps getting better and better, and this book is no exception.
The book is set in 1947 (you know I'm a sucker for historical fiction). Geoffrey and Jules are students at Oxford. Geoffrey is of the elite and fits right in at Oxford, while Julies is not and is against the elitism at university. Geoffrey and Jules are placed together in a literature class and find they have the love of literature in common. As Geoffrey and Jules grow closer over time, one of the 'popular' boys threatens to out them if Geoffrey doesn't cut Jules out of his life, which would have massive consequences for Geoffrey's reputation.
The question is, how do Geoffrey and Jules handle this? What do they do next?
This is such a great book and was completely not what I expected. It's academic rivals to lovers (which I expected), but then stuff happens that really gets you sucked into the book and you can't put it down.
The start was a bit slow for me, but once it picked up, it picked up and I devoured this book. I loved the exploration of the relationships between the characters between each other and also the societal expectations thrust upon them based on their social standing. It's a fascinating read from this aspect.
The women are side characters in this book and yet they are so well thought out. They add so much to the historical context of the time and help fill out the story between Geoffrey and Jules.
I love the way Saga Hillbom writes and she keeps getting better and better, and this book is no exception.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews