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The Privileged
In an exclusive all girls' secondary school, they become friends. They choose the same university, and through smoke-filled nights, lectures, sexual encounters and first loves, their bond a friendship which seems like it will last for evermore.
But then, at an end-of-year party, something happens which changes everything ...
Afterwards, they drift apart. Now Stella, a lawyer in New York, lives for her work; Laura, a struggling journalist in Dublin, is still waiting for the scoop to kick-start her career; while Amanda, broken and beautiful, lives a life of slow decay in London.
Then the phone call comes which brings them back together, to the friendship they swore would last, and the night when it all went wrong.
The Privileged is a haunting tale of friendship, loyalty and how one decision, one night, can decide the future.
But then, at an end-of-year party, something happens which changes everything ...
Afterwards, they drift apart. Now Stella, a lawyer in New York, lives for her work; Laura, a struggling journalist in Dublin, is still waiting for the scoop to kick-start her career; while Amanda, broken and beautiful, lives a life of slow decay in London.
Then the phone call comes which brings them back together, to the friendship they swore would last, and the night when it all went wrong.
The Privileged is a haunting tale of friendship, loyalty and how one decision, one night, can decide the future.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2016
46 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hourican
15 books92 followersEmily Hourican is a journalist and author. She has written features for the Sunday Independent for fifteen years, as well as Image magazine, Condé Nast Traveler and Woman and Home. She was also editor of The Dubliner Magazine.
Emily's first book, a memoir titled How To (Really) Be A Mother was published in 2013. She is also the author of novels The Privileged, White Villa, The Outsider and The Blamed, as well as two bestselling novels about the Guinness sisters: The Glorious Guinness Girls and The Guinness Girls: A Hint of Scandal.
She lives in Dublin with her family.
source: Amazon
Emily's first book, a memoir titled How To (Really) Be A Mother was published in 2013. She is also the author of novels The Privileged, White Villa, The Outsider and The Blamed, as well as two bestselling novels about the Guinness sisters: The Glorious Guinness Girls and The Guinness Girls: A Hint of Scandal.
She lives in Dublin with her family.
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 31, 2016
The Privileged was an interesting and intriguing story - mostly about friendship and the ties that bind, decisions made that change lives and how you hold onto relationships when everything starts dividing you.
Amanda is a fascinating character, around which the other two in this friendly trio move - three very different girls, Amanda is truly privileged but that doesnt necessarily equal happiness and that exploration within the plot was brilliantly done. Multi layered, Emily Hourican weaves an engaging and emotional story around Amanda, Stella and Laura, one moment in time causing them to drift apart and years later as they are drawn back together as trouble looms.
I loved the atmospheric sense the author brought to this and the realistic threads that ran through the group dynamic, it was absolutely about that friendship between the three of them and how the differences in temperament and outlook informed it. Events around them causing things to change but the core remained - it was beautifully constructed and elegantly told.
Definitely recommended.
Amanda is a fascinating character, around which the other two in this friendly trio move - three very different girls, Amanda is truly privileged but that doesnt necessarily equal happiness and that exploration within the plot was brilliantly done. Multi layered, Emily Hourican weaves an engaging and emotional story around Amanda, Stella and Laura, one moment in time causing them to drift apart and years later as they are drawn back together as trouble looms.
I loved the atmospheric sense the author brought to this and the realistic threads that ran through the group dynamic, it was absolutely about that friendship between the three of them and how the differences in temperament and outlook informed it. Events around them causing things to change but the core remained - it was beautifully constructed and elegantly told.
Definitely recommended.
November 19, 2024
I didn’t like it as much as my first book from her (The outsider), but still it was good. I enjoy the style of the writer very much and the atmosphere she creates
August 13, 2016
Three girls, from three different backgrounds, become best friends in their exclusive school. Stella is the middle-class bright spark, Laura is the only child of a bohemian artist and Amanda is the beautiful and lively offspring of New Money parents. Although they have virtually nothing in common, the girls are inseparable, until the arrival of a cocky stranger at their end of term party...
Approaching adulthood is a little like jumping off a long pier and hoping for the best. Stella, Laura and Amanda have never doubted that their friendship would withstand University and eventual careers. As with most teenagers, they presumed that their bond was unbreakable. There was always the chance that they would head in different directions when their jobs dictated, but none of them expected the change to occur before they had even finished college. How did this all happen so fast?
This is a novel I found hard to categorize. Not female fiction, not grip-lit, not psychological drama and not quite literary fiction. There were definitely moments of all these genres within the pages of The Privileged, but then the moment was gone and a new chapter would change the course. The writing is wonderful, full of heady atmosphere and genuine affection, and the story pulls you along at a nice, steady pace. There was just something lacking, or perhaps the narrative was stretched out a bit too much. There was an implication that one event was the catalyst of the girl's fallout, but really this was not the case. They had nothing in common from the start and Amanda was never going to follow the paths that Stella and Laura would. The drink, drugs and sex angle is nothing new and any tabloid paper could tell the real-life story of girls like Amanda. Amy Winehouse, Paula Yates, or even as far back as Marilyn Monroe. All of these women were damaged before meeting the men who would topple them over the edge. Amanda was destined to fall. It is just doubtful that her two friends would have remained her friend for as long as they did.
An enjoyable read, with a leaning toward literary fiction, but just too long. The author's writing style is her strength and I look forward to reading book two...
Approaching adulthood is a little like jumping off a long pier and hoping for the best. Stella, Laura and Amanda have never doubted that their friendship would withstand University and eventual careers. As with most teenagers, they presumed that their bond was unbreakable. There was always the chance that they would head in different directions when their jobs dictated, but none of them expected the change to occur before they had even finished college. How did this all happen so fast?
This is a novel I found hard to categorize. Not female fiction, not grip-lit, not psychological drama and not quite literary fiction. There were definitely moments of all these genres within the pages of The Privileged, but then the moment was gone and a new chapter would change the course. The writing is wonderful, full of heady atmosphere and genuine affection, and the story pulls you along at a nice, steady pace. There was just something lacking, or perhaps the narrative was stretched out a bit too much. There was an implication that one event was the catalyst of the girl's fallout, but really this was not the case. They had nothing in common from the start and Amanda was never going to follow the paths that Stella and Laura would. The drink, drugs and sex angle is nothing new and any tabloid paper could tell the real-life story of girls like Amanda. Amy Winehouse, Paula Yates, or even as far back as Marilyn Monroe. All of these women were damaged before meeting the men who would topple them over the edge. Amanda was destined to fall. It is just doubtful that her two friends would have remained her friend for as long as they did.
An enjoyable read, with a leaning toward literary fiction, but just too long. The author's writing style is her strength and I look forward to reading book two...
June 22, 2016
Female friendship, and finding their way in the world
This is a light, girlie read that still has some substance to it. But while there's so much potential, the story feels slightly out of focus with its contours loose and a bit flabby. It would benefit from a tighter edit to give it a more incisive shape. This is particularly the case with the overly sentimental ending where Laura's 'problems' aren't tackled but simply forgotten, where Stella's life is on the verge of a radical new direction, and where Amanda is hopeful but has anything really changed?
I found the to-ing and fro-ing in time a bit irritating, and would have liked to see more resolution by the end - all the same, good as a holiday read: 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via Netgalley.
This is a light, girlie read that still has some substance to it. But while there's so much potential, the story feels slightly out of focus with its contours loose and a bit flabby. It would benefit from a tighter edit to give it a more incisive shape. This is particularly the case with the overly sentimental ending where Laura's 'problems' aren't tackled but simply forgotten, where Stella's life is on the verge of a radical new direction, and where Amanda is hopeful but has anything really changed?
I found the to-ing and fro-ing in time a bit irritating, and would have liked to see more resolution by the end - all the same, good as a holiday read: 3.5 stars.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC via Netgalley.
April 22, 2016
Loved this book! At first I couldn't see where it was going. It turned into a really compelling read full of nitty gritty details. Emily's writing is magnificent. I'm counting on her to write many more novels.
May 27, 2016
Really enjoyed this despite the title which nearly put me off. Great summer read
August 12, 2017
The moment I finished this book, I wasn't to start reading it again! Loved it!
October 1, 2020
A story about three girls growing up together. One of the three, Amanda, is very wealthy and beautiful. The other two tag along for the ride.
I enjoyed the story and it certainly got mee hooked for a few days. One thing that i found irritatingly was that the two girls were really materialistic. They were in awe of Amanda for most of the story and were happy to bask in her glory. It was a bit shallow I thought .
Spoiler alert: later Amanda becomes a serious drug addict so it is also the story of her demise. But at that point I did not really care about what happened to her.
I enjoyed the story and it certainly got mee hooked for a few days. One thing that i found irritatingly was that the two girls were really materialistic. They were in awe of Amanda for most of the story and were happy to bask in her glory. It was a bit shallow I thought .
Spoiler alert: later Amanda becomes a serious drug addict so it is also the story of her demise. But at that point I did not really care about what happened to her.
May 6, 2024
A compelling story of growing up, female friendships and that time in your 20s of trying to figure things out and take responsibility for your life while navigating your changing friendships. The ending was a bit too idealistic and incomplete for my liking, with 90% of the book setting the scene for the disappointing ending. But I really enjoyed the story and the relationships along the way. I enjoy Emily Hourican's storytelling.
August 14, 2021
This is a powerful story of the different shades and shadows of love cast by a loving mother-in-law on her daughters-in-law and her own sons. Has she cut the umbilical cord? Is she over-protective? The father in law is the voice of reason, whilst the mother is struggling to move forward, not always with tact. An excellent and thought provoking read.
November 25, 2024
Page turner alright when you just want to turn the next page for the book to be finished.
I expected I might entertaining read but ended up with a rather touching story of a high class British young women hooked on heroin… together with her newborn baby. Wasn’t what I was looking or expected.
I expected I might entertaining read but ended up with a rather touching story of a high class British young women hooked on heroin… together with her newborn baby. Wasn’t what I was looking or expected.
May 8, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. it's very tender, and honest, just my kind of books. Thanks, Emily Hourican, for this perfect read!
February 21, 2019
A lovely story of friendship and coming of age.
June 29, 2020
I had a high hopes for this book....but unfortunately not my cup of tea...
The book qas slow, boring and just not for me...
The book qas slow, boring and just not for me...
June 1, 2021
Annoying. The story was 90% flashbacks and run on sentences. 400 pages of buildup and 5 pages of anything meaningful.
September 23, 2021
An excellent story and my first experience of this author, I look forward to reading more of hers and have recommended them to others
P F
P F
March 3, 2022
Loved her writing style and the progression of the story, but prefer the writer’s later novels.
October 16, 2025
Three stars
The book seems to read like a first draft. The book goes back and forth. The book should have been written as a dual timeline.
The book seems to read like a first draft. The book goes back and forth. The book should have been written as a dual timeline.
April 7, 2016
**I was given an ARC of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exhange for an honest review**
Laura and Stella have been best friends since they were tweens. One night at a high school party they happen to come across a classmate Amanda in a very uncompromising position. Amanda is wealthy, stunning, and used to getting her way. They intervene and a longtime friendship begins. Throughout high school and afterwards the 3 girls grow incredibly close. They form bonds with each other's parents and always attend the same parties. When they are in their early 20s a decision is made that changes the girls' relationships change drastically. All the girls are older now. Stella is a working in NYC at a law firm, Laura is trying to become a journalist, and Amanda is living in London and married. When Laura contacts Stella to tell her that Amanda might be in trouble the two of them decide to try and track her down.
I enjoyed this story and would give it 3 1/2 stars. I very much enjoyed the author's writing style and way with words. The settings and characters were described in such a way that I could picture everything clearly. The story line went back and forth between when the girls were getting to know each other to present day when Amanda seems to be in trouble. I really liked Nessa's character (Laura's mother) and enjoyed reading parts that she was in. I also enjoyed Stella's character, which the book seemed to focus on the most. The major decision in the book at the time didn't seem so major. I didn't agree with it and it seemed like a huge betrayal, however when it happened Amanda seemed to sweep it under the rug. We don't find out until the end what happened (although not much detail was given) and how deeply it affected Amanda. This story shows the strength of the friendship among the 3 girls and how it will definitely last a lifetime.
Laura and Stella have been best friends since they were tweens. One night at a high school party they happen to come across a classmate Amanda in a very uncompromising position. Amanda is wealthy, stunning, and used to getting her way. They intervene and a longtime friendship begins. Throughout high school and afterwards the 3 girls grow incredibly close. They form bonds with each other's parents and always attend the same parties. When they are in their early 20s a decision is made that changes the girls' relationships change drastically. All the girls are older now. Stella is a working in NYC at a law firm, Laura is trying to become a journalist, and Amanda is living in London and married. When Laura contacts Stella to tell her that Amanda might be in trouble the two of them decide to try and track her down.
I enjoyed this story and would give it 3 1/2 stars. I very much enjoyed the author's writing style and way with words. The settings and characters were described in such a way that I could picture everything clearly. The story line went back and forth between when the girls were getting to know each other to present day when Amanda seems to be in trouble. I really liked Nessa's character (Laura's mother) and enjoyed reading parts that she was in. I also enjoyed Stella's character, which the book seemed to focus on the most. The major decision in the book at the time didn't seem so major. I didn't agree with it and it seemed like a huge betrayal, however when it happened Amanda seemed to sweep it under the rug. We don't find out until the end what happened (although not much detail was given) and how deeply it affected Amanda. This story shows the strength of the friendship among the 3 girls and how it will definitely last a lifetime.
October 30, 2016
Thank you Hachette Books Ireland for giving me a digital copy via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review!
The Priviledge is about a friendship of three different girls.
Amanda, the rich and famous one in the school, the social butterfly. Laura, the shy, introverted ones. And lastly, Stella, the protective ones with strong principles. And three of them bond an unlikely friendship.
Amanda goes missing, after all these years, they decided to help Amanda for once and for all, so Laura and Stella made a mission to go to London and search for her. Both Laura and Stella reminisce their time together in the past and trying to remember what made them drifting apart in the first place.
We always know that one person who has everything and accomplished so much but they kept complaining how terrible life is treating them. Or that one messy friend who keep making the same mistake over and over again. That who is Amanda reminds me of.
I love that despite of their [couldn’t be more] different personalities, they completed each other. They just…clicked.
I love the ending and see how Laura had become an independent woman who can stand-up for herself. And of course, I love that my ship happened. Although I’m pretty sure this one particular character would end up with someone else. So, I’m a bit surprised and happy obviously. I’m rooting for them since the beginning.
What I learned from this book is no matter how drifted afar you are from your friends, you’ll always be there the second they needed you the most. I recommended!
The Priviledge is about a friendship of three different girls.
Amanda, the rich and famous one in the school, the social butterfly. Laura, the shy, introverted ones. And lastly, Stella, the protective ones with strong principles. And three of them bond an unlikely friendship.
Amanda goes missing, after all these years, they decided to help Amanda for once and for all, so Laura and Stella made a mission to go to London and search for her. Both Laura and Stella reminisce their time together in the past and trying to remember what made them drifting apart in the first place.
We always know that one person who has everything and accomplished so much but they kept complaining how terrible life is treating them. Or that one messy friend who keep making the same mistake over and over again. That who is Amanda reminds me of.
I love that despite of their [couldn’t be more] different personalities, they completed each other. They just…clicked.
I love the ending and see how Laura had become an independent woman who can stand-up for herself. And of course, I love that my ship happened. Although I’m pretty sure this one particular character would end up with someone else. So, I’m a bit surprised and happy obviously. I’m rooting for them since the beginning.
What I learned from this book is no matter how drifted afar you are from your friends, you’ll always be there the second they needed you the most. I recommended!
June 30, 2016
The Priviledged is a slow paced investigation into friendship, from teenage years to early adulthood. Three girl friends brought together by the random mysterious social accidents are getting back in touch when their excentric star and deeply unhappy part of the trio, Amanda, is going through deep troubles. They pretend now of being grown-ups, with a career behind, but mostly they all of them, at different levels victims of their own problematic relationship with their parents and emotional distress. Most of the story is going backwards, an investigation into the near past, with details that create suspense and mystery in understanding the last piece of the puzzle: How and where is Amanda? Even though the ending is far below the expectations of the suspense skillfully created, I enjoyed the writing and realistic overview into the world of high-end people more or less accidentally on the top of the ladder and their educational ambitions. With a life 'so much scrutinised, so little respected', personal drama are unfolding and the book outlines precisely those torments and pains.
Disclaimer: Book offered by the publisher via NetGalley.com
November 4, 2016
Stella and Laura get Amanda out of a tight spot during their schooldays in Dublin and from then on are inseparable, even though she is very much out of their league and they have very little in common. I loved the description of this book and thought it was going to be a really good read and it might have been, had it been about a third shorter. It was much too long for what actually happened and I skimmed quite a lot of it, especially Stella's New York life and Laura's work as a journalist. The characters were a bit shallow - none of whom I could root for. I did like the author's style and it will be interesting to see what she writes next. I was given this ARC by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2016
I'm so sorry to say this, but at page 377, I had to start skim reading until the end. I know it's an amazing feat to write something of this length but I felt it dragged so much and I hated all the characters. The ending also felt wholly unrewarding and predictable, frankly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 11, 2019I didn't expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. I had it pegged as "just another chicklit offering". How wrong I was. I couldn't put it down. I was hungry to find out what was next for Stella, Laura and Amanda. If asked to describe this novel, I would go as far as to say, a Circle of Friends for a new generation. Totally engrossing.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews