I’m disappointed this book has very little reviews. Constance is such an inspiration. I have not read the first book but this was a great read. It also opened my eyes to how bitchy and horrible women working in law can be. What a right pair of rotbags those women were to Constance it was actually shocking. It would put someone off a career in law nearly. But Constance stood her ground. Her worth ethic and determination was unbelievable. She carried herself with grace and her bravery was infectious.
I was quite excited to read this book based on the blurb and cover. I enjoyed the first half of the book however I found the second half to waffle on too much about aspects of her life that weren't necessarily related to the reason why she wrote the book in the first place. Half the story concentrated on the history of abuse from her mother and the other half about her law career however there didn't appear to be any connection between the two therefore I was disappointed.
Body dysmorphia had existed long before digital media platforms, though this was a disparate case for Constance whose dysmorphia was borne by her parents’ hatred for her physical features. This manifested dysmorphia led her to impulsive cosmetic alterations thereby ostracising her from her pedigree, however this would later serve as a source of confidence during her pupillage. I was thoroughly enthused by the book and it did provide an insight into how shrews exist in the law industry and the damning effect they can have on future lawyers who are highly studious and tactful — it is with deep regret that many of the barriers to entry for pupillage to becoming an independent barrister still exist and its not merely a balance of talent that overwhelm chambers and instead plethora of factors that contribute to it. If you smarm up to seniors in the chamber you may just pass your pupillage, however does this apply for all?
I loved this follow on from ugly it shows how the hardship of youth can give you strength to prove yourself later in life but also that sometimes nastiness follows you.