Review: Don't Judge This Book By Its Cover
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 3, 2014
The title initially refers to the ranking system prevalent among pupils in the boarding schools of the time. As the harrowing story progresses however the word reverts to its more derogatory connotation.The exquisite style of the writing belies the underpinning malevolence of the plot, I found myself rereading paragraphs relishing the sheer elegance of the narrative while paradoxically dreading discovering what indignities the characters were going to have to endure next.The main impact of the book lies in the author’s portrayal of the use, misuse and interplay of power between both pupils and masters which leads to treachery, prejudice and ultimately tragedy.On recommending this novel to friends and colleagues in the equality and diversity field I don’t think I exaggerated when I described it as a modern masterpiece.