Book Review: The It Girl by Ruth Ware
Ever find yourself drawn to a book because you think it will deliver the thrill of campus mystery interwoven with the chaos of youthful ambition? That was my hope when I picked up The It Girl by Ruth Ware. The cover beckoned, the title intrigued, and, as a fan of Ware’s previous works, I was eager to see how she would navigate the intertwining themes of ambition, friendship, and the human psyche. However, I soon discovered that beneath the glamorous façade lay an exploration of some very heavy subjects.
The It Girl follows Hannah Jones, a character caught between her desire to fit in at the prestigious Pelham College and the haunting memories of her friend April, whose tragic death casts a long shadow over her life. Ware’s narrative skillfully alternates between the past and present, creating a nuanced backdrop as Hannah grapples not only with her own identity but also with the repercussions of a crime that shocked their community. This tension was palpable, yet it often felt like the book juggled so many sensitive themes—stalking, psychological distress, and more—that it risked overwhelming the reader.
The story serves as a critique of elitism within academia, exploring how privilege can alter perceptions and outcomes, as evidenced by the array of characters at Pelham College. However, what I found lacking was a deeper exploration of Hannah’s emotional complexity. While her character presents a façade of intelligence and determination, the repeated redundancies in her decision-making—especially regarding the investigation into April’s murder—left me longing for a more authentic portrayal of her struggle. The narrative occasionally felt recycled, such that I wondered why certain plot points went round and round without resolution.
In terms of writing style, Ware’s pacing initially draws the reader in with its cinematic allure; however, the digressions and repetition tended to dilute the urgency of the plot. The dialogue had flashes of sharpness but mostly felt oddly stilted as characters advanced through the arc of Hannah’s troubles without genuine emotional engagement.
One striking example is when Hannah grapples with her self-worth in the shadow of April’s legacy. Her internal conflict—between being the sidekick and earning her place—was a poignant reflection on identity and self-acceptance. Yet, moments like these seemed overshadowed by the relentless quest for answers about April’s death, leading to a narrative imbalance that left me questioning the purpose of Hannah’s journey.
If you’re a reader drawn to mysteries sprinkled with psychological drama and social commentary, then perhaps The It Girl could resonate with you. However, I recommend approaching this title with an awareness of its heavy themes. For those who prefer stories that deftly balance emotional intricacies with plot progression, this one may instead present a frustrating labyrinth of unresolved questions and heavy-handed motifs.
In the end, while The It Girl attempted to capture the essence of youth, privilege, and the complexity of friendships, it ultimately left me feeling as if I’d walked in circles, caught in a rhythm that rarely forged ahead. I would encourage readers who are fascinated by moral ambiguities and messy realities to give this book a try, but those sensitive to themes surrounding violence and emotional trauma may wish to tread cautiously. Regardless, my journey through the pages has certainly sparked curiosity about how complex relationships and incidents are portrayed in literature—a testament to Ware’s ability to provoke thought, if not delight.