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What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal
What Was She Thinking Notes on a Scandal
Author: Zoe Heller
Schoolteacher Barbara Covett has known none but the most solitary of lifestyles until Sheba Hart joins St. George's. Starting by sharing lunches, then family events, the new art teacher draws Barbara into a touching confidence. Unbeknownst to their colleagues, however, another relationship blossoms meanwhile: Sheba has begun a passionate aff...  more »
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ISBN-13: 9780312421991
ISBN-10: 0312421990
Publication Date: 6/1/2003
Pages: 272
Rating:
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 80

3.3 stars, based on 80 ratings
Publisher: Picador
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

paigu avatar reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 120 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
I found this book rather abrupt and, sorry to say, pointless. It is written like a memoir and the scandalous headline could very well come from the modern day tabloids. However, this book did too good a job reining in the emotions. There's many subjects implied but never elaborated (for example, the jealousy the narrator feels when Sheba befriends another female teacher) and what we get is the antiseptic story of a teacher having relations with a minor. There's not even a clear picture of why the narrator decides she is going to stick by Sheba, or even if she plans to continue to stick with her until the scandal dies down.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 149 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Very interesting and wickedly funny narrative of a scandal involving a teacher/pupil relationship. Basis of the upcoming movie with Cate Blanchette. I really enjoyed it - finished it in one day.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Love this book. The characters are written with so much depth. It kept me reading long after I should have gone to bed.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 334 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I found this novel a compulsive read, very well written, an unusual twist on a scandal between a teacher and her teenage student, set in London. This talented writer's insights are truly spellbinding and spot-on.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, have not seen the movie but will. Riveting, & very well written. Recommended.
Read All 24 Book Reviews of "What Was She Thinking Notes on a Scandal"

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reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 3 more book reviews
Read it for book club and now i'm done with it. I was disaapointed by the ending, but its a good story.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 13 more book reviews
This is currently being made into a movie with Cate Blanchett.
luv2teach avatar reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 57 more book reviews
Interesting...thought provoking.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 37 more book reviews
The movie is pretty much true to the book. Judi Dench does make the movie, better than the book. This is an easy read, intriguing enough to keep you up reading.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on + 17 more book reviews
Brilliant book - unique style and untterly unputdownable.
reviewed What Was She Thinking? Notes on a Scandal on
Schoolteacher Barbara Covett has led a solitary existence. The new art teacher, Sheba Hart, becomes a friend and opens Barbara's life. But Sheba becomes sexually involved with a male student, and the legal and media worlds enter the picture. This book is Barbara's narrative and she reveals as much about herself as about Sheba.


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