This sharp and amusing debut novel gives us a personal insight into the lives of the Russian oligarchs and their family. The author, Sarah Thomas, drew inspiration from her own personal experience, working as a private tutor for billionaire families. Throughout the book, I was thinking of Mel, the narrator, as being the author herself.
The main protagonist, Melanie – or Mel, is a private tutor. She is employed by the glamourous Kata, to tutor Kata’s daughter Alex, and prepare her to get in a private school in the UK. Kata is married to Ivan, a ruthless billionaire with a dubious history.
From the first couple of pages, it is clear that Kata went missing, and that the Mel is telling the story/backstory to this mysterious event.
The plot unfolds in three parts, in different exotic locations (Geneva, Monaco and the Maldives) and different time periods. The timing is not linear though, so there is some jumping around and flashbacks – so you need to keep your wits about you.
Through Mel’s eyes – as an interesting insider, with an outsider’s observations, we get an insight into Kata’s world of glamour, opulence, and luxury. The author is familiar with this lifestyle as the descriptions and imagery are detailed and vivid. It is like getting an extreme close-up of the “Real Housewives” lives – the world of the ultra-rich and privilege makes for binge-worthy reading.
The dark side of the Russian elite is also highlighted – the greed, vanity, and corruption. This is visible in Ivan’s business dealings and his marriage with Kata – filled with secrets, violence, and enemies. Kata is desperately trying to fit in with the high society of the various countries they live in/visit – so much so that it comes across as desperate and sad. And the cliché (and truth) – that she wants to be seen and heard on more than just the glamorous, superficial level. It is difficult not to feel sorry for her. I also had empathy for Alex, her daughter, as she struggled to find her own voice and identity and tries to fulfil her parent’s ideals and expectations.
Mel has got a complicated relationship with Kata, and this makes her come across as an unreliable narrator at times. In her thoughts, she is critical of the almost obscene riches and glitter – but she also envies and craves that lifestyle.
The themes of wealth, power, privilege, identity, and loyalty features strongly. Almost all the characters are flawed and unlikeable, and that is fine! “Queen K” is a slow burn, but I found it very readable and entertaining. It is quite well-written and provides some interesting social commentary as well.
I am interested to see how the author develops further – I really enjoyed this insight into the world of extravagance and hypocrisy!
With thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
The Details
Jonathan Ball Publishers – Queen K
Category: Contemporary Fiction
ISBN: 9781800816008
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd.
Released: March 2023
Format: Paperback
About the Author
Sarah Thomas https://profilebooks.com/contributor/sarah-thomas/
