Notes On A Scandal

Notes On A Scandal
Zoe Heller
2003, 244 pages

Notes On A Scandal tells the story of Sheba Hart, a teacher who begins an affair with one of her underage students. It is narrated by a fellow teacher, Barbara, an older teacher, overly critical and jealous of all around her. The novel recounts the events as Barbara eventually learns them in the form of journal entries. Barbara begins writing the journal after the scandal has become public knowledge, and she has been forced into retirement, and Sheba charged for her crimes. The notes are never objective, and you can feel Barbara’s contempt, loneliness and anger at the world seethe between the lines. Her criticisms of those around her ring true, and I found the book very funny.

I’m not sure it was supposed to be funny.

I really enjoyed reading Notes On A Scandal. It’s certainly not high literature, but it was a fun read, and I have passed it on to friends who I hope will also enjoy it. I have never spent time in a staff room at an elementary school, but I imagine that her characterizations of teachers, saying what they really think about the students behind those closed doors was spot on. I loved to hate Barbara, and I think it was her portrayal of the events that made the book so fascinating and enjoyable for me.