Saturday 15 February 2014

The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant by Joanna Wiebe Review!


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Title : The Unseemly Education Of Anne Merchant
Author : Joanna Wiebe
Pages : 330
Published : 14th January 2014

So many secrets for such a small island. From the moment Anne Merchant arrives at Cania Christy, a boarding school for the world’s wealthiest teens, the hushed truths of this strange, unfamiliar land begin calling to her—sometimes as lulling drumbeats in the night, sometimes as piercing shrieks.

One by one, unanswered questions rise. No one will tell her why a line is painted across the island or why she is forbidden to cross it. Her every move—even her performance at the school dance—is graded as part of a competition to become valedictorian, a title that brings rewards no one will talk about. And Anne discovers that the parents of her peers surrender million-dollar possessions to enroll their kids in Cania Christy, leaving her to wonder what her lowly funeral director father could have paid to get her in… and why.

As a beautiful senior struggles to help Anne make sense of this cloak-and-dagger world without breaking the rules that bind him, she must summon the courage to face the impossible truth—and change it—before she and everyone she loves is destroyed by it.


My Thoughts : 

This was a pleasant surprise. Initially the cover drew me to look at the book and when I read the blurb I was pretty much sold. It sounded like something Id enjoy. While it did take me awhile to get into, I still loved every word.

Anne is the daughter of a mortician. She has been around death since forever!! When her father sends her to Cania Christy she has no idea how her life will change. She wonders how her father could send her here because everyone is super rich but soon realises that there is more important things to find out. When the headmaster, whom she finds very creepy, tells her the rules, she knows this isnt as it seems and is intent on finding out. 

I really liked Anne, she is smart, strong and inquisitive. When she gets to meet the headmaster, he really creeps her out and with all the secrets and hints and rules he gives she has no idea what to make of him. Here the race for the Big V, Valedictorian, is the most important thing in the school, school work comes second. You aren't graded on your grades but on how well you preform your PT. Your PT is your strongest strength. Once you get your PT you have to live and breath it. Anne is told hers is to "look closer" which is apt because from the get go she has unanswered questions and everyone seems to be avoiding answering them. 

Pilot is the son of a famous senator. He has been at Cania for a few years and has no interest in the Big V race so Anne finds herself befriending him. He is easy to talk to and makes her laugh. She finds herself wanting to trust him in a place where no one seems trustworthy. He has her back and soon becomes someone she turns to.

Ben Zin is Annes next door neighbour. He seems untouchable. Anne drools over him from a distance and never in a million years thinks he will talk to her. The first time they talk is in class when she tells him his art isnt all that. Ben was awesome. Mysterious, gorgeous and strong. He was swoon worthy!! I loved seeing his and Annes friendship grow, if at times they fell out!!! 

The Unseemly Education Of Anne Merchant is a book that is full of mystery and suspense. The characters are well written and developed. The whole plot is full of secrets, lies, intrigue and mystery. From the very start you are led on a journey that has you guessing and thinking to yourself, where is this going? When you think you have the answers the author throws another twist that leaves you breathless. Joanna Wiebe knows how to leave you hanging and wondering, she throws twist after twist after twist and doesnt let up, even in the ending!! When I got to the last page my first thought was I need book 2 like right now!! I cant wait to find out what happens and will definitely keep this author on my watch list. 



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