Jaded
The compulsive must-read new novel of 2024
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4.6 • 14 Ratings
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- £7.99
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- £7.99
Publisher Description
‘Ela Lee is a remarkable new voice in fiction ... JADED made me laugh, cry and really bloody furious’ Stacey Halls, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars
Jade isn't even my real name. Jade began as my Starbucks name, because all children of immigrants have a Starbucks name.
Jade has become everything she ever wanted to be.
Successful lawyer. Dutiful daughter. Beloved girlfriend. Loyal friend.
Until one night after a work event when she’s assaulted by a colleague, she starts to wonder if she really wanted to be the person she’s become.
She’s learned to laugh when she’s felt like crying, opted to be invisible when she wanted to speak up, and adapted her identity to the person she’s spending time with.
As she tries to confront what happened to her, Jade finds she has a choice to make but the question is, which is the right one?
This searing novel explores the strength we find in female friendship, the hope that lights up the dark moments, and recovery that’s far from linear. JADED will leave you asking yourself: what would you have done in Jade’s situation?
'This raw, dark novel explores racism, class & sexism & you'll want to savour every word on every page' Refinery 29
'JADED is a thoughtful, hard-hitting exploration of race, identity, and the rippling effects of sexual assault. Ela Lee writes with an urgency and clarity that will have you hooked until the last page.' Cecile Pin, Women's Prize longlisted author of Wandering Souls
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'A raw, compulsive and nuanced novel' i newspaper
'One of 2024's hottest reads' Sunday Times
Content warning: this novel features themes of sexual assault and violence.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
Ella Lee’s debut novel delves fearlessly into the sensitive, pressing issues of racism and feminism via a narrative that pivots on the question of identity. Through the eyes of Jade, the story explores how a life-altering experience of sexual assault forces her to reassess her relationships, career and aspirations. Jade’s voice heightens the urgency of her plight as a British woman of Turkish and South Korean background, inspiring defiance against the hardship and isolation she faces as a result of the assault. Lee’s masterfully crafted prose tackles these complexities with emotional depth, offering a multilayered exploration of the intersections of race, power, individuality and resilience. Pitted against the novel’s hints of dark humour, these hard-hitting realities make for an uncomfortably compelling read.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Lee's promising debut probes what happens when a British woman's carefully constructed persona shatters after she's sexually assaulted. The daughter of a Turkish father and a South Korean mother, Jade Kaya was born Ceyda Kayaoğlu. At 25, Jade has assimilated into upper-class English society, immersed in her high-powered job practicing corporate law and involved with a wealthy white boyfriend, Kit. Everything about her life is practiced and studied—down to the name Jade, which began as her "Starbucks name." After she's sexually assaulted by a colleague, however, she reconsiders her relationships and aspirations. Kit's performative support for marginalized people doesn't extend to sticking up for Jade against his friends' casual racism, and her two best female friends disagree on whether she should file a formal workplace complaint. At times, these characters can feel more like straw men than real people. Lee is better, though, at untangling the complicated emotions wrapped up in Jade's evolving relationship with her parents, who fear she will lose hold of her material successes and grieve their home countries. Though somewhat lacking in nuance, this is carried along by flashes of genuine rage and connection.
Customer Reviews
A beautiful and powerful debut
Jaded is a gorgeous read. It is both thought-provoking and rage-inducing, as it focuses on a number of serious themes and injustices that are unfortunately common in ‘elite’ City law firms. The writing is truly authentic, with the characters so well-crafted and realistic. This should be mandatory reading for those working in institutions across the City and beyond.
An essential read!
In this thought-provoking novel, "Jaded," I found myself uncomfortably confronted with the pervasive nature of privilege, extending far beyond the typical stereotypes associated with race and gender. As a white male reader, the narrative skillfully explores the nuanced experiences of Jade, a mixed-race protagonist, shedding light on the granular microaggressions she endures on a daily basis.
The first-person point of view allows us to intimately connect with Jade, offering a visceral understanding of the challenges she faces. The author masterfully portrays the aftermath of a traumatic assault, compelling readers to confront the harsh realities that often accompany such incidents. Jade's journey becomes a powerful exploration of resilience and self-discovery as she refuses to succumb to the pressures that seek to push her down.
As a man, the novel prompted me to reflect on how I might respond in similar circumstances, challenging preconceived notions and fostering a deeper empathy for the struggles faced by those marginalised in society. "Jaded" is not merely a narrative; it is a timely and essential commentary on the contemporary socio-cultural landscape. In an era where conversations around privilege and injustice are more crucial than ever, this novel serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and collective action.