Indecent
A Novel
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- $11.99
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- $11.99
Publisher Description
theSkimm Reading Pick!
Blurring the lines of blame and moral ambiguity, Indecent by Corinne Sullivan is a smart, sexy debut.
Shy, introverted Imogene Abney has always been fascinated by the elite world of prep schools, having secretly longed to attend one since she was a girl in Buffalo, New York. So, shortly after her college graduation, when she’s offered a teaching position at the Vandenberg School for Boys, an all-boys prep school in Westchester, New York, she immediately accepts, despite having little teaching experience—and very little experience with boys.
When Imogene meets handsome, popular Adam Kipling a few weeks into her tenure there, a student who exudes charm and status and ease, she’s immediately drawn to him. Who is this boy who flirts with her without fear of being caught? Who is this boy who seems immune to consequences and worry; a boy for whom the world will always provide?
As an obsessive, illicit affair begins between them, Imogene is so lost in the haze of first love that she’s unable to recognize the danger she’s in. The danger of losing her job. The danger of losing herself in the wrong person. The danger of being caught doing something possibly illegal and so indecent.
Exploring issues of class, sex, and gender, this smart, sexy debut by Corrine Sullivan shatters the black-and-white nature of victimhood, taking a close look at blame and moral ambiguity.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In Sullivan's tense and surprising debut, recent college graduate Imogene Abney begins a yearlong teaching apprenticeship at the elite Vandenberg School for Boys in Scarsdale, N.Y., a place "steeped in honor, tradition, and many, many rules." She is enamored of the school, exactly the kind of place she herself would have wanted to attend, had she been rich and male, and she quickly becomes obsessed with one of its students, Kip, who embodies all she is not. Their affair escalates quickly, based almost entirely on his cocky surety and Imogene's many, visible insecurities (she picks the skin on her face until it bleeds, and sometimes goes days without leaving bed, eating, or showering). Sullivan's novel is at its best in its brief glimpses of the past, demonstrating what Imogene sees as her successes and failures in high school and college these passages give the reader insight into what Imogene could possibly be searching for in her job-risking relationship, showing the depth of her confused standards and instincts for self-destruction. Less compelling is the affair itself. It's far from discreet, and the constant threat of exposure that looms throughout whether by a fellow apprentice or Kip's wide circle of friends feels low-stakes compared to Imogene's rich, contradictory, and devastating interior life. Nevertheless, this is an affecting novel, examining self-doubt, self-sabotage, and the lasting impact of both.
Customer Reviews
Could not put this down
This is a great look at the mind of someone who has obsessive characteristics. I’ve always wondered about teachers I hear about in the news who have affairs with younger students. Some even get married and have children. I just couldn’t understand it. This novel really gets into the brain of a teachers assistant and why they would do something like this. I loved the writing style and could literally not put this book down waiting to see what happen next. I felt embarrassed along with the main character and she was back and pathetic and crazy. Great first novel for this author!
Captivating & Original
This novel has thrilling psychological highs and lows that make the entire story unpredictable and unique to other books I’ve read before. The unraveling of the story showcases commentary on class, mental health, and sex/ism. I couldn’t wait to sneak in a chapter whenever possible. Highly recommend.
Couldn’t put it down!
As a 22 year old teacher from a small town there were some super relatable aspects to this book!! If you’re a girl in your early 20’s I highly recommend! I couldn’t stop reading it!!