The Bombshell
A Novel
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4.0 • 23 Ratings
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Jezebel’s July Book Club Pick
"If a book could possess “French-Girl Style,” The Bombshell would have it... effortlessly cool: a smart, sophisticated tale of sexual and political awakening over the course of a fateful summer.”—New York Times Book Review
"An escapist, Hollywood-ready excursion to Corsica."—Vogue
"A lush, cinematic and propulsive novel filled with sex, violence, glamor and a true revolutionary spirit. It's a towering literary achievement."—Adam Johnson, Pulitzer Prize winner
Corsica, 1993. As a sun-drenched Mediterranean summer heads into full swing, beautiful and brash seventeen-year-old Séverine Guimard is counting down the days until graduation, dreaming of stardom while smoking cigarettes, and seducing boys in her class to pass the time. The pampered French American daughter of a politician, Séverine knows she’s destined for bigger things.
That is, until one night, Séverine is snatched off her bike by a militant trio fighting for Corsican independence and held for a large ransom. When the men fumble negotiating her release, the four become unlikely housemates deep in the island’s remote interior. Eager to gain the upper hand, Séverine sets out to charm her captors, and soon the handsome, intellectual leader, Bruno, the gentle university student, Tittu, and even the gruff, unflappable Petru grow to enjoy the company of their headstrong hostage.
As Séverine is exposed to the group’s politics, they ignite something unexpected within her, and their ideas begin to take root. With her flair for the spotlight and newfound beliefs, Séverine becomes the face of a radical movement for a global TV audience. What follows is a summer of passion and terror, careening toward an inevitable, explosive conclusion, as Séverine steps into the biggest role of her life.
An electric novel by an extraordinary new talent, The Bombshell is filled with seduction and fervor, and explores the wonders and perils of youthful idealism, the combustibility of celebrity, and the sublime force of young love.
Customer Reviews
Corsica, Politics, and Coming of Age
There’s so much I could say about The Bombshell. After finishing the book, I found myself sitting in contemplation, trying to sort out my true feelings and takeaways. Initially, I didn’t care much for Séverine—I found her entitled and manipulative. When people ask whether she suffered from Stockholm syndrome, I’m not entirely convinced, despite what some readers may suggest. To me, Séverine’s actions seemed driven less by psychological captivity and more by a deep desire to feel needed and important. Her need to be the “it” girl for Soffiu di Libertà, and especially for Bruno, seemed rooted in a longing to be taken seriously at such a young, impressionable age.
Fast forward to 2013, when we learn that Séverine has a child, and I began to understand her more—and even found her relatable. When she first became involved as a political operative, she admits she was moving far beyond her level of maturity, not really knowing who she was or what she wanted. It wasn’t until she had Petra that she started to figure out her place in the world.
Beyond the political intrigue and the fascinating glimpse into Corsican culture—which has inspired me to do my own research—this book is ultimately about a teenager’s messy, rebellious journey to self-discovery and identity. It’s about making mistakes, pushing boundaries, and slowly learning who you are, even if the process is chaotic and imperfect.