The Lessons

by Naomi Alderman

In Brief

After the initial disappointments of student life at Oxford University, James Stieff falls in with a wealthy and glamorous set. The temptations of this heady new world prove irresistible, but life after Oxford sees the initial dazzle turn to destructive despair.

Why you should read it

The Lessons explores the dark side of belonging to the in crowd, and the difficulties of trying to co-exist with the wealthy elite. An immensely readable, gripping tale, it will appeal to anyone who has enjoyed The Secret History or Brideshead Revisited.