We enter the narrative just as Zoe experiences the most dreadful day of her life; marked with the damning words,”You’re the Devil now.” The sting of withdrawing from a long-standing relationship adds weight to the insult. The journey that led her to this point started two decades prior, during her early days as academic staff, where she found herself pursued by Penelope, an older professor who hailed her as a “brainy little specimen”. This term of endearment drew the disdain of Penelope’s existing partner.
Penelope, an extroverted free spirit, immediately sweeps the timid and inexperienced Zoe off her feet. Charlotte Mendelson, the author, artfully juggles between the early days of Zoe and Penelope’s budding relationship and the eventual tumultuous dissolution of their partnership, sharing a story that dances on the fine line between love and revulsion.
The narrative is spread against the backdrop of academic life, providing plenty of ground for sarcastic comment (“Imagine that being your special skill: Management”). The characters are expertly layered, with the dynamics of their relationships being thoughtfully portrayed. The prose style does a commendable job of creating immersive scenes by presenting the right amount of detail without making it seem overexerted or diverting. Additionally, the dialogues, particularly those of Penelope, who guides Zoe through the labyrinth of lesbianism without either embarrassment or self-awareness, are satisfyingly crafted.
As the narrative progresses, Charlotte Mendelson expertly navigates the complexities of their romance, giving readers an intimate glimpse into its shifting dynamics. Despite the narrative focusing on the disintegration of a relationship, it manages to remain captivating throughout, thanks partly to Mendelson’s deft handling of the subject matter, character complexities, and a generous sprinkling of wit.