Book Review: The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand
There’s something so enchanting about boarding school novels, isn’t there? They’re often a delightful mix of privilege, drama, and the heartfelt struggles of youth. Elin Hilderbrand’s The Academy caught my eye immediately—not just because of its stunning cover, but also because Hilderbrand has a knack for weaving rich, relatable narratives that feel like both an escape and a reality check. Thank you, Little, Brown, for my copy! All thoughts here are my own, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you.
Set in the picturesque confines of Tiffin Academy, The Academy starts with a whirlwind of excitement on move-in day. The students are buzzing with news that Tiffin has suddenly jumped to the number two spot among U.S. boarding schools—a change that sends ripples through the social hierarchy of this elite institution. With a cast of characters that seems straight out of a drama series, we meet the likes of Davi Banerjee, the social media queen, and Simone Bergeron, the fresh-faced history teacher. Each has secrets, ambitions, and flaws that are gradually unveiled as the academic year progresses.
Hilderbrand masterfully navigates multiple points of view, which kept the narrative engaging. I especially loved how the story unfolded across different seasons—watching friendships bloom and wither as the year moved from the optimism of fall to the introspective chill of winter. It provided a delightful backdrop to the characters’ emotional arcs and the occasional moments of school-wide drama (hello, ZipZap!).
While I must admit that the drama felt reminiscent of Gossip Girl—complete with scandalous blind items flying across students’ phones—I found myself yearning for a deeper exploration of some central themes. The use of the ZipZap plot felt somewhat underdeveloped towards the end, leaving me curious if Hilderbrand is setting the stage for a sequel. That said, the book certainly succeeded in being a page-turner, one best devoured during cozy evenings.
One of my mixed feelings came from the character dynamics, particularly the inclusion of fatphobic comments and body image discussions. I acknowledge that such themes are often realistic within the teenage world, yet it was jarring to navigate my admiration for the character arcs alongside discomfort with certain dialogues. It challenges the reader to examine the environments we create—especially in educational settings—and how they impact each individual.
Ultimately, I walked away from The Academy feeling a bit introspective. The emotional weight of the story was palpable, but at times, I felt a disconnection from specific plotlines, leaving me wanting more depth in certain characters’ journeys. The multitude of perspectives occasionally made it hard for me to latch onto one narrative thread, giving me a sense of being an outsider peering in rather than fully immersed.
With a rating of 3.75/5, I would recommend The Academy to readers who enjoy campus novels filled with drama and character exploration. If you’ve ever found joy in dissecting the complexities of teenage angst and social hierarchies—while also navigating through an array of heartache and secrets—this book will resonate with you. It’s definitely a captivating read that might even inspire more substantial conversations about personal authenticity in a seemingly glamorous school setting.
Overall, The Academy is a delightful, if occasionally flawed, exploration of youth, identity, and the hidden undercurrents of privilege. I’m genuinely excited to see where Hilderbrand takes us next!