This book is SO much fun!
Although I had heard of ‘Vanity Fair’ by William Makepeace Thackeray, I had not yet read the book, this book is it’sΒ modern remake.
For those of you who don’t know what Vanity Fair is about, in a nutshell it tells the story of Becky Sharp trying her best to climb the social circle, the story also features Emmy Smedley and her family and friends. It is set in the period of theΒ Napoleonic Wars.
Well… Grab those characters and fast forward to present day and you have yourself ‘The Rise & Fall of Becky Sharp’ by Sarra Manning ?
After reading this book, I’m now watching the current ITV version of ‘Vanity Fair’ and am amused at all the comparisons, Sara Manning has been very clever and inventive – what an imagination!
My Thoughts
The book starts with Becky and Amelia (Emmy) leaving the Big Brother House and all the media frenzy that follows (so 2018!) I loved it, what a contrast to the poshΒ boarding school for girls we are introduced to in the original story.
Becky is determined to better her social standing in society, just like the original Becky. Why shouldn’t she enjoy the finer things in life and live comfortably, just because she wasn’t born into the luxury and privilege of the high society?
I, am all for everyone looking to better themselves, we’d all like a comfortable lifestyle, but what are we prepared to do to get it? Anything? Who are we happy to betray? Anyone?
Most of us have a fairly decent moral compass, but Becky is on a whole new level of her own!
It is a hilarious book with some real laugh-out loud moments (you’ve been warned), so read in public fully prepared.
I love Becky and found Amelia (Emmy) to be a little naive for my liking, but then she seems to have led quite a sheltered life and Becky is so much more ‘Street-smart’, so probably I could relate to her thinking more ?
If like me, you’re looking for a fun few books to get you through the inevitable end of summer and the earlier evenings that signal the start of Autumn, you can’t go wrong with adding this funny book with a cunning heroine to your TBR (to be read) pile .
The Rise & Fall of Becky Sharp by Sarra Manning is out on 6th September 2018
Pre- order or purchase your copy here;
Happy reading!
Chanel x
Chanel Williams