Book Review | The Things We Do To Our Friends by Heather Darwent - An Engrossing Page-Turner

I managed to get my hands on a copy of The Things We Do To Our Friends at my first book event, the Penguin General Spring 2023 Showcase, and I was so excited I had to push it to the top of my to be read list. Thank god I did as I absolutely loved every page. 

Clare arrives at the University of Edinburgh with a secret. This is her chance for a blank slate: to find the right people and reinvent herself. And then she meets Tabitha. Tabitha is charismatic, beautiful and intimidatingly wealthy. Soon Clare is sucked into her enigmatic circle of friends and their dizzying world of champagne on rooftops and summers in France. Her new life has began. Then Tabitha reveals the little project they're working on, a project they need Clare’s help with. Its reckless, possibly perilous and might finally allow Clare to become who she was meant to be… But how much is an extraordinary life worth if others have to pay?

When it comes to writing Darwent is beyond talented. The writing style drip feeds you information, just enough to keep you captivated and hooked without giving too much away too early. And I think this is most apparent in the epilogue - it instantly grabs your attention, gets you wondering what the f*ck is going on and sets the tone for the remainder of the novel. From there on out you are taken on a rollercoaster of drama and emotions.

Darwents writing skills also shine through her characters and place descriptions. I really disliked each and every character, but in the best way possible. They’re dislikable but it plays perfectly to who they are and how the overall story plays out. And the descriptions of Edinburgh and Edinburgh life were perfect, as someone who lives in the city I could picture every inch and fully emerse myself in the story. Also, I have met enough Edinburgh Uni students to know there are far too many exactly like the characters in this book - to certain extents. 

The Things We Do To Our Friends is a character-driven, engrossing page-turner that everyone needs to read! And thankfully you don’t need to wait long as it will be published in January 2023. More information and to pre-order from an independent book seller click here: bookshop.org