Too scared, too ashamed, to say it. Before, I was the unraped. Now I am the raped. The finality of that change struck complete fear in me. There was no in-between.
There have been numerous books in the last decade or so dealing with issues around rape, sexual assault and non-consent: this is perhaps one of the most emotionally absorbing for me.

I found Jade (a 'Starbucks name' for Ceyda) an immediately engaging narrator: in her mid-twenties, forging a career at a City law firm and in love with Kit - but there are subtle red flags that we identify even while Jade tries to blind herself to them. Not least is her mixed-race status and the way Kit tramples over the sensitivities of her Turkish father and Korean mother, and Jade's own performative ways of being with her wealthy, white boyfriend.

There's a lot going on in this book and it's to Lees's credit that it all holds together from the rape and aftermath plot, the increasing focus on race as a complicated status, the exposure of male 'feminism' as cynical virtue signalling (not all men, of course), struggles with corporate culture (and the scenes of the self-congratulatory EDI group are hilariously snarky!), as well as intergenerational relationships and being the child of immigrant parents. All of these are treated in sophisticated ways with no easy arcs or happy redemption narratives. The relationship between Jade and her mother feels especially troubling and all the more realistic for that very reason.

I think one of the important qualities for me is the sense of authenticity - only once was there a convenient plot device (Suzie) and even then the book tried to justify its own coincidence by tackling it in a self-referential way.

This isn't a conspicuously 'literary' book in terms of style or form - but it's emotionally mature and utterly convincing. Jade doesn't always make wise decisions but she's all the more human for that reason. And it's worth mentioning the supporting characters of Adele and Jade's parents are superbly drawn.

Nuanced and, in places, rightfully enraging, this is nicely complementary to Prima Facie but still feels a book which has important things of its own to say. The world of the book feels robust in its creation with characters who live off the page. Clever wordplay too with the 'jaded' of the title: both the weariness of women battling patriarchy on multiple levels as well as the way Ceyda reconstructs her own 'Jade' identity for other people's ease.

Many thanks to Random House, Vintage for an ARC via Netgalley.netgalley53 s2 comments Ceecee2,263 1,883

4 - 5 stars rounded up

“Jade isn’t my real name, it’s Ceyda but Jade is my Starbucks name because all children of immigrants have them. I work for the prestigious law firm of Reuben, Fleisher and Wishall and I’ve worked very hard to fit in. At a client dinner and a night of heavy drinking particularly encouraged by my boss David Reuben, who clearly has designs and keeps filling my glass, but it’s actually Josh who takes me home”. This debut novel deals with the fallout and after effects of that fateful night and so much more.

First of all, what an accomplished debut novel this is, and I see this author having a bright literary future ahead of her, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this book gets nominated for awards as it deserves to. It has multiple layers to the storytelling which each wraps around the other making it a whole. Jade is the daughter of a Turkish man and a Korean mother, so cultural identity is one issue. I love the Turkish/Korean element and find her parents, their diverse cultures and outlooks absolutely fascinating. Less good is the racism, be it casual (still racism) or more overt and the lip service the corporate world she lives in pays to diversity makes you cringe. Even her long-term boyfriend Kit blunders in without really trying to understand. It’s almost at times as if he’s trying to just tick a box and feel pleased and rather proud of himself.

Amongst other things, the storytelling looks at the demands of a highflying corporate world, who will always move to protect their own. There’s power, politics, misogyny and wealth also in the mix, and if that sounds too much, it isn’t as the storytelling is so skilful. However, at the heart of the novel lies sexual assault, and the way that Jade recalls this is almost surreal and an out of body experience, which makes it feel even more chilling. The impact especially her internal battles with feelings such as guilt, the effects on her relationships and every aspect of her life is described so well. She’s so uncertain, there’s pressure on her to tell or not to tell and I find myself getting totally caught up in her life. My heart aches for her, it makes me sad and angry as it is HER life that implodes. Where’s the justice in that??? Naturally, that takes the novel to reflect on victims and the law, and the low rate of conviction which adds to the anger that you feel for her and women who have suffered her.

Although the topics Ela Lee deals with are very difficult ones, she does this extremely well as it’s much more about the impact on Jade. It’s very well written, it’s intelligent, very powerful, real and thought-provoking, and it’s without doubt a book that I will remember.

With thanks to Natalie and especially to Random House UK, Harvill Secker , for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review43 s14 comments Nilufer Ozmekik2,503 50.9k

This thought provoking plot takes us on a compelling journey alongside Ceyda, affectionately known as Jade, a talented lawyer working at Reuban in London, UK. Her life appears to be on track, but a night of heavy drinking during a work event leaves her with a hazy memory and suspicions of sexual assault. This event is a catalyst, challenging her perception of self and her meticulously constructed world.

Jade is a young woman caught between the desire to please her immigrant parents and conform to societal norms, which include maintaining a relationship with her boyfriend, Kit. When the assault occurs, Jade's carefully constructed façade begins to crumble as she navigates the painful memories, trying to piece together what happened. With the support of her friends and after confronting her family and Kit, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

The book skillfully addresses important themes, including identity, ambition, misogyny, sexism, power, and wealth. It delves into Jade's internal struggle as she comes to terms with her experiences, leading her to become more vocal and aware of the cultural norms and attitudes that have shaped her life. As Jade's understanding grows, she grapples with the expectations of her immigrant parents, who have long encouraged her to assimilate into the dominant culture.

 "Jade" is a sharp and thrilling exploration of a woman's search for self, resilience, and empowerment in the face of a traumatic event. This engaging narrative offers readers an insightful examination of contemporary social issues and personal growth, making it an impactful and thought-provoking read. The writing is superb, effortlessly guiding us through Jade's thoughts, realizations, and emotions. While the plot might be challenging, it is executed with finesse. As we accompany Jade on her journey, we see her evolve and transform, ultimately reclaiming her identity and sense of self. Despite the difficult subject matter, the novel is beautifully crafted, and the author's ability to weave complex themes into the narrative is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate the author's future works.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon &Schuster for sharing this powerful book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.45 s Christy fictional_traits171 181

'I played Twister with my personality, to see what fit best'

Jade is the daughter of mixed-heritage, immigrant parents who have relentlessly toiled to build a life in England to give their daughter a future. But Jade isn't even really her name. It's an anglicised, phonetic take on her given Turkish name Ceyda - and it's just easier. Easier to fit in, easier to not offer explanations, and easier to not side with being Turkish or Korean. Being what Jade perceives people need her to be: a dutiful daughter at home, easygoing with her boyfriend, and a workaholic as a lawyer has worked well for Jade. Jade has everything - until Jade doesn't. The morning after a work function she wakes up naked in bed, without a clue how she got home and a hazy memory of the night before. As her mind slowly reveals what the body has always remembered, Jade is confronted with all the locked-away illusions of her life to date. Her precarious balancing of multiple selves crumbles, leaving her to question just who she really is.

'Jaded' tackles a number of issues within a relatively short book: ethnicity, explicit and complicit racism, endemic misogyny, and sexual assault. For me, highlighting the complicit ways many of us continue to perpetuate racism and gender bias is always a worthy reminder. The 'believability' of sexual assault is also tackled along with the potential ramifications of reporting it versus just burying it.

This book will make you think - even if you end up feeling you've just come out of the spin cycle by the end of it.netgalley37 s10 comments Judy1,250 32

Jaded is a very well written debut novel by Ela Lee. It is a very raw and heart-wrenching account of a rape and its aftermath. Jade (real name Ceyda but everyone calls her Jade) finds herself at home after a party and she has no memory how she got there. She has to try to piece together what happened the night before. Jade is a successful attorney of mixed race in a firm where the men rule and corporate culture is rife with sexism, misogeny, and racial bias. She has a difficult time navigating these issues and trying to deal with what happened to her.

This book delves deep into Jade's uncertainty and her feelings of being less. I felt the book successfully depicted the trauma and the journey Jade navigated to survive her ordeal. I found the book relevant and well done and I think it is a good book for any woman to read.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster through Netgalley for an advance copy. Expected publication March 19, 2024.17 s3 comments Dana22 171

As a survivor, I find it incredibly difficult to rate this book objectively. The processing of sexual abuse by the main character, Jade, was beyond accurate: with the conflicting feelings, with the doubt, the second thoughts, fear and immense shame, and all the lies we tell ourselves just not to accept the harsh truth.

I found myself crying more than I expected, at certain times for Jade and others for both myself and for us, survivors as a collective.

Although the book might not have a plot, characters, or language no other, I argue that it comes with something of higher importance — a conversation. 15 s Shereadbookblog720

The daughter of a Korean mother and Turkish father, Ceyda, known as Jade, spends long hours as an attorney for a London firm that fancies itself pro women and pro diversity. After too much to drink at a firm gala, she wakes up naked with no memory of how she got home. Slowly, she realizes she has been the victim of a sexual attack by a co worker. Struggling to deal with the trauma of the event while balancing career, a boyfriend who seems less than understanding, her traditional parents, and a complicit workplace, her life soon spirals out of control.

This is a skillful debut novel and one I hope will receive a lot of attention. There is much here for reflection and discussion including the treatment of people of color, cultural misunderstandings, cultural identity, racism, consent, the legal system as related to sexual assault, and the misogyny, bias, nepotism and false benevolence of the corporate culture. While difficult topics, they are presented with intelligence, realism, and empathy.

And how beautiful and symbolic is this cover?

Thanks to #netgalley and @simonbooks for the ARC.
14 s Chelsey (a_novel_idea11)541 152

This book gutted me. It was emotional and unfortunately, will be too relatable for too many people. It is a complex story of racism, sexism, and a young woman just trying to find her own path in a world where there are obstacles around every corner.

I was first drawn to this book because it featured a young lawyer trying to make a name for herself among a sea of white suits. Being part of the legal profession myself, I'm always drawn to books where I can find parallels.

Jade was so relatable. She was kind and ambitious and wanted nothing more than to have a happy and stable life, make her parents proud, and be with the man she loved. All reasonable and seemingly attainable requests, but at what cost?

When Jade is sexually assaulted and she has no real memory of the event, it was deeply troubling. Jade moves on with her days as though nothing has happened and I wanted to shake her for ignoring the signs and not listening to her body. But, as a woman myself, I sadly know that this situation is all too common.

Jaded takes a hard look at victims of sexual assault and the aftermath of an attack. I appreciated how Lee handled this traumatic event - she was sensitive but pragmatic and I think the essence of Jade's experience will speak to and validate many women.

This book was at many times very hard to read. I was angry for much of it - angry at Jade's family for their reaction, angry for Jade's boyfriend for making the assault about him, angry at the abuser for being in a situation of privilege and power and taking advantage of that, and angry at a system that creates the opportunities for such violence and at times, even condones it. I was grateful for strong emotions this novel evoked though, because we need these stories and we need the space to have these difficult conversations. These stories are too common and too powerful and too important not to share

This is an impressive debut. Lee's writing was fantastic and she handled many difficult topics with expertise. I absolutely recommend.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the copy.giveaways-arcs12 s2 comments Kelly PrambergerAuthor 5 books39

This book is a great example of sophisticated storytelling in my opinion. The story was well written and the characters were very interesting. The main situation was uncovered and the book goes into detail about how the characters deal with this. Class, culture and gender are the main themes. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. This one is still on my mind.12 s1 comment Aoife Cassidy McM661 242

Jaded is the debut novel from British-Korean-Turkish author Ela Lee, and it comes with a lot of hype. I requested it a few months ago on Netgalley after reading the synopsis and being sold on the City lawyer #MeToo angle, and it’s recently been mentioned in the same breath as the Women’s Prize. I’m happy to say it lived up to the advance praise, I loved it and inhaled it over a couple of days.

Jade (real Ceyda, Starbucks name Jade) is a young mixed race woman with a prestigious career as a City lawyer with one of the big firms and a hot, rich, white boyfriend Kit.

Life changes utterly for Jade when she unwittingly (and unwillingly) gets very drunk on a work night out and wakes up the next morning trying to piece together how she got home, the realisation dawning on her that she has been assaulted. Caught between her parents who don’t understand, her boyfriend who feels betrayed and the firm who expect her silence, Jade begins to unravel.

With themes of identity, class, privilege, expectation and complicity explored, Jaded is one of those novels where you find yourself constantly questioning what you would do in Jade’s situation. There are no easy answers and I d that this wasn’t a story with a linear arc of redemption.

I worked for one of the big City firms in my twenties and could relate to a lot of what Jade describes - it made me somewhat despair that not much has changed despite the author being fifteen years younger than me.

An excellent, thought-provoking read that would make a good book club pick. Content warning for rape/sexual assault (not a spoiler, it’s in the blurb). 4/5??

*Many thanks to @harvillsecker for the advance copy via @netgalley. Jaded was published this week. As always, this is an honest review.11 s Letitia | Bookshelfbyla161 89

“-But as I looked at my mother, I realized I have always craved something from her that she was unable to give me. I could see now. How similar we really were. How much silence had robbed the both of us.”

TW: sexual assault/rape

‘Jaded’ by Ela Lee is a thought-provoking and authentic exploration of sexual misconduct and violence, corporate work environments, generational, class, and cultural divides and the relationships that bolster and challenge your sense of self.

Jade is the only daughter of her Korean and Turkish immigrant parents. many immigrant children, she has taken on the burden of making their parent's sacrifices meaningful. And Jade has succeeded. She has an amazing job at a top law firm, a boyfriend who admires her, and loyal friends. Her life couldn’t be better.

But when she wakes up the morning after her work gala with no memory of how she got home, pieces of her picturesque life start to crack permanently.

My favorite thing about this story is how realistic and honest it is. It is easy to present black-and-white scenarios, but the grey area where most people reside is often the hardest and Ela explored it so well.

Many themes were explored, the biggest surrounding Jade processing and recovering from that horrible night. As a society, we pat ourselves on the back since we have evolved to a time when obvious wrongs are easy to criticize. But as we see in this story, major improvements must be made in providing support, protection and grace for victims while ensuring accountability for those who harm and are silent bystanders. Becoming jaded by these acts is a high price to pay.

It was emotional to see how what happened to Jade affect all aspects of her life, from her sense of self to her relationship with her boyfriend, mom and career. But again realistic.

I recommend to anyone with the space to read it. It’s a coming-of-age story under unfortunate circumstances. The writing style is not your typical literary read but everything was explored with maturity. I'm still thinking about the epilogue was a beautiful and powerful inclusion.

Thank you Simon Books for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.2024-anticipated-reads arcs-gifted7 s Tess137 33

TRIGGER WARNING: rape / sexual assault :

I don’t know quite what I expected going into Jaded, only that it wasn’t this powerhouse of emotion, shrewd commentary and uncomfortable exposee of the aggressions (micro and macro, passive and active) that women face in the world. These are showcased through Jade (whose real name is Ceyda, but it seems that no one can spell or pronounce that), a young mixed race British-Turkish-Korean who is sexually assaulted by a colleague and discovers just how many hurdles there are between her and ‘justice’ (e.g. a shred of accountability and restoration).

Whilst working at a (predictably, majority male, majority white) law firm in London, Jade attends a dinner at which not only is one of the major directors of the firm behaving deeply inappropriately towards her (not allowing her to say no to alcohol, placing hands on her and suggesting that she come and stay with him), which ends in her being blackout drunk and escaping the party. But, after being helped home by another colleague, she wakes up feeling anxious and confused, with no memory and a deep, gnawing sense of dread. She spends the next days and weeks trying to peer through the haze to piece together what happened that night - and the impact it will have on her life from here on.

She turns to her boyfriend, Kit, for support and whilst he initially seems kind and supportive, as the story unfolds we learn slivers of information from past and present that highlight his total lack of cultural sensitivity, combined with virtue signaling and ‘remaining neutral’ as a means of ‘diffusing’ tension.

Whilst evidently the central event of this book is the sexual assault / rape that Ceyda suffers, the narrative also does a brilliant job of slipping in regular ‘throw away’ comments from characters (very much not just Kit!) which highlight just how ignorantly cavalier people can be with their casual xenophobia, how quickly they dismiss systems of oppression, or become more interested in white saviorism than actually challenging structural inequality or addressing their own biases.

This is a story of identity, politics, privilege, oppression, misogyny and feminism and I found it to be deeply moving, scream-inducingly aggravating and totally devastating - all whilst remaining accessible (obviously trigger warnings allowing!) and engaging throughout. Am so grateful for having been able to read this, and I highly highly recommend it.7 s Dona755 107

Thank you to the author Ela Lee, publishers Simon & Schuster, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of Jaded. All views are mine.

I observed this oasis [my parents had] created. It scared me to tell them.... I physically ached at the idea of inflicting that pain on them. The kind of pain that only a parent can feel when someone hurts their child and there’s nothing that can undo it. Loc.1166

Perhaps the most telling thing about this book is the title, which it's no spoiler to tell you refers to the limbo occupied by all the women who experienced SA and then are let down in all the countless ways society lets them down. The death by a thousand cuts. JADED. This is a harrowing story told impeccably. I honestly can't praise it enough. This theme is critical and I'm so glad Lee wrote this book. These stories don't often reach the mainstream, so it's good Simon & Schuster picked this one up and published it.

Jade is a young lawyer with a burgeoning career and a promising romantic relationship. After one night that she can't remember, her whole world turns on its head. How she deal with something that is tearing her apart into bits, if she can't even remember it? I recommend this harrowing, insightful, stunning book to readers of women's and feminist fiction, slow burn thrillers and mysteries, and psychological stories. Huge trigger warning for SA, violence against women, gaslighting, amnesia.

You can love someone whilst detesting them with a viciousness that scares you. Loc.2535

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. The wine glass ring element is completely brilliant.

2. This theme is critical and I'm so glad Lee wrote this book. People often experience SA without even being aware of it because of compromised memory, poor definitions of SA, and other reasons. These stories don't often reach the mainstream, so it's good Simon & Schuster picked this one up and published it.

3. The "search results" section is a really clever form that transmitted a great deal of information in a small space.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. I'm not a huge fan of so many flashbacks. I do prefer flashbacks to dual timelines, but I think they should be used sparingly and carefully.

2. When Jade first gets confirmation from a nurse, during a vaginal examination that she may have been sexually assaulted, the character fiercely represses her emotional reaction, but with no indication why. This is common, I think, that fiction writers write their characters as repressive, at least initially. But why? It makes little sense.

3. Prose is a bit clumsy in places. Too many fragments and sentences can get rickety.

Rating:
Autor del comentario:
=================================