The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is the latest book by the fabulously talented and brilliant E. Lockhart. Frankie Landau-Banks is a sophomore at Alabaster, a prestigious boarding school. Previously, the institution was all-male, but it is now coeducational. Its infamous secret society, however, remains a boys-only club. The Loyal Order of the Basset Hounds, to which Frankie’s father belonged, is still on campus (although in a rather weak form), and Frankie’s new boyfriend, the sought-after Matthew Livingston, is a part of it.
And he won’t even tell her. It’s only through her own intelligence and curiosity that she figures it out, despite giving Matthew numerous opportunities to tell her. And Frankie’s not the least bit happy with any of it–her boyfriend keeping secrets, or the society not allowing girls. And Frankie, being Frankie, isn’t going to stand for that.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is told in the third-person (which, you may know is not my preferred point of view), but I absolutely adored it and wasn’t even bothered by the narration, it was told so wonderfully. E. Lockhart is a truly brilliant writer, and her talent really shines in this fresh, witty new novel.
I think this may be E. Lockhart’s best novel yet, and, really, that’s saying something! She’s an amazing writer, and this smart, funny book is one that is already standing out as one of the best of 2008 (and it’s not officially released until March 25). Frankie is a wonderful character–intelligent, creative, and empowered. She’s always been “bunny rabbit” to her family, and most people see her that way even if they don’t use that nickname–they think she’s cute and charming and harmless. Frankie, however, is anything but! She’s a criminal mastermind.
The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks is a funny, bold, and irreverent novel sure to find many fans who are themselves not content with the established social order or the way the world sees them.
Also posted at Chicklish!
March 2, 2008 at 3:52 pm
I haven’t read any books by E. Lockhart yet, though I really want to. This one looks great. Should I start with this or read the others first?
March 2, 2008 at 4:08 pm
this sounds like a really great book! i enjoyed your review.
March 2, 2008 at 6:54 pm
I can’t wait to read this book. I preordered it!
March 2, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Can’t wait to read it!
March 2, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Harmony: it’s totally not necessary to read any of her other books first; this one’s a stand-alone. Of course, once you do experience its awesomeness, you’ll want to read the others!
March 3, 2008 at 11:11 am
Great review! I have this book in my TBR pile and hope to get to it this week while I’m home on break. :)
E. Lockhart DOES rock! I love her books, though I have yet to read Fly on the Wall yet. I’m definitely looking forward to reading Disreputable History though.
November 26, 2008 at 7:58 pm
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April 16, 2009 at 9:43 pm
i read this book. its really interesting i wud recommend those who havent read it yet to read it! (: this is like one of E.lockhart’s best books!
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August 31, 2011 at 9:03 pm
I just read this recently as well and loved it!! I am now on to read more of E. Lockhart’s books :)
– Alyssa of Redhead Heroines