Book Review: The Undoing Of Violet Claybourne

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A dark, captivating novel of family secrets, desperate ambition and the deepest betrayal . . .

TO BECOME ONE OF THEM, SHE WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES.

1938. Gillian Larking is used to blending in and going unnoticed, until she is befriended by her new roommate at boarding school, the vibrant and spirited Violet Claybourne. As the Christmas holidays approach, Gilly can't believe her luck when Violet invites her to spend them at her home, the crumbling Thornleigh Hall.

At Thornleigh, Gilly is dazzled by the family's faded grandeur, and above all by Violet's beguiling older sisters who seem to accept her as one of their own. But following a terrible incident in the house's grounds, Gilly begins to realise the Claybourne sisters aren't quite what she thought they were. And if she's to survive in their world, she may have to become just like them . . .

As much as I want to love The Undoing of Violet Claybourne, I felt like a lot has been left out in order for me to get into that level. Granted that I am not really a fan of historical gothic mysteries, it takes a lot for me to love a book belonging to the genre. Sure, there were a lot of things to be explored in this book and I think that  Emily Critchley has a grand idea about this book but somehow, fell short of executing it thoroughly.

So with The Undoing of Violet Claybourne, we have our three Claybourne sisters and Gillian Larking, the main characters of this dark and gothic story. On the outside, our Claybourne sisters really looked like they are super bonded and united as one. They’re of the noble family, too, so it is no wonder that for an impressionable and somewhat a social climber, Gillian Larking, being friends with the sisters seemed like an opportunity of a lifetime. What started as a harmless story between Gillian and Violet exploring life as boarding school students suddenly became darker when the story shifted its focus on Violet’s personal life. At first, living in the Claybournés family residence, the Thornleigh Estate, seems like an enticing an idea. Despite the signs of dilapidation, it still has the air of grandeur and goth that would make any historical fiction fan squeak with delight. But as the story progressed, living with the Claybournes comes with a cost that borders on putting either your dignity or life at stake. And Gillian Larking, ever the spineless, people pleaser and social climber that she is, would discover horrifying truths surrounding the intriguing Claybourne sisters and the Thornleigh Hall. But will she do anything about it? Well, unfortunately, no because that also destroy her opportunity to be connected with a noble family.

When you dive into this book and expect that you will fall in love with any of the characters, please don’t because you will just hate yourself. Read the book like you are watching some sort of a toxic drama and be excited about who will die first. Being a reader who needs to get invested with the characters to like a book, I am surprised that I did enjoy the Undoing of Violet Claybourne because of all the family drama and horrifying revelations and the urge to just choke the sisters one by one.

Of course, there’s also the social commentary aspect of the book which made this book an interesting read. Like I did consider giving the sisters and Gillian the benefit of the doubt for acting like they do because they’re bound in a timeline that limits the choices of those who are born female but ultimately, you just can’t. There are boundaries that you just do not cross and these quartet of girls are just pro at being one of the most loathsome posses you encounter in your lifetime.

All in all, if you love intrigue, darkness, mystery and girls that wouldn’t hesitate in hurting your sorry ass, go ahead and pick this up. It will prolly bleed you dry and would make you question yourself if you are still okay.