“It’s Goodbye, Mr. Chips meets The Bad Seed. Joanne Harris’s latest novel, Different Class, has a killer elevator pitch and, what’s more, it delivers on its intriguing premise….[A] rich, dramatic tale that builds to a surprising conclusion.” —The Washington Post
“Harris delivers mischief and murder to an English prep school in Different Class, a delightfully malicious view of privileged students with overly active imaginations.” —The New York Times Book Review
From the New York Times bestselling author of Chocolat comes a dark, psychological suspense tale in the tradition of Patricia Highsmith about a sociopathic young outcast at an antiquated prep school and the curmudgeonly Latin teacher who uncovers his dangerous secret.
After thirty years at St. Oswald’s Grammar in North Yorkshire, England, Latin master Roy Straitley has seen all kinds of boys come and go. Each class has its own clowns, rebels, and underdogs—all who hold a special place in the old teacher’s heart. But every so often there’s a boy who doesn’t quite fit the mold. A troublemaker. A boy with darkness inside.
With insolvency and academic failure looming, a new headmaster arrives at the venerable school, bringing with him new technology, sharp suits, and even girls to the dusty corridors. But while Straitley does his sardonic best to resist these steps toward the future, a shadow from his past begins to stir again. A boy who still haunts Straitley’s dreams twenty years later. A boy capable of terrible things.
Industry Reviews
How well do we know the people around us? What facade do they show to the world that hides their deepest thoughts and fears?....Harris's sharp-eyed observations of human behavior are on the mark.--Library Journal, starred review
Mr. Chips meets Gordon Gekko in Harris' novel of academe....Harris expertly manipulates reader expectations as to the identities of St. Oswald's true villains, past and present. A gripping fictional expose of a tempest no teapot can contain.--Kirkus Reviews
[A] delightfully malicious view of privileged students with overly active imaginations.--The New York Times Book Review
A magnificently plotted and twisty journey to the heart of a 24-year-old crime...darkly humorous...constantly wrongfoots and misdirects...up to a satisfyingly eccentric conclusion.--Observer
A thumping good showdown....Harris delivers.--Booklist
Deftly orchestrated and beautifully written tale of abuse, loyalty and regret.--Guardian
Harris magnificently manages every minute thread of the story, and even makes us laugh along the way . . . exquisitely sinister. . . Part black comedy, part thriller, and totally enjoyable.--Daily Mail
Harris pulls off an impeccable thriller denouement...consistently entertaining.--Sunday Times
Her real metier is psychological suspense, and her accomplished new book, Different Class, is a prime example of her skills in this area . . . Crime novel or literary novel? Categories really don't matter; readers will find themselves comprehensively gripped.--Independent
Slowly, Harris reveals tiny clues, withholding full explanations until the startling denouement. Classy writing, sensitive and moving.--The Times
