Review: Precious You By Helen Monks Takhar | The Nerd Daily
Are you looking for a new read that will leave you contemplating life’s big questions? Then look no further than Helen Monks Takhar’s novel, Precious You. In this riveting tale, we follow the story of a young advertising executive, Lily, who becomes the target of her older, more experienced colleague, her nemesis, “hen party Barbie,” as Lily calls her, who begins to slowly unravel Lily’s life.
Themes and Ideas
Precious You tackles a variety of heavy themes, including power dynamics in the workplace, ageism, misogyny and the impact of social media on our lives. These issues are all presented in a highly relatable way, and readers will not be able to help but feel a sense of empathy for the characters and their situations. Takhar’s masterful treatment of these issues allows for serious discussions, while also keeping the reader engaged with the novel’s thrilling plot.
Critical Evaluation
Takhar’s writing style is both effective and powerful. The novel is skilfully crafted, keeping the reader engaged from the first page to the last. The way Takhar delves into the complexities of human relationships and the dark side of ambition is truly remarkable. With deft prose, she paints a picture of a world where no one is safe from the callousness of others.
One aspect of Precious You that stands out is its portrayal of social media. Lily’s obsession with her Instagram account and the way her nemesis uses the platform to bully and harass her is a powerful commentary on the role social media plays in our lives. This issue is particularly relevant in today’s society, and Takhar handles it with aplomb.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The strengths of Precious You are many. The storyline is gripping, the writing style is engaging and effective, and the characters are developed in a way that keeps the reader invested in their journeys. At the same time, the novel’s main weakness is that it can be a bit dark at times, and some readers may find the portrayal of some of the characters to be a bit extreme.
Additionally, the pacing of the novel can be slow at times, which may turn off readers who are looking for a more fast-paced read. However, for those who stick with it, the payoff will be worth it.
Comparison to Other Works
Compared to other works in its genre, Precious You stands out for its compelling storyline, well-developed characters and powerful social commentary. While novels like The Devil Wears Prada may also tackle similar themes, Takhar’s treatment of them in Precious You is much more nuanced and complex.
Overall, Precious You is a novel that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. It is a powerful commentary on the darker side of ambition and office politics, and a reminder of the importance of empathy and treating others with kindness.
FAQ
What is Precious You about?
Precious You is a novel about a young advertising executive, Lily, who becomes the target of her older, more experienced colleague, her nemesis, “hen party Barbie,” as Lily calls her, who begins to slowly unravel Lily’s life. The novel tackles a variety of heavy themes, including power dynamics in the workplace, ageism, misogyny and the impact of social media on our lives.
Who is the author, Helen Monks Takhar?
Helen Monks Takhar is a writer and former investment banker. She lives in London with her husband and two young children. Precious You is her debut novel.
What is the writing style like?
The writing style in Precious You is engaging and effective. The novel is skilfully crafted, keeping the reader engaged from the first page to the last. The way Takhar delves into the complexities of human relationships and the dark side of ambition is truly remarkable.
What are some other works that are similar?
Novels like The Devil Wears Prada may tackle similar themes, but Takhar’s treatment of them in Precious You is much more nuanced and complex.
Would you recommend this book to others?
Absolutely. Precious You is a novel that will leave a lasting impression on its readers. It is a powerful commentary on the darker side of ambition and office politics, and a reminder of the importance of empathy and treating others with kindness.
