The Girls Are Good
A gripping tale of ambition and rivalry
Format:Paperback
Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers
Published:22nd Jun '23
Should be back in stock very soon
In a world where ambition drives young gymnasts, The Girls Are Good explores the consequences of rivalry and obsession during a fateful competition.
In The Girls Are Good, the intense world of elite gymnastics serves as the backdrop for a gripping tale of ambition and rivalry. Martina, a determined gymnast, aspires to be the best, but she quickly realizes that her dreams are shared by her teammates. The pressure to excel is immense, and during a crucial week of competition, every gymnast is pushed to their limits. As they navigate the challenges of performance and personal sacrifice, the stakes rise, revealing the darker side of their ambition.
The narrative unfolds amid a high-stakes tournament, where the atmosphere is charged with tension. Each gymnast is aware that any sign of weakness could lead to their downfall. The competition is fierce, and as the week progresses, the desire to win becomes all-consuming. Yet, the story takes a chilling turn when a shocking event occurs: by the end of the week, one of the gymnasts will be dead. This tragic twist forces the girls to confront the true cost of their ambition and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their dreams.
The Girls Are Good is not only a thrilling exploration of friendship and rivalry but also a profound commentary on the darker aspects of obsession. With beautiful prose and a compelling narrative, the book leaves readers questioning how far they would go for success and what it truly means to be the best.
‘A vivid picture as shocking as it is gripping’ Stylist
‘Spare and claustrophobic … [a] sense of unease and impending doom.’ Shotsmag
For fans of the harrowing Netflix documentary Athlete A … comes Ilaria Bernardini’s cautionary tale about what happens when competition goes too far.’ Harper’s Bazaar
‘During an international contest… we see the physical pain, emotional toll, abuse and complicity the competition can foster. Black Swan meets Heathers’ GRAZIA
‘Mesmerising…a richness of psychological and sensual detail that non-fiction could never match’ THE SUNDAY TIMES
‘A tight, frightening story of friendship, rivalry and obsession, told in sparse and beautiful prose. Tense as the space between the uneven bars.' ABIGAIL DEAN, author of GIRL A
“The Girls are Good is a compelling, harrowing, and ultimately devastating portrayal of the horrors of being a teenager in the world of competitive gymnastics. Brilliantly observed, beautifully written – it’s quite simply unforgettable.”
ALEX MICHAELIDES, author of THE PATIENT
‘What a book! A stunning and revealing look the world of elite gymnastics. An unforgettable debut.’ JO JAKEMAN, author of STICKS AND STONES
‘Brutal and brilliant – I read it in one sitting.’ HARRIET TYCE, author of BLOOD ORANGE
‘Powerful, claustrophobic, shocking and heart-breaking.’ JANE SHEMILT, author of THE PATIENT
‘What a haunting novel. Cruel, barbed, disturbing, poignant – and it opened my eyes to an industry so graceful and effortless, and the intensity of a group of young people.’ LIV MATTHEWS, author of THE PRANK
'Loved this book, it’s such an original & haunting read which has stated with me long after reading'AMANDA REYNOLDS, author of CLOSE TO ME
ISBN: 9780008503086
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 18mm
Weight: 160g
224 pages