Review: The Understudy by Julie Bennett

 

The Understudy is a debut novel for Julie Bennett. The novel is based loosely on Julie's own experience as an extra in the Australian Opera in 1973. Julie's father was also a tenor in the Australian Opera.

The book tells two stories, that of the lead Opera singer Margaret and the story of her understudy Sophie Carlton.

Margaret is a famous Australian Opera Singer and has been cast in the role of Madame Butterfly, at the opening of the brand new Sydney Opera House. Sophie has a role in the Chorus, but has also been cast as Margaret's understudy.

Sophie has wanted nothing else in life, but to sing the lead singer of an Opera and sing beside her all time idol, Armando Cecchi. When Margaret goes missing, Sophie can't believe her dream has finally come true.

Suspicions arise around the convenience of Margaret's disappearance, and Sophie is questioned by her employer and work mates. Sophie is doing well in her role, whilst she is filling in for Margaret, but the suspicions continue to rise and the Media are also rising suspicions.

I found the book difficult to put down, every 5 minutes I had spare, I was reading this book to find out what was happening with Sophie and if there had been an update on the missing Margaret.

The book is full of love, suspicion, thrill and excitement. This is a good first novel, with a little room for improvement. Perhaps if the form of characters, I also found the ending a little rushed.

Thank you Simon and Schuster and Julie Bennett for gifting me this copy. In return for your generosity I offer you my review

3 Stars: It was a good book and well-crafted. I would recommend it to the right person.

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