Summary: Sophia Bannion feels like she has finally landed a “real” job working for a very of-the-moment NYC wellness brand HEBE (hee-bee), created by the charismatic Tree Whitestone. She is finally one of the IT Girls – dressing well, eating vegan, promoting high-end skincare and being seen in all the hot venues. Once Sophia is part of Tree’s inner circle, she learns the secret at the centre of the youthjuice success and must grapple with her conscience to decide if she is willing to do what it takes to stay young forever.

Thoughts: I found Sophia Bannion a fascinating character. The author gives us a well-rounded perspective on the influences and experiences that have formed her. Sathue uses flashbacks to 2008 to tell the story of Sophia’s friendship with her closest friend, Mona, her initial experience of love with Chase, and her difficult relationship with her psychologically abusive parents. Sophia is driven by an inner, boiling rage and a desperate need to stay young, to be accepted and to finally have all the material things she has always wanted.

I enjoyed the roast of the goop-like culture at HEBE with their overpriced, vegan, environmentally conscious and holier-than-thou attitude. The satirical and far-fetched treatment of the useless interns, with their trust funds, acrylic nails, fake tans and ubiquitous smartphones was also deliciously enjoyable. It is true that some of the body horror elements may not be for the squeamish, but I felt this visceral and uncomfortable aspect of the storytelling was critical to the overall themes and messages of the novel. I enjoyed it far more than I expected.

If this is the opener, I cannot wait to see what Sathue does next!