The Favourites by Layne Fargo
I will start this review by saying I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy The Favourites, as it’s a retelling of the classic novel Wuthering Heights. Personally, I didn’t love Wuthering Heights, I found the characters unlikeable and the ending ambiguous and frustrating.
However, I was pleasantly surprised. From the moment I started reading The Favourites, I was hooked.
The novel explores the world of professional figure skating and tells the story of Katrina Shaw, competitive, strong-minded and determined to win Olympic gold and her skating partner, Heath Rocha. Heath, who comes from the foster care system, forms a deep connection with Katrina from a young age. Their relationship is turbulent, both on and off the ice.
The story unfolds across two timelines: one set in the past, chronicling Kat and Heath’s journey to the top and the other in the present, told in a documentary-style format through interviews with various characters reflecting on their careers and relationship.
I loved this book; it was very addictive, a real page turner. The Favourites is full of drama, romance, ambition and I learnt so much about ice skating, which I also loved.
If you can, I highly recommend listening to the audiobook, available on Libby with your library card. The documentary format works especially well in audio, with multiple narrators bringing the story to life. You can also borrow a hard copy from the library or download the eBook via BorrowBox.
Skate into the library and grab your copy today.
April
Format
eAudiobooks
Subject
Reactions
