Bookseller Reviews
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One of the best debuts I've read in years
Jade is a lawyer at a Magic Circle firm in London. After a managing partner keeps forcing drinks on her at a work dinner and Jade becomes highly intoxicate... READ MORE
A rollercoaster ride with humour and heart
From the moment I cracked open the pages of 'Jaded,' I was drawn into a world that felt uncomfortably familiar yet startlingly real. Ela Lee fearlessly nav... READ MORE
A powerful and important read
This one really resonated with me, l cried so much while reading. I became so angry and frustrated - it really is one of the most moving books I've ever re... READ MORE
Synopsis
She did everything right. So why did it go so wrong?
Jade isn't even my real name. Jade began as my Starbucks name, because all children of immigrants have a Starbucks name.
Jade has become everything she ever wanted to be.
Successful lawyer. Dutiful daughter. Beloved girlfriend. Loyal friend.
Until one night, something terrible happens after a work event, and she starts to wonder if she really wants to be the person she’s become.
She’s learned to laugh when she’s felt like crying, opted to be invisible when she wanted to speak up and changed her identity to please people. But now Jade has to make a decision for herself. The question is, which is the right one?
This searing novel explores the strength we find in female friendship, the hope that lights up the dark moments and recovery that’s far from linear, and will leave you asking yourself: what would you have done in Jade’s situation?
Publisher information
- Publisher: Vintage Publishing
- ISBN: 9781529933635
- Number of pages: 384
- Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 24 mm
- Weight: 265g
- Languages: English
Customer Reviews
View allIntelligently written, powerful, and thought-provoking
Ela Lee's debut novel, "Jaded," is a poignant exploration of identity, ambition, and the aftermath of a fateful night. The protagonist, Jade, navigates the... READ MORE
Important commentary on society
A fantastic book, tackling some very serious and important issues that society all-too-readily accepts or ignores.
A convincing and intelligent novel
Ela Lee is a British-Korean-Turkish writer who studied Law at Oxford and practiced as a City litigation lawyer before writing this her debut novel – and it... READ MORE
A must read!
"Jaded" is a debut that grips you with its raw emotion and incisive exploration of identity, trauma, and resilience. Ela Lee's adept storytelling plunges y... READ MORE
A debut so good, it actually made me jealous
A new favourite of all time, Jaded tells the story of Jade (or Ceyda) after a night she can’t remember. I’d been pining after a copy of this book ever sinc... READ MORE
Engaging and thought provoking
Jade is a must-read for those who appreciate novels that tackle serious issues with sensitivity and depth. This debut is a testament to Ela Lee’s talent as... READ MORE
Powerful
Set in the high pressure world of London corporate law, this was a raw and unflinching look at consent, power and race. I thought it was masterfully done, ... READ MORE
A beautiful and powerful debut
Jaded is a gorgeous read. It is both thought-provoking and rage-inducing, as it focuses on a number of serious themes and injustices that are unfortunatel... READ MORE
Amazingly shocking
This was a tough but important read. To stand in the shoes of somebody who’s life has been turned upside and to go on that journey with her brought up feel... READ MORE
Outstanding debut which spoke to me on many levels
I felt so many emotions reading this one, with an overwhelming feeling of rage on Jade’s behalf!! Ela Lee effortlessly tackles so many complex themes about... READ MORE
THE standout book of the year!
I couldn’t put it down - Ela Lee is an incredibly talented author and this debut novel put me through the emotional wringer. A story with incredibly compel... READ MORE
Jealous of anyone who gets to read this book for the first time
I have never written a review for a book before but this book has captured feelings I have always felt throughout my life but never was able to put into wo... READ MORE
An important read!
Impressive that this was a debut
Highly recommend
Could not put this book down. What an amazing debut novel. Brilliantly written and a story everyone needs to hear.
The most compelling, interesting, and thought-provoking debut i’ve read in a while
This book is for fans of Queenie and I May Destroy You, telling the story of Ceyda, known by her friends and colleagues as Jade, who on the surface has it ... READ MORE
So powerful
4 - 5 stars rounded up
“Jade isn’t my real name, it’s Ceyda but Jade is my Starbucks name because all children of immigrants have them. I work for the p... READ MORE
My first five star read of 2024 for this debut novel
Ela Lee is a British author with Korean and Turkish heritage and was a lawyer in the City Of London. Main character and narrator Jade has a Korean mother ... READ MORE
A must read
What a debut this is - totally extraordinary throughout. Would highly recommend this to lawyers and non-lawyers, it is a fascinating insight into so many ... READ MORE
Beautifully written and truly thought-provoking.
I couldn’t put this book down once I started. An incredible debut novel - beautifully written, powerfully evocative descriptions of Turkish and Korean cult... READ MORE
Prepare to feel Jaded
I was sent this proof of Jaded by Ela Lee from Harvill Secker.
Reminiscent of the themes explored in other books I’ve loved (including Assembly by Nata... READ MORE
Jaded by Ela_Lee
I was intrigued to read this highly recommended book . It would not have been one I would normally pick . The writing was so eloquent and the subject addre... READ MORE
Beautiful Debut Novel
Jaded is a heartfelt and critical exploration of race, class, and city life. The structure of the novel allows for a weaving exploration into the protagoni... READ MORE
YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK!
Absolutely stunning novel from start to finish!
Commencing on the night of a work Christmas party, Ela wastes little time in setting up the characters and... READ MORE
Truly unmissable
A successful lawyer & loving daughter to Korean-Turkish parents, Ceyda (or Jade, as she is now known to her western peers) has successfully crafted a life ... READ MORE
Great read
Impressive debut from Ela Lee
Excellent debut novel
Jaded deals with the after effects of a night out, when Jade (not her real name, but it has stuck because her real name is too hard for people to pronounce... READ MORE
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