Laura Steven, Every exquisite thing, HarperCollins Publishers, October 2023, 352 pp., RRP $18.25 (pbk), ISBN 9780008627355
Every exquisite thing is written by Laura Steven and is about Penny Paxton, the daughter of a beloved icon, starts at Dorian Drama Academy. During the auditions, we are introduced to Davina and before long, Penny’s private mentor dies. Before the mentor dies though, she offers Penny a chance to become immortalised in a painting that holds a body in the exact same state as it was when the painting was completed. Soon after the confrontation with her mum, creepy and strange things start happening to Penny and to Davina, who is revealed to have had a painting done as well. They, with the help of Penny’s roommates, eventually figure out what is happening, and Penny eventually ends the situation and destroys her painting.
This book threw me on a rollercoaster. It was a slower read than I am used to, as I had to kind of let the words sink in and figure out what was happening at times. I really enjoyed reading the exploration of Catalina (one of Penny’s roommates) and Penny’s relationship, as well as the relationship between Davina and Penny. The mystery surrounding what was happening to Penny (and Davina) was intriguing. Additionally, how Catalina eventually figured it out and the explanation behind what was happening was so interesting. The only characters I disliked at times was Penny’s mother and Maisie, though at times they were pleasant to read about.
The book deals with heavy topics like eating disorders, the dark side of fame, and more. I would recommend this book, due to the topics discussed, to ages 15 and older.
Reviewed by Grace Gaffney
