The Knockoff by Lucy Sykes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A somewhat fascinating, satirical 0ffice drama detailing the upheavals taking place in the media world. Imogen Tate, having undergone treatment for breast cancer, returns to her head editorial post at Glossy magazine to find out that her former assistant Eve has taken on an outsized role as the new digital editor. Full of herself, moneygrubbing, and absolutely soulless, Eve manages to piss off all her underlings (if she hasn't fired them already), essentially creating a toxic work environment with mandated cycling sessions with the boss, and required dance routines for their boss' wedding.

Though Imogen eventually gets up to speed on the world of Twitter, Instagram, flails through Disruptech conference sessions, and tries to attend to her family (including her daughter, a rising YouTuber whose rise to fame is accompanied by some severe cyberbullying), Imogen eventually finds a way to leverage her expertise while staying relevant in the industry.

As Town and Country's review accurately notes, the book melds "Silicon Valley" with "The Devil Wears Prada," and the social commentary that accompanies the narrative is worth pondering. The authors apparently have work experience in the journalism and fashion world which provides some truthfulness to the story they present.

More time could be spent invigorating the relations within Imogen's family, and more instances of narration from Eve's point of view could balance Imogen's voice (or otherwise, don't use Eve's POV at all). But all in all a thoroughly enjoyable reading experience that comments on our hyper-capitalist media-obsessed culture.



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To be included in Fashion/Art/Jewelry bookbox.

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