Originally Published: October 14, 1961

By: Muriel Spark

While there are people you look up to in life that seem perfect, remember everyone hides a secret.

In a girls’ school in Edinburgh, there are six young women who go by the “Brodie set.” These girls have been chosen as the favorite in their class by their teacher Miss Jean Brody – a woman they idolize because she’s undoubtedly in her “prime.” As the novel continues, the Brodie set’s view of their teacher changes as they age.

Author Muriel Spark creates quite the captivating and mysterious character in Miss Jean Brodie, as readers only learn about her through the viewpoints of other. The novel’s third person point of view is told from many characters surrounding the teacher, but not herself.

Final say: An intriguing novel of love and betrayal between mentor and students. ★★★★★