Book Review: Gifted & Talented by Olivie Blake
When I first laid eyes on Gifted & Talented, I was drawn in by the combination of its intriguing title and the promise of a deep, complex narrative. Olivie Blake has a knack for crafting stories that both challenge and engage, and this book was no exception. After dedicating four thoughtful days to writing this review, I find it hard to believe that my elation and confusion could be distilled into mere words. But here I go, inviting you into the whirlwind of the Wren siblings’ lives—a storm of privilege, ambition, and the supernatural that’s impossible to ignore.
At its heart, Gifted & Talented is a tale of three siblings—Meredith, Arthur, and Eilidh Wren—each wrestling with their demons in a society that’s as enchanting as it is toxic. Meredith, the ambitious CEO of a happiness-manufacturing company, is a captivating enigma. Her blend of ruthless calculation and buried vulnerability leaps off the page, evoking a blend of admiration and unease. I could vividly picture a powerhouse actress like Cate Blanchett embodying her character’s intricate layers.
Then there’s Arthur, both the golden boy and the tragic figure in this corporate battleground. His journey feels painfully relatable as he grapples with the burdens of his ideals amidst failures that haunt him. Eilidh, the former ballerina turned reluctant employee, brings an unsettling edge to the narrative as her story delves into the cosmic unknown. Each Wren sibling feels like a force of nature, rich with nuance and complexity, making for a gripping and often heartbreaking exploration of privilege and ambition.
Blake’s writing style is something entirely of its own. There’s a rhythm, a persistent electric buzz that courses through every paragraph, reminiscent of a dialogue penned by Aaron Sorkin meeting Sally Rooney’s introspective wit. It demands your attention and rewards you with sharp, thought-provoking exchanges that linger long after reading. But don’t be fooled—it’s not a light read. The density of prose and intricate narrative style might leave some readers gasping for air, yet that very challenge is what made me love (and, at times, hate) the experience. The pacing leans towards slow development, but the stakes escalate in a way that leaves you breathless—each chapter teetering on the brink of chaos.
One of my favorite aspects of Gifted & Talented is its deep philosophical undertones and elaborate world-building. The use of internal monologues, coupled with clever asides, makes for engaging reading that feels deeply personal yet universally relevant. It’s the kind of book that invites you to take a step back, re-read interactions, and fully absorb the layers of meaning in each character’s dilemmas.
If you enjoy stories that challenge your intellect and stir up your emotions, while forcing you to question the moral fabric of society, then Gifted & Talented is certainly worth adding to your TBR pile. With its blend of literary fiction, speculative elements, and political drama, this book defies easy categorization and will likely evoke polarized reactions. Some may be enchanted by its complexity, while others might find it suffocating. For me, it’s a journey well worth taking.
In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend Gifted & Talented, but brace yourself for an immersive encounter. Expect to be captivated, challenged, and brandishing a few lingering questions long after the last page. This book is an ambitious exploration of what it means to be "gifted" in a world that often punishes those with the highest potential. Thank you to Tor Publishing Group and Macmillan Audio for the advance copies—this story will linger in my thoughts for quite some time.