Review: Charlotte Vassell’s The Other Half
The Other Half by Charlotte Vassell. Faber & Faber Ltd, 2023. €11.47, 351 pages.
The Other Half by Charlotte Vassell is a gripping tale that follows a group of upper middle-class Londoners who find themselves as suspects in a recent murder – with a myriad of entangled alibis. Detective Inspector Caius Beauchamp spearheads the hunt for the red-handed, alongside his team, Detective Sergeant Cheung (Matt) and Detective Constable Noakes (Amy). As they investigate the case of the murdered blue-blooded influencer, they uncover the greater secrets held within the group of aristocrats and find themselves caught in a web of socialites and illegal schemes and activity. This whodunnit novel is mischievous, sharp, and ultimately captivating.
Opening with the jarring statement “A girl is dying”, this novel is immediately attention-grabbing. The chapters alternate between two perspectives – that of DI Beauchamp, and that of Helena (Nell) Waddingham, a young woman with whom every male character of significance has some sort of infatuation with. To Rupert Achilles de Courcy Beauchamp (pronounced ‘Beecham’, unlike DI Beauchamp), Nell is the perfect woman, if not for her ‘bad breeding’. Nell recites poetry, is well versed in Ancient Classics, and brings an ambitious book to every party she attends. Alex, who befriended both Nell and Rupert while studying at Oxford, shares this opinion with Rupert (without the aspect of classism, however) and is absolutely besotted with Nell. Even our lead Detective Inspector falls for her beauty and poise. Helena Waddingham is second to none in high-class London society, without even having to try of course.
Despite his penchant for Nell, Rupert maintains his long-term relationship with Clemency O’Hara, persistently promising to put an end to the relationship as he wines and dines Nell every Wednesday, until one day Clemency’s corpse is found on Hampstead Heath by DI Beauchamp.
Through both perspectives we become acquainted with the many interestingly named patricians with whom Rupert, Clemency, Nell, and Alex socialise, and bear witness to their hideously entitled ways of living, from being served by butlers in McDonalds to booking out a restaurant entirely for two people. Vassel is brilliant in her ability to create these silk-stocking characters that are immensely insufferable yet addictively interesting. Reading this novel is much like watching the Kardashians: you don’t necessarily like the characters, yet you cannot help but want to know more about how they live their lives. This book is akin to Magnolia Parks if it were written by Agatha Christie, and if the fashion references were replaced by somebody quoting Ovid or Plato and drinking green tea.
Charlotte Vassell also prevails in creating likeable characters, however. DI Caius Beauchamp is a just and stoic detective with a witty sense of humour and a relatable desire for self-improvement, and though this sometimes gives him an air of ostentatiousness, he means no harm really. His right-hand man, DS Matthew Cheung, is charming and refreshingly unpretentious, unfailing in his duty to bring the DI back to earth when he makes one too many Ovid references. DC Amy Noakes provides a much-needed counter-perspective to Caius and Matt’s team, calling them out on their subtle misogyny toward Clemency and her chosen career. Noakes is clever, sharp, and straight-forward, and I only wish to have seen a bit more of her in this novel.
As the detectives delve into this case and, simultaneously, into the lives of ‘the other half’, they return mind blown by how much money these people are willing to give away for trivial things such as a fancy gym membership (and even more for a locker within said gym), while also returning with an affinity for lavender shortbread biscuits. Their reactions are relatable and humorous, and it feels as though you are laughing alongside them at the expense of the rich; nothing creates a bond as well as a common enemy.
This trio is vital to the story and a huge aspect of why I enjoyed this book as much as I did.
The novel as a whole is easy to follow and understand. Vassell’s writing is engaging and full of wit, and her use of satire and suspense lends this to be a great Sunday afternoon read.
I found myself wanting to underline and jot down many quotes from this novel, one of my favourites being, “Cut flowers are inherently tragic. A life so vibrant and so vital decapitated in its prime to look pretty on your sideboard.”.
Furthermore, Vassell’s ability to write about the classism, racism, and misogyny that runs rampant throughout aristocratic London life with such flair adds a necessary depth to this novel. There are some question marks and loose ends at the end of the novel, which I imagine is intentionally done in order to outline a premise for a sequel. Despite this, I was not left feeling disappointed or unsatisfied, though I would not have complained about another chapter or two either.
If you are looking for a fun and engaging read that cleverly depicts and satirizes high society life and keeps you on your toes, this is the book for you. The Other Half is one of those books that you will pick up, start reading, and without even noticing, you will have spent your entire afternoon with it. It will make you laugh, it will make you wonder “is this really how rich people behave?” and, admittedly, it will make you want to drink herbal tea, start running, and read Metamorphoses.
