*spoiler-free*
The Truants is Weinberg’s debut novel detailing the adventurous lives of four University students who are captivated by a new lecturer, Lorna Clay. The story is told in the first person by Jess Walker and details her relationships with her new teacher, and friends Alec, Georgie, and Nick. Even from the first page, we see how Jess has fallen in love with these storytellers, tempted into taking risks and breaking the rules in every capacity.
The story goes between the University Campus, Jess’ home in Milton View and an island near Italy that Lorna has claimed as her own. From the offset, The Truants reminded me of The Secret History by Donna Tartt due to its dark academia motif; a set of university students led by their mysterious professor who begins to follow a dangerous path of self-destruction. This sub-genre revolves around an academic setting with a set of usually pretentious students and a dark mystery that consumes them. What makes The Truants so enjoyable is the variety of characters introduced throughout the book. Although the story is based around these four students, each individual is so different and brings interesting elements to the friendship group. I enjoyed Jess and Georgie’s friendship the most, especially how quickly they become close at the start of University. Once the group of four bonds together the antics that Jess, Georgie, Alec and Nick get up to are filled with humour and are very fitting for a university setting.
The most alluring character for me was Lorna Clay, the new university professor with a mysterious past connected to Cambridge University. Clay is obsessed with teaching Agatha Christie, which added tremendously to the mystery elements of this book. I could see how easily her students became fascinated with her as even without a huge knowledge of Christie myself, Clay’s description of her past makes you want to learn more and be a part of her seminars yourself. This is largely credited to Weinberg’s writing also; I found the language she used for Clay particularly captivating.
The Truants is comprised of short chapters which made the book so easy to read and fall into the “just one more chapter” mentality, making it a very quick read for me. This is not your typical murder mystery, making it a very refreshing read also. It is a chaotic love story paired with death, destruction, and sorrow for all the characters involved. As I made my way through the book, I learned how troubled these characters are, with some having some very dark pasts.
People disappear when they most want to be seen
The Truants
However, I did find some of the events to be quite predictable throughout the book. It is interesting as Weinberg heavily hints towards some aspects of the book, but in other parts, I was completely surprised by the outcome. Despite having some early predictions that came true I still enjoyed the journeys these characters faced. However, the underlying plot was filled with unexpected twists and turns which is what kept me intrigued even to the last page. Just when I thought I had learned everything about an event and no more secrets were due to come out, more would unwrap.
I enjoyed the ending of The Truants yet upon reflection I realised how little closure there is regarding the main plot. As the story is told through Jess, I liked how she had some personal closure, but the mystery does continue after the book ends. There is enough information to allow the reader to conjure different conclusions but a formal one is never produced; this is something the rest of the characters must live with also. My only other surprise with this read is how similar the ending is to The Secret History. I’m not sure whether this a theme with books that have dark academia traits but the ending of the “charismatic professor” is very similar. This does fit in with The Truants, especially due to the fact Clay teaches Agatha Christie but there is a striking resemblance to other books I have read.
Overall, I really enjoyed The Truants. I did feel like the first half was stronger than the second, but the plot still thickened throughout the whole book. I loved the linear storytelling by Jess and joining her along the way to discover the secrets of the past and the mystery surrounding her. I am still so surprised this is Weinberg’s first novel, similar to how I felt with Russell’s My Dark Vanessa and would love to read anything else Weinberg publishes.
4/5 stars
Soph's Library 