Book Review: The Payback Girls by K. N. S. Iyer
From the moment I stumbled upon The Payback Girls, I felt a surge of anticipation. Picture this: if One of Us is Lying, Pretty Little Liars, and What Lies in the Woods had a baby, it would undoubtedly be this thrilling YA mystery! The cover drew me in, but the premise—three Black girls discovering they’ve all been cheated on by the same guy—had me hooked. K. N. S. Iyer has crafted an engaging narrative that blends teenage drama with serious undertones, making it a worthy read.
At the heart of the story are Meghan, Bria, and Robin—three girls whose lives become entwined in a web of betrayal and suspicion. Meghan, the new scholarship student, faces bullying as the only Black girl at her affluent high school. After learning that her boyfriend, Nathan, has been juggling them all, she wakes up the next day amidst chaos—Nathan is unconscious, and they’re all suspects. The plot thickens as they reluctantly team up to uncover the truth. I found it fascinating to explore the multifaceted perspectives of these characters, each headstrong and deeply flawed, yet relatable in their desires and struggles.
I was especially struck by the author’s ability to weave in commentary on racism and the pressure of being a Black girl in a predominantly white environment. Meghan’s experiences resonate deeply, always reminding us that privilege and prejudice are a stark reality in many high schools. Bria, outspoken and fiery, adds a layer of complexity with her ambition to be a lawyer, challenging bigotry while grappling with her own insecurities. And then there’s Robin, the queen bee navigating her image and emotions. It was a beautiful representation of diversity and the various battles young women face.
Now, speaking of the writing style—it’s refreshingly approachable yet laced with a depth that kept me engaged. I appreciated Iyer’s pacing; it was consistent, allowing me to dive deeper into the girls’ internal conflicts without losing the plot’s momentum. My only critique is that their swift transitions from enemies to allies felt a bit rushed, and while it mirrors real teenage dynamics to an extent, I wished the emotional rebuild was explored further.
I can’t help but nod in agreement with the humorous contradictions present in teenage relationships. Like many readers, I marveled at how the girls could still care for Nathan after his betrayal—ah, to be young and in love! Reflecting on moments like these evoked laughter and a touch of longing, as I remembered my own high school dynamics.
The audiobook, narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal, is an absolute gem. Her voice brought the characters to life, enhancing the listening experience and drawing me further into their journey.
In conclusion, The Payback Girls is an engaging read that successfully tackles real-world issues through the lens of high school drama. If you’re a fan of YA mysteries that dive into themes of race, friendship, and self-discovery, I highly recommend this book. It’s a polished gem that left me pondering long after the last page, and I’m genuinely excited to explore more of Iyer’s work in the future. Thanks to Recorded Books for the ALC through NetGalley, and trust me—don’t miss out on this one!