The Last Applicant: A Novel

"The Admissions Director" is a novel by Rebecca Hanover that explores the dangerous world of private school admissions, where power, privilege, and secrets collide.

Format: Hardback
Length: 317 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: Amazon Publishing

From the acclaimed pen of Rebecca Hanover comes a heart-pounding tale of two women whose lives intertwine in the treacherous world of private school admissions. With her position as the admissions director of an exclusive Manhattan private school, Audrey Singer revels in the attention and power that come with her role. Parents eagerly bend over backward to fulfill her every whim, desperate to give their children the competitive edge they seek. Audrey's privileged existence is complete with a perfect marriage that portrays her as the epitome of success. However, everything changes when the enigmatic and vulnerable Sarah Price enters Audrey's life. Driven by her unwavering determination to secure her son's admission into the city's most prestigious kindergarten class, Sarah seizes every opportunity to infiltrate Audrey's world, pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. For Sarah, everything Audrey possesses is a potential target, from her job to her friends, even her marriage. At first, it appears as if Sarah's actions are merely a strategic ploy by an ambitious mother. However, as the story unfolds, a darker and more menacing aspect emerges. Sarah harbours secrets of her own, and it becomes increasingly clear that her intentions go beyond securing her son's academic success. The question remains: Are Sarah's designs on Audrey's life purely motivated by her desire to achieve her own goals, or is there something more sinister at play in this cutthroat game?

Rebecca Hanover's novel delves into the intricate web of power, privilege, and manipulation, exploring the lengths one woman will go to achieve her goals. Through the alternating perspectives of Audrey and Sarah, the reader is drawn into a suspenseful and chilling story that leaves no doubt about the consequences of crossing the wrong person. Hanover's writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters that bring the story to life. The high-stakes world of private school admissions is vividly portrayed, with its cutthroat competition, social hierarchies, and the relentless pursuit of success. The novel also touches upon themes of motherhood, loyalty, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Overall, "The Admission" is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will leave readers questioning the lengths they would go to achieve their dreams and the price they would pay for success.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 150 x 224 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781662513626