Infinite Books

“But don’t play with me ’cause you’re playing with fire” – these lyrics of The Rolling Stone’s song could be a motto for “The Things We Do to Our Friends” by Heather Darwent.

Clare is a young woman who moved from Paris to become a student at the University of Edinburg. Her move was not strictly for educational purposes – she wanted to escape her dark past: an event that happened when she was younger. Although terrifying, it was explained at the time by her immaturity. Now, she seems more grown-up. She gets a job as a waitress to support herself and has a boyfriend. She also attracts the attention of an elite group of students that her boyfriend calls “The Shiver” – a pack of sharks. There is a beautiful golden Tabitha, a practical Imogen, a tall, stunning, Russian-born Ava, and a handsome, different Samuel. Clare is drawn to them and fascinated by their confidence and disregard for rules. Soon, Tabitha invents a bizarre plan, which is supposed to punish unfaithful husbands or just teach men a lesson. Attractive Clare is going to play a significant role.

“You look like witches,” I said. Tabitha squealed. Of course, it was the best thing I could have said.” Clare repeats it in the language of her past, French: “I said it before I could even properly think it through ‘Une sorcière.’”

The book is slowly brewing – like witches’ brew – and becomes darker. The initial need for friendship that Clare sought is replaced by something evil. For Clare, this is a dangerous game. She knows she’s different. “For some people, when they get very close to the edge of doing something bad, they draw back. When that happens to me when I get that close, it has to happen, and there is no other option.” Will she stop in time not to step over the edge? And what be the price others will pay for “playing with fire,” making Clare do things she thought she would never do again?

The novel can be compared to “The Secret Story” by Donna Tartt and perhaps to “The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides, but it has its own style – simple, strong, and action based. It’s an engaging read and an exciting debut. Clare changes throughout the novel: we meet her when she is young, a bit naïve, but in the end, she apparently reinvents herself as an elegant wife. Still, there is that dangerous cliff by her house which can solve eventual problems and become helpful in the future…

THE THINGS WE DO TO OUR FRIENDS by Heather Darwent, Random House Ballantine, 2023