Jade is the daughter of Turkish and Korean immigrants, living in London with a wealthy white boyfriend and a high powered job with a prestigious legal company. She is raped by a colleague after a drunken work event and the repercussions affect all aspects of her life and relationships. The story incorporates sexism and racism in the workplace, and with her boyfriend and his friends.
I liked Jade and her girlfriends and family, and really enjoyed the chapters when Jade was with them. Good writing and pacing. Recommended.

★★★★☆ (4.5)

One of the quotes on the cover says this is "a gut punch of a novel", and wow have I never agreed with anything more. This will have you wanting to throw the book/your kindle/yourself across the room with the audacity of some of these characters (namely...the male characters).

Jade is an early-twenties, Turkish-Korean woman working in a highflying law firm with an old money boyfriend, and everything is going great. Until, <I>something</I> happens after a work event and Jade starts to unravel.

This is a tale of sexual assault and rape; how to manage that with yourself, but also with the people around you and the relationships that you have. In addition, this tackles systemic racism, particularly within white male dominated spaces such as the law firm where Jade works, and how these places are built to protect the privileged. Equally, it challenges Jade's relationship with her white boyfriend (who has a serious white saviour complex going on) and how she juggles being proud of her heritage and culture, whilst also needing to fit in, perfectly encapsulated with Jade being her "Starbucks" name, to avoid the butchered pronunciation of Ceyda.

It's a lot to tackle in one book, but oh my god does Ela Lee do it brilliantly. It's nuanced and balanced, the undercurrents slipping away beneath the surface until you want to break just like Jade. My heart truly breaks for her I just want to give her a big fat hug. And get her a present with the correct initials, ahem, Kit.

cw// sexual assault, rape, racism, xenophobia

This is the story of what lies beneath the American success story and what the cost of living up to it can entail.

Jade - not her real name, but a concession to a world that is not want to have to work too hard to pronounce "difficult" names like Ceyda - is the child of intermarriage, a complicated (namely hard-to-explain for reasons of racism in both those communities) combination of Turkish and Korean heritage.

She has worked hard to earn her prestigious position as a model minority member in a high flying corporate firm. So when Jade wakes up in the morning after a liquor-laden work event naked and unable to understand quite what has happened, her choices feel limited.

Her parents will never understand, her boyfriend Kit will feel betrayed, her office is not interested in anything except her silence, so what of Jade's feelings in all of this - her trauma, rage and sense of violation? Is she even allowed to own those feelings in a corporate culture that feels it owns her?

Jade is a compelling - and in many ways, relatable - character. This is a sensitive, layered and intelligent rendering of a complicated story that weaves together multiple themes with great skill. Worth a read. It gets 3.5 stars.

Jade is a compelling character that you build a connection to very quickly: her internal monologue is witty, sharp, intelligent, and cynical. Lee's characters feel authentic and even though some of them embody some pretty common stereotypes, Lee has used them cleverly to make her point about SA, racism, and misogyny.
The pacing of the story is nearly perfect. There is no lull in the narrative that makes the middle forgettable or loses you to unnecessary world building.

The catalyst happens nearly at the very beginning but Lee's writing captures the aftermath in a controlled and engaging way. This is a hard topic to write and read about. Lee handles it with care and delicacy without compromising on the rage, injustice, and trauma that needs to be acknowledged. Lee doesn't shy away from everyday micro-aggressions that women of colour are expected to endure and how these common phrases and actions build to become acts of violence and suppression.

I would have liked more insight into Jade's relationship with her parents. It was not the focus of this story but I do feel that it was a missed opportunity to explore immigrations and family dynamics, especially when it seems like so much of Jade's masking is informed by her parents' experiences. I also think the conversation about how often women will uphold systems of patriarchy and defend male violence in order to maintain their privileged positions over other women was left unfinished. I just feels its a shame because the sentiment was very much there, it just wasn't rounded up into a poignant conclusion for me personally.

4 - 5 stars rounded up

“Jade isn’t my real name, it’s Ceyda but Jade is my Starbucks name because all children of immigrants have them. I work for the prestigious law firm of Reuben, Fleisher and Wishall and I’ve worked very hard to fit in. At a client dinner and a night of heavy drinking particularly encouraged by my boss David Reuben, who clearly has designs and keeps filling my glass, but it’s actually Josh who takes me home”. This debut novel deals with the fallout and after effects of that fateful night and so much more.

First of all, what an accomplished debut novel this is, and I see this author having a bright literary future ahead of her, and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this book gets nominated for awards as it deserves to. It has multiple layers to the storytelling which each wraps around the other making it a whole. Jade is the daughter of a Turkish man and a Korean mother, so cultural identity is one issue. I love the Turkish/Korean element and find her parents, their diverse cultures and outlooks absolutely fascinating. Less good is the racism, be it casual (still racism) or more overt and the lip service the corporate world she lives in pays to diversity makes you cringe. Even her long-term boyfriend Kit blunders in without really trying to understand. It’s almost at times as if he’s trying to just tick a box and feel pleased and rather proud of himself.

Amongst other things, the storytelling looks at the demands of a highflying corporate world, who will always move to protect their own. There’s power, politics, misogyny and wealth also in the mix, and if that sounds too much, it isn’t as the storytelling is so skilful. However, at the heart of the novel lies sexual assault, and the way that Jade recalls this is almost surreal and like an out of body experience, which makes it feel even more chilling. The impact especially her internal battles with feelings such as guilt, the effects on her relationships and every aspect of her life is described so well. She’s so uncertain, there’s pressure on her to tell or not to tell and I find myself getting totally caught up in her life. My heart aches for her, it makes me sad and angry as it is HER life that implodes. Where’s the justice in that??? Naturally, that takes the novel to reflect on victims and the law, and the low rate of conviction which adds to the anger that you feel for her and women who have suffered like her.

Although the topics Ela Lee deals with are very difficult ones, she does this extremely well as it’s much more about the impact on Jade. It’s very well written, it’s intelligent, very powerful, real and thought-provoking, and it’s without doubt a book that I will remember.

With thanks to Natalie and especially to Random House UK, Harvill Secker , for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review

My God this was heartbreaking. Such an emotional and powerful read but it was so tough to get through.

Jade (her Starbucks name as she is the child of immigrants), has a great job, lovely boyfriend and amazing friends, however after suffering a horrendous attack from a colleague, she soon loses everything that was important to her.

This novel deals with so many difficult yet necessary topics with a main character I will never forget

A truly brilliant read which will stay with me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage, Harvill Secker, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

I really wanted to like this book, so went in with a positive view, but... I can't help feeling I've read this storyline so many times recently, it felt (and I REALLY didn't want it to) all a bit cliched. I knew the blurb, and I know there are only so many storylines in the universe, but was hoping for *something* (anything) that would make it a bit different. I don't know, narrative style, characterisation, some kind of unbidden twist, or something. But I feel like 'the young woman waking up in a strange place' is replacing 'the girl on the [fill in the blank]' and OK, fine, that's what it is. This is me talking, of course, and others might never have read anything like it - and if that's the case, let me say it's entertaining, yes; suspenseful, yes; maybe a bit too long, yes; tackling contemporary issues, of course. I'm glad I read it, and I'm grateful to the publishers and to NetGalley for the ARC.

Jade is the daughter of two immigrants - an Anatolian father and a Koran mother. She is ambitious, working for a major law firm in the city. She has her life ahead of her, and then she is raped.

Ela Lee's debut novel is a powerful novel about a very uncomfortable subject. In Jade she has a character you can't help but empathise with, you feel the frustrations of corporate life closing in on her and shutting her accusations down in a way which feels queasily accurate. By the end of this novel you are changed with her.

This is one of those novels that I can see book clubs devouring, and I expect to see it on some literary prize lists and year end bests next year.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

In Ela Lee's "Jaded," the narrative delves into the intricate life of Jade, a character concealed behind a borrowed name and a meticulously crafted persona. Born to immigrants, Jade adopts a Starbucks name as a symbolic representation of the dual identity many grapple with when navigating through multiple cultures. Within the confines of her law firm, she conscientiously shapes herself to fit in, believing it to be her sole option. Despite being in a loving relationship, Jade finds it challenging to reveal her authentic self to her partner. While she has achieved milestones that would make her Omma and Baba proud, there's a profound resentment within her for their inability to fully understand her inner world.

Jade, seemingly in control of her life, faces a pivotal moment one fateful night that shatters her carefully constructed façade. The aftermath prompts a deep questioning of her true identity, setting the stage for a profound journey of self-discovery. Through "Jaded," Ela Lee skillfully portrays the intricate complexities and conflicts experienced by individuals who grapple with reconciling personal expectations and societal pressures.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no significant gaps between words and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I think this book is one that will have me reflecting on it for some time. With powerful themes including race, class, stigma and mental health, Ela Lee has written a sensitive but important account of a woman’s story in a challenging time surrounding a topic with stigma and taboo.

The character development within Jade was exemplary. A headstrong woman who fought and fought to ensure she was heard in one way or another, whilst facing the challenges of a not so anticipated outcome.
Jades journey of self development and facing these topics was so interesting to read and understand.
It is an incredibly impactful and thought provoking novel

Thank you to NetGalley and RandomHouse UK for sending me this ARC in exchange for an honest review and opinion.

Very intense. Well written and clever, and good characterisation. Felt almost like memoir at points. I had to take a break halfway through.
Really good on class and ethnicity and nationality.

Sad, heartbreaking, realistic but with a very dark humor seeking justice and building his own identity claiming against all odds.
The premise is already tough. Not always the justice system is in your favor, not always your mental health is enough to cope with it all, let alone this kind of reality is supported in the flesh by women of color.

Her prose uses to slice of life narrative as a good way to tell something raw like a new adult novel. The protagonist immerses herself in fighting for her dreams, forging her own destiny, dealing with her her daily lifestyle burdened with all toxicity dynamics relationships

I like that there is representation of biracial families especially none are white like the Turkish father and Korean mother.

The challenges of growing up questioning and being questioned your ethnic origins are the most recurring but little talked about nightmare in the books. It was nice to see the beautiful side of how she reappropriates languages, cultures and how the narrator wants to name her identities even as she sees her days passing into adulthood.

I had to give myself time to read every word of the risky and somewhat complex book itself. It shows you in first person the toxic dynamic (yes, dating with non white people doesn't always go well because there is total denial due to the presence of white privilege), the breakup due to a sex offender being a friend of your partner (I don't want anyone to go through that), the challenges of being the child of non-white migrants or looking static when inside you want to scream but can't afford to be vulnerable.

Jade, a London attorney, confronts the aftermath of an assault and navigating the process of coming to terms with the incident.
A challenging yet compelling debut

A raw an honest novel about the after effects of sexual assault. I was hooked on Jade's story and raced through to finish the book.

Looking forward to reading more from the author!

This thought provoking and hard hitting exploration is a must read work of wonder. Expertly crafted, impossible to put down

I was drawn to this book by both title and blurb and it did not disappoint. This was a challenging read, but in the best possible way and I found myself thinking about it a lot while not reading it. An exploration of family. culture, race and sexual assault.

This is intelligent and well-executed novel. The subjects tackled are all too real and I think this novel should be read by the masses. Definitely a thought-provoking and sobering read.

I enjoyed this book. Well written, really enjoyed the character of Jade and intensely disliked Kit. The premise of the book is around rape accompanied by gaslighting by the rapist and her law firm. The emotional and physical reactions to her sexual assault are well done. The book also highlights the sexism and misogyny within the male oriented law world. Loved the 2 best friends rallying around the FMC. I also enjoyed the connection to her ethnicity with Korean cooking.

A really emotional read, but a great book. Jade is from a blended family half Turkish and half Korean. Family is everything but jade doesn’t fit into modern society there is no neat box for her to be out in. Working hard through uni jade jas a job at a too London law firm but one night after a few drinks she is raped by a colleague

Ela Lee is a British-Korean-Turkish writer who studied Law at Oxford and practiced as a City litigation lawyer before writing this her debut novel – and it features a very similar protagonist.

Ceyda (“Jade isn’t even my real name … [it] began as my Starbucks name, because all children of immigrants have a Starbucks name”) is the daughter of two immigrants to Britain an Anatolian father and a South Korean mother. Their small insurance broking business failed after 9-11 (not sure I followed the logic here, but I would not be surprised if the detail was part autobiographical) but they continued to hustle and work hard for money and always prioritised Ceyda supporting her through a Law Degree at a prestigious and traditional University which in turn lead to a potentially lucrative but high pressure career in a City Law Partnership (Reuben – short for Rueben, Fleisher and Wishall LLP).

The firm pays lip service but little more to diversity which is more performative than embedded (some early scenes reminded me of Natasha Brown’s “Assembly” although this is a much less narratively honed book). Given the recent Booker shortlist “Paul” diversity issue I was more than amused to read “There were more partners at the Firm called William .. than female partners” and the themes of privilege particularly sex and race but also class (and class here is very much about gradations of middle and upper class than any form of Marxist class struggle – one particularly excellent passage has Ceyda’s say of her white upper class long-term boyfriend “Kit’s legs were spread over two seats on the sofa, his arms out like an albatross, motioning ferociously as if he was a Tory MP in Parliament opposing a bill to give schoolchildren free meals.”) are threaded through the novel. Some of the comments and behaviours can seem cliched and one can easily think “surely someone would not say or do that” other than one knows, from observation and discussions, that such actions and micro-aggressions do occur on a daily basis.

The book opens in 2018 with a party to celebrate the firm’s 30th anniversary – Ela fends off the advances and innuendos of the firm’s senior partner, but having had too much to drink (not least due to him pressing drinks on her) is taken home in a taxi by a male colleague. Later discovering both that rumours about her and the colleague are flying around, and that she has an internal wound she starts to piece together what must have happened to her that night.

The book follows how that plays out not just in her mind but: in her relationship with Kit; in discussions with her friends about what to do e.g. if there is any point in approaching the police; with the HR department her firm (we end up in an all too believable world of Settlement Agreements and NDAs); with her parents.

Through all of this she has to come to terms with the various compromises and performative accommodations she has made throughout her life for her career and relationship (I wanted to be Jade, but my heart hurt for Ceyda), but also in her family life (the way in which her parents react to her plight and that Ceyda in turn reacts to them was for me the most subtle and unexpected part of the novel – one which avoids easy resolution or a neat redemption arc).

There are lengthy digressions into her backstory, wider life and into societal trends and statistics. These simultaneously give the book greater depth while perhaps losing some of the narrative propulsion that some readers might prefer and perhaps expect from some of the book’s marketing as well as its frequent textual use of emails, texts and internet searches.

Overall, I thought this was a convincing and intelligent novel and I can see it as a Women’s Prize longlist contender next year.