Book Review: The Dollhouse Academyby Margarita Montimore

ARC Book REVIEW: The Dollhouse Academy

by Margarita Montimore

Described as a blend of psychological thriller, dark academia, and political satire in a historical setting, I was incredibly intrigued to read The Dollhouse Academy.

The point of view flips between diary pages from an older student now superstar, Ivy, and the new student Ramona. In Ivy’s tale we see the woven fabric of the academy result in breadcrumbs building the foreboding of what’s in store for Ramona and her friend Grace.

In reality, the Dollhouse Academy ‘school’ feels less academy and more cultish with a locked down town/compound of sorts with housing and classes, where the students can ascend to working in the entertainment industry.

I loved the ‘notes in the mailbox’ factor, ever-teasing more ominous woes ahead. The Valley of the Dolls is sprinkled throughout and while not a retelling some parallels can be made with both it and Black Mirror episodes. The undercurrent investigates identity and the freedom of choices.

I won’t give spoilers but if you are up for a character-driven suspense with a close psychological lean on Ramona as she tries to navigate how to deal with her situation, then this is for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for an advanced reading copy.