Customer reviews

3.6 out of 5 stars
3.6 out of 5
43 global ratings
5 star
45%
4 star
11%
3 star
15%
2 star
15%
1 star
14%
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Review this product

Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Janet
4.0 out of 5 stars I am already visualizing the film
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2019
The Classroom was the kind of novel I shouldnt have started late in the evening. It wasnt that the book was so horrifying, but rather that I found myself saying, just a few pages more, I have to see how this ends! If you like books that center around manipulative, psychologically unstable, selfish people, The Classroom will provide. It's a testament to A.L. Bird's character development that such unlikeable, complex and layered characters can become so compelling. The pacing of the novel is a bit uneven in parts, but it definitely didnt take anything away from my enjoyment. I must confess to spending some time casting a film version in my mind.
I received my copy through NetGalley under no obligation.
Read more
SVG
4.0 out of 5 stars Fast read
Reviewed in the United States on October 19, 2018
A story of 2 women and 1 man which was interlinked between them. A triangle is never a good thing in a relationship, and neither was this...

One was mother Kirsten who said she loved her daughter but never found time for her. One was a teacher Miriam who had a special eye on the child, more than what was required. And last was husband Andy as slimy as an eel, who loved only himself. This was a story about them.

The debut by A. L. Bird had me wondering initially where the story was leading up to. And the real secret was revealed at 40% of the book. Then what was remaining, asked my brain? And the mental games started. The ladies used their ways and means to get the child. The man used his wiles to get rid of both.

This book was a psychologically twisted tale of human psyche where I could just read it with wild, unbelievable eyes wondering how low a human can sink just to get a child. And the games kept playing on till the last page!!

Fast pace and highly twisted unlikable characters made this book a fast 2 hour read. The plot itself was a bit meh, there were only reactions no planned actions. But that was the charm of Bird's writing!!
Read more
Alex_K
3.0 out of 5 stars 3 stars
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2018
I had some difficulties getting into the book, but after a few chapters I found myself wanting to know more. I liked the story and even if the characters weren't that likeable, I found that I liked the story and the abrupt ending came somewhat as a surprise as I thought there was so much more to come. That said, good story, worth three stars.
Read more
See all reviews

Top reviews from other countries

Jane Wilson
1.0 out of 5 stars Dreadful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2018
Verified Purchase
This is a very poor offering. Teacher strikes lucky on getting a job? OK, let that one go, even if the narrative itself keeps pointing out that it's 2018. This same teacher instigates a breakfast club in her first couple of days, is allowed to take charge of introducing a refugee child to the whole class (it's 2018, in case we forget), Parents/Teacher meetings have wine on offer, the classroom scenes are unrealistic, and the Headmistress suggests behaviour therapy for the child within days of meeting her. I could go on. If you believe the blurb, it is indeed terrifying sending your child to school - one like this, anyway. The GP writes herself a prescription as if it was normal, and there's a psychiatrist whose actions would bring them both to the attention of the GMC. I could tell you about the husband too but won't.
As another reviewer says, this is nothing to do with suspending disbelief, which we all do willingly on opening any book. This is so badly done here it's an insult to the reader. I got to 63%, by which stage I was barely skimming, and have given up.
Read more
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The classroom
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 17, 2018
Verified Purchase
Excellent storyline though slightly disappointing towards the end Kristen, Ian and Becky all linked unhappily through Harriet. A teacher you think.u can trust with your precious child, a busy working mum, dad head teacher in a bad school trying to turn it round for costed report all have secrets and lies in past.and future
Read more
elliebee
1.0 out of 5 stars Annoying.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 8, 2019
Verified Purchase
When I read a book I like to feel there is at least one likeable character, but there weren't any in this.
There is Kirsten, a G.P who has set up her own surgery in the private sector (North London) married to an overworked teacher who is trying to improve the status of the school he works in. They has to go through I.V.F treatment to eventually have their little girl, Harriet. The story opens with her starting school and the introductions being made to her class teacher Miriam who has a hidden agenda. How this disturbed woman managed to secure a job at the school is is quite frankly unbelievable. I really disliked Kristen with her continual moaning about juggling her job, being with Harriet and her domestically idle husband - especially knowing that Harriet hears nearly everything they say. Many women actually have no choice but to work full time for terrible money, with no car and minimum wage trying to also be there for their child/children; they have my deepest sympathy, but Kirsten lives in a huge house in expensive North London, drives a Nexus and pays for Harriet's private education! Well, you can't have it all. If you want children so desperately you go through I.V.F. treatment to have them and you want to be with them as much as possible then you have to think again about what is important- expensive lifestyle funded by stressful job to pay gigantic mortgage or downsize and take care of your children properly. It all made my blood boil.
Read more
Frances
3.0 out of 5 stars Very average book - not for me!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 3, 2018
Verified Purchase
Disappointed with this book after enjoying authors previous work. Totally unbelievable storyline and characters. Not even the ending surprised me.
Read more
Kimmy
1.0 out of 5 stars Oh dear!!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2018
Verified Purchase
It's not often that I can't finish a book but I got to chapter six and just couldn't be bothered anymore! The grammar and punctuation was dreadful, the characters were wooden and unbelievable. After reading Skin Deep by Liz Nugent, I suppose I was a little spoilt.
Not for me.
Read more
See all reviews