The Underworld is a story about family, friendship and love set in a unique Sydney context, while discussing Ancient Roman history. The novel follows Martha as she navigates life from age 14 to university - who never quite 'fits in' between her uninterested mother and absent father. The 'academic' and 'shy' character of Martha was a little plain, however it was interesting to see the representation of more 'average' people in literature.
While the description remarks that the book can be for 'readers seeking a happy ending', I wouldn't say this is exactly true. While the final ending can be argued as a happy one, many not-so-happy events occur to Martha throughout the book and especially near the end. I propose this book is for 'readers seeking a sort-of-happy ending', for mixed feelings yet a sense of closure.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher, Penguin Random House Australia for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A story set in Sydney with a female lead starting university and fascinating by Roman history. I found it a little light weight and didn’t personally warm to the characters. I am sure it will have an audience. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.