The Bombshell
A Novel
by Darrow Farr
You must sign in to see if this title is available for request. Sign In or Register Now
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date May 27 2025 | Archive Date Jul 26 2025
PENGUIN GROUP Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books
Talking about this book? Use #TheBombshell #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
"An escapist, Hollywood-ready excursion to Corsica."—Vogue
"A lush, cinematic and propulsive novel filled with sex, violence, glamor and a true revolutionary spirit. It's a towering literary achievement."—Adam Johnson, Pulitzer Prize winner
Corsica, 1993. As a sun-drenched Mediterranean summer heads into full swing, beautiful and brash seventeen-year-old Séverine Guimard is counting down the days until graduation, dreaming of stardom while smoking cigarettes, and seducing boys in her class to pass the time. The pampered French American daughter of a politician, Séverine knows she’s destined for bigger things.
That is, until one night, Séverine is snatched off her bike by a militant trio fighting for Corsican independence and held for a large ransom. When the men fumble negotiating her release, the four become unlikely housemates deep in the island’s remote interior. Eager to gain the upper hand, Séverine sets out to charm her captors, and soon the handsome, intellectual leader, Bruno, the gentle university student, Tittu, and even the gruff, unflappable Petru grow to enjoy the company of their headstrong hostage.
As Séverine is exposed to the group’s politics, they ignite something unexpected within her, and their ideas begin to take root. With her flair for the spotlight and newfound beliefs, Séverine becomes the face of a radical movement for a global TV audience. What follows is a summer of passion and terror, careening toward an inevitable, explosive conclusion, as Séverine steps into the biggest role of her life.
An electric novel by an extraordinary new talent, The Bombshell is filled with seduction and fervor, and explores the wonders and perils of youthful idealism, the combustibility of celebrity, and the sublime force of young love.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9780593833247 |
| PRICE | $30.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 416 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Rita B, Bookseller
Séverine gets unwittingly caught up in the struggle for independence on the island of Corsica. A change from her privileged existence she relishes the chance to be ruthless, driven by youthful idealism. I really liked the author’s fluid prose infused with humor. It’s a funny book with a serious undertone.
Caldwell H, Reviewer
One of my favorite books I've read in a long time. Would recommend for people who liked the book The Girls by Emma Cline. It did an incredibly job of capturing being a teenager and that desire to feel seen and belong, while also educating me about a subject I knew nothing about (Corsica independence)
Emily C, Librarian
This was an incredible read. One of my favorites so far this year. I devoured it from start to finish - an absolute treasure of a story!
One of Farr’s greatest talents is humanizing and breathing life into these characters. I truly loved all of them, despite their (I’m assuming purposefully written) problematic behavior. I grew attached to the main four and adored their dynamics with each other: Severine, Bruno, Petru, and Tittu. Lots of drama, political intrigue, action, and a passionate whirlwind romance tied together quite nicely with a humorous prose.
This was one of those books I couldn’t stop thinking about when it ended, which is always a hallmark of a special story to me. I am normally quick to finish a book then promptly move on to the next, but I almost feel as though my next read just won’t live up to this one. I’ll need to stew in it for a few days, lol.
Genuinely so thrilled I was able to read this ARC, and I plan to purchase a physical copy in May! Thank you so much to NetGalley and Viking Penguin.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
