Description

 Master Class

From the critically-acclaimed author of the international bestseller VOX comes a suspenseful new novel that examines a disturbing near future where harsh realities follow from unreachable standards. In a world where a single test determines a child’s future, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Elena Fairchild, a dedicated teacher at one of the most prestigious schools in the state, witnesses firsthand the devastating consequences of this standardized measurement system.

When her own daughter’s Q score plummets, Elena’s world is turned upside down. Suddenly, her daughter is ripped away from her and sent to a distant federal boarding school with limited opportunities. The pain and desperation that Elena feels are palpable, as she grapples with the harsh reality that her child’s potential is now in the hands of an unforgiving system.

As Elena navigates the unfamiliar territory of the federal institution, she becomes increasingly aware of the flaws in the educational system. The focus on high Q scores has created a society where only the elite few are given a chance at success, while the rest are left behind. Teachers are forced to prioritize the promising students, leaving the struggling ones to fend for themselves. Elena’s perspective shifts dramatically as she witnesses the inequality and injustice that permeate the system. She realizes that her daughter’s future is not just about her potential but also the larger societal implications of this flawed system.

Driven by a mother’s love and desperation, Elena will go to extreme lengths to bring her daughter back. She refuses to accept the status quo and is determined to challenge the system that has torn her family apart. With every ounce of her being, she fights against the unreachable standards that have dictated her daughter’s fate. Elena’s journey is one of resilience, courage, and defiance. She becomes a symbol of hope for all those who have been marginalized by the system, showing that a mother’s love knows no bounds and that the power to change lies within each individual’s determination.

Praise for Christina Dalcher

“Christina Dalcher’s Master Class conjures an America informed by tragic elements of its past and present where science and humanity are both abused in ways that are all too familiar and plausible. Her heroic women and tough yet elegant prose suggest Margaret Atwood is updated for this moment. Master Class will confirm your fears and affirm your hope.”⁠—Michael D’Antonio, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The State Boys Rebellion

“The book’s examination of the way people will accept more and more small social changes until the system becomes something unrecognizable and horrific feels timely and urgent… top-notch and keeps the reader guessing. An engaging parable of dangerous social change.”⁠—Kirkus Reviews

“Dalcher combines the pace and tension of a standout thriller with thought-provoking projections of the possible result of ranking children based on test scores. Admirers of The Handmaid’s Tale will be appropriately unsettled.”⁠—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Dalcher’s novel reads like an expanded episode of Black Mirror; it is terrifying, haunting, and cautionary.”—Booklist

“Dalcher has proven herself a master author of insidious suspense.”—The Nerd Daily

“Poignant, chilling and painfully self-aware, Master Class is another eye-opening read from an author who is not afraid to ask the hardest questions imaginable—and force her readers to answer them.”—BookReporter.com

About The Author

Christina Dalcher, a highly accomplished scholar, earned her doctorate in theoretical linguistics from Georgetown University. Her expertise lies in the study of phonetics, with a specific focus on sound changes in Italian and British dialects. With her extensive knowledge and passion for linguistics, she has had the privilege of teaching at prestigious universities in the United States, England, and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Dalcher is also a talented writer. Her short stories and flash fiction have been published in renowned journals worldwide, totaling over one hundred publications. Her exceptional writing abilities have been recognized, as she was awarded first prize in the esteemed Bath Flash Fiction Award. Furthermore, her outstanding work has received nominations for prestigious literary accolades such as The Pushcart Prize, Best of the Net, and Best Small Fiction.

Representing Dalcher’s literary endeavors is Laura Bradford, a highly respected agent from the Bradford Literary Agency. With Bradford’s expertise and guidance, Dalcher’s novels have found eager readers.

While Dalcher’s academic and writing career has taken her to various parts of the world, she has recently spent a significant amount of time in Sri Lanka. However, she and her husband have now chosen to divide their time between the American South and the picturesque region of Andalucia in Spain. This allows them to throw themselves into different cultures and draw inspiration from their surroundings.

Dalcher’s debut novel, VOX, was published in August 2018 by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Random House. The book has received widespread acclaim and has been translated into twenty languages, reaching a diverse global audience. Building on the success of her first novel, Dalcher is eagerly anticipating the release of her second book, MASTER CLASS, scheduled to be released in the spring.