I read the Birds of Paradise with great interest and was excited to pick up Glitterati, having loved Langmead's previous work. As it turns out, the two books couldn't be any more different - apart from a few prison scenes - but both were excellent in their own unique ways.

Glitterati is a dystopian, satirical work with sharp humor and fabulous (pun intended) descriptions of the lives of people who only care about looking their best.

Nowadays, few dystopias manage to fully grab my attention, due to their reliance on familiar and often bleak tropes. But it's almost impossible to take your eyes away from the world of the Glitterati. As superfluous as their bubble is, you can't help wanting to keep looking. As a person who likes to visualize everything while reading, I greatly enjoyed the descriptions, even the most over the top ones, and it was apparent that the author enjoyed writing them.

Not only are the clothes descriptions fabulous, but each of them almost counts as a battle move. The world of the Glitterati is ruthless, but disputes, like trends, are created or resolved through outfits, meaning that the lengthy descriptions almost always serve a purpose, be it to advance the plot in some small but tangible way, or merely to demonstrate the narcissicsm and shallowness of the Glitterati.

Main character Simone and his wife, Georgie, were infuriating but so entertaining to read about. I loved how Langmead achieved irony and sharp social commentary without ever leaving the naive viewpoint of Simone. If you want to read a work with characters who get exactly what they deserve, this is not it. But even if Simone is a condemnable perosn, it was very interesting to slowly find out how the world of the Glitterati made him that way, and, while I wouldn't hang out with him anytime soon, I found myself warming up to him.

Glitterati is an amazingly-crafted work with amazing prose and a lot of humor, proving that dytopian works and social commentary can sometimes be colorful and fun.

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Glitterati by Oliver K. Langmead is a fun, campy dystopian novel with elements of horror. The story revolves around Simone, one of the Glitterati, the elite class in a dystopian world. He spends his time going to parties with other fashion-obsessed people and sniffing their noses at the so-called "uglies" of the world, who are the lower class. But is everything really perfect in the lives of the rich and fashionable? When a "ugly" child turns up unexpectedly in Simone's garden, it ends up turning his life upside down.

Here is a humorous excerpt from Chapter 1, which introduces us to Simone and his wife Georgie:

"“Is it Wednesday, or Tuesday?”
“It’s Tuesday today.”
“Did we not have a Tuesday yesterday?”
Georgie paused, to consider. Then, she said, “No, dearest. We had a Monday yesterday. I recall it being Monday quite clearly, in fact, because Gabriel was wearing a beaded Savinchay dress, and as you well know, it would be outrageous to wear beads on any other day of the week.”
That settled it, then.
Simone unpeeled his face from the pink leather chaise-longue. Last night had been a rainbow of cocktails, resulting in the headache now threatening to impinge on his usually immaculate poise. He went across to the gold-plated Manchodroi dresser, which he only ever used on Tuesdays, and was astonished to find that his usual dose of painkillers was gone."

Overall, Glitterati is a dystopian novel that comments on our society's obsession with beauty, money, and status. One highlight of this book is how fun it is. There are several humorous moments, especially when discovering how looks-obsessed Simone is. The world that he inhabits is interesting and engrossing to read about. I did take off 1 star, because I did get tired of the premise and the main character after a while. What was original at the beginning started to grate as the story went on. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of dystopian novels, I recommend that you check out this book when it comes out in May!

A very dystopian, interesting read. The story was unpredictable, captivating, and well written. The author creates such a unique world with characters who are so oblivious to the “ugliness” of the mundane that they make you laugh at how ridiculous they can be. Simone and Georgie have had so many of their memories removed that they don’t even know what a child is, and it’s hilarious to see them learn that children are just small drunk people, as Simone observes. But even with all of the wealth that they have mysteriously accumulated, there are plenty of people ready to take advantage of Simone and Georgie’s ignorance and it’s satisfying to watch as they stray from the norms of the fashonites to forge their own path.

Simone seems to have everything.  He is one of the Glitterati, fashionable elites who are so wealthy that their every whims are catered to without even being aware of things like servants and money.  The Glitterati world is one defined by strict codes of fashion and conduct with styles and trends cycling through at a rapid speed.  Memories are wiped any time anything unpleasant happens to prevent frown lines and worry wrinkles.  Simone, his wife Georgie and their Glitterati friends live always in the near future of the next fashion trend they are chasing.  Ugly people are to be avoided and pitied.  Langmead fills the world with an abundance of creative and whimsical details like water beds filled with living fish and a house that can be any of the seasons its owner chooses.  This helps offset that for much of the novel Simone, Georgie and their friends are thoroughly unsympathetic characters and the novel meanders a bit before forming a plot.  However, humanity (and a plot point) is brought into their lives with the child, a toddler who appears one day in their garden.  Their humorous efforts to understand this new addition bring in humor and caring; after reading this novel I came away appreciating my ugly, messy life more than I had before.

I am not one for fashion, in general. My style has stayed consistent for roughly the last twenty years - band shirts when I’m not at work, floral print shirts when I am. Then there’s my capital crime - jeans with everything. There’s no way there’d be a place for me in Simone and wife Georgie’s world, the denim alone marking me out as one of the swarming “unfashionables” who inhabit the lower levels of the city. Simone’s world is one of constantly changing fashions, not just in clothing but in everything, and keeping up with it all - as well as preparing oneself to be seen by fellow glitterati - takes up much of the characters’ time.

The in-depth descriptions of how Simone prepares and dresses himself are never less than entertaining, with Langmead clearly having a lot of fun coming up with designer names, cosmetics ranges and more, whilst never passing up an opportunity for a humorous touch. It’s practically impossible not to laugh out loud when Simone decides to be stealthy, breaking out his perfectly themed cosmetics range for the occasion. And of course, all this preparation needs an appreciative audience, so it’s no surprise that whenever glitterati enter a building they do so along a catwalk, flaunting their best poses and looking for the ideally lit spot in which to stand afterwards. Cross Chris Tucker’s Ruby Rhod from The Fifth Element with Hugh Laurie’s Prince George from Blackadder the Third and you’ll be some way towards understanding the kinds of people they are.

Despite his utter vacuity, however, it’s impossible not to warm to Simone. He is a man ignorant of much, and it’s no crime to be ignorant. After suffering a nosebleed at a party and inspiring a swiftly stolen new look (itself resulting in several scenes of hilarious and slightly toe-curling nosebleed inducements), events take a sinister turn. As the feud with his fellow, thieving fashionista escalates, Simone starts to realise that perhaps there’s more to the world than he initially thought. Prone to having his memories erased like all the glitterati - trauma being deeply unfashionable - it’s not long before he starts to wonder if his ignorance really is bliss after all. His ability to distract himself from anything which even vaguely challenges his intellect with trivial frippery is just the tip of the social commentary iceberg (or ice sculpture, more likely).

Glitterati makes as bold a statement as its characters’ outfits. Langmead holds up a funhouse mirror to society, warping and distorting our worst traits into something acidically and assuredly hilarious; this is biting satire with a unique setting, which will no doubt live long in the memories of any who read it.

It’s simply fabulous darlings.

Honestly, I did not expect to like this book as much as I did.

This book follows Simone, a member of a mysterious ultra-rich society obsessed with fashion. Trends come and go and there is always a hunt for a new trend. Simone accidentally does commit a fashion atrocity and while asking a friend to make sure there are no pictures, the friend instead steals the idea and becomes a fashion icon. This causes Simone's world to go into chaos and with every decision he makes and an abundance of secrets about the world he lives in gets revealed.

This book was definitely a slow starter. I was really apprehensive about the way things were written and didn't think that it would be for me but once it started getting weirder I got immediately more interested. I loved the way that the fashion and places were described and found it really easy to visualise. The characters I didn't really root for but I don't think I was supposed to, so that's okay. I thought they were described well and it was clear what their motivations etc were.

I was not a fan of the ending though. I felt like it came out of nowhere and while I appreciate the message it attempted to send, I don't feel like it fit the story particularly well. I just wanted a little more of a buildup or an exploration of the elements leading to it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this, every time I thought I knew where this was going to go, I was very wrong. Though a little weird and a slow start it definitely kept my interest until the very end.

3.5 really. If you read the first twenty pages and are thinking "Oh, my word, what is this world, everything is so weird, tell me what is happening!!" you're going to have an enjoyable ride. If the tone and the topic of the ultra wealthy being ultra wealthy isn't clicking with you, no worries, you should move on. For those this clicks with, this is going to an fast paced mind bender where you get to question all manner of ethics, morality, the price of fame, influencers, and modern society in general. That's the camp I fell into, but I also recognize that this one will be hit or miss. If it hits, it's absolutely wonderful.

Glitterati was a cocktail of petty drama, satirical bite and a boatload of fabulousness. This is a twisted little gem, giving you a peek behind the curtain in a brutally dystopian world gilded with glamour.

Simone was such an intriguing protagonist to follow along with. He is deeply unlikable, uncaring and vacuous. As one of the Glitterati, he is caught up in the ever more complicated web of fashion and the resulting power plays of style. Every sartorial choice could make or break you. This way of exploring power and particularly class dynamics was fascinating. Every so often, you get a glimpse into the true horror of this dystopian world Simone inhabits and it is startling. As the book continues, you also get a sense of the horror facing Simone himself. The way the Glitterati have their bodies and minds altered constantly is genuinely shocking and the implications this has are immense. Langmead carefully weaves in these little hints that indicate towards the larger scale of machinations designed to keep this system in place. While Simone does not become entirely sympathetic due to some of his more horrible actions, you do begin to understand him a little more.

Much like the world Simone inhabits, Langmead disguises his sharp satirical cuts with pretty, shiny things. The descriptions of the outfits, makeup and general environment in this book are gorgeous and so evocative to read. You can picture every stunning detail. You come to realise this is all just an elaborate spectacle to distract you from the incisive commentary Langmead is making on appearances, illusion and class. In particular, the dehumanisation of almost all experiences and the way this is reflected in the language used is eerie and despicable.

Glitterati is an intricate smokescreen of vapid glamour enamoured with itself in order for Langmead to enshroud his biting social commentary.

I can see how some readers will really like this. The writing and situations are vivid, and much of what occurs is memorable and over the top. It was not for me. The author is talented, and has a good future.

Thanks very much for the free ARC for review!

A very dystopian novel indeed.

I found it so hilarious at Simone’s reaction of what a child was and what to do with It LOL.
This novel is so far over the top and absurd. I found it to be interesting. Although it was a little long.
The world in this novel is run by the rich who are obsessed with fashion. They even remove memories of giving birth. It appears as if this novel is based on so much bitchy-ness on upstaging each other and taking each other’s idea and so on. It does come across as very immature for a world of adults. I felt as if it was going in circles of what to wear and what not to wear and who dared to wear whichever outfit. At times Simone was referred to as a she and then a he? Is this a grammar error?

I did enjoy the plot to an extent so I am being polite in my rating today.

Welcome to the fashionable world of the GLITTERATI!

I absolutely loved this story! Everything was perfect - the dystopian world, the main character, the aesthetic...just wow!

The dystopian concept was interesting, original and relevant, I was totally transported to Simone's world, with the clink of champagne glasses and the ever-changing rules of fashion. I really liked how the plot progressed, and how these rules were defied, but not in the way Simone expected.

Simone was a fantastic protagonist. His inner conflict with Justine as well as his perceptions of the events that occurred around him were so enjoyable to read. Even though he was (I assume) supposed to be unlikeable, I formed an attachment with him and very much rooted for him the whole way through.

This story gave me kind of American Psycho vibes in the sense that everything is about the latest fashion, everyone is competing with each other - and money is certainly not an object!

Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and Titan for the opportunity to read an eARC of Glitterati!

CWs: Blood, graphic descriptions of nosebleeds, graphic depiction of surgery, self-harm, drug use, fatphobia, mention of death, mention of heart attack

****
Glitterati is over the top, absurd, and vivid. I enjoyed it! However, I think it would have been far more captivating and impactful as a short story.

This novel is set in a dystopian society run by the billionaire class, called ‘glitterati’ or ‘fashionists.’ This fashionable class is so far removed from their unfashionable counterparts that their society is entirely separate, they remove all unpleasant memories of unfashionable things - including all experiences of adolescence (because what could be more traumatic) - and their lives revolve around designers, parties and upstaging one another. The story follows Simone, a glitterati in a bitter fashion rivalry with aesthetic-thief Justine. Their petty feud leads to all sorts of ridiculous scenarios, including Simone’s brush with unfashionableness and almost-downfall.

The first 75% of this book is very repetitive, as the lives of the glitterati and their petty existences are the same day in and day out! While it’s an interesting world, it doesn’t lend itself well to a full length novel. There are only so many examples of the glitterati being absolutely out of touch, vapid, petty and ridiculous that are needed to get the point across.

I did like the last bit – Simone’s redemption arc is well done, and the way he’s able to change, while the rest of the billionaires continue on in a mindless pattern of consumption and cruelty, was satisfying. However, I found the “point” a bit muddled. You’d think, as this is dystopian, that the exaggerated culture of overconsumption and cruelty is a lesson about the dangers of capitalism and how such wealth inequality is clearly immoral. Which is it and does! But then, I found that the point was undercut by the fact that [SPOILER] the middle-class are more in control than we thought. I found this muddied an otherwise compelling ending.

Other enjoyable things: over the top aesthetics, what felt like a nostalgic nod to mid-2000s dystopian YA villains (hello Capitol), and a lot of funny moments from the utterly clueless characters.

You had me at A Clockwork Orange meets RuPaul's Drag Race. This book made me both really sad and yet laugh out loud at the same time. The writing is extremely well done with vivid descriptions and rich imagery. I really liked it.

Content warning: Nosebleeds, vomiting, drug abuse, graphic depiction of surgery, fatphobia

Glitterati takes place in a futuristic world where fashion rules the lives of its elite. Simone is one such denizen, bound by rules until he makes a faux pas that proves to be fashionable. A friendly competition between him and a coworker turns deadly when being in the upper echelon of society isn’t enough.

Fascinating in the precision of its prose, this glamorous tale is full of aesthetic and takes fashion rules to their highest extremes.

I don’t think anyone told Langmead that a protagonist has to be likeable. Simone is vapid, contemptable, and deep under the trance of his high fashion, Glitterati lifestyle. Unlike other stories, he is not one looking to upset the status quo. In fact, the status quo is entirely the appeal of this book. Like a beautiful train wreck, you can’t stop staring, even as the more horrendous elements come to light. For example, I am still disturbed by the free use of medicinal memory erasure.

The aesthetic is futuristic and precise in its language. There’s a lot of care put into the crafting of invented fashion designers, trends, and even the weekly rituals around accepted colors and outfits. With regards to social conventions, there are ways to greet each other, specific rhythms and patterns of speech. It’s so meticulously realized and finely crafted. Not a single element of world-building can exist beyond this book.

The tone can also be cheeky at times. The story takes a sharp turn towards plot when a child appears in Georgie and Simone’s estate and where this cheekiness shines. Because of aforementioned brain washing, the elite have no memories of children, so when the kid shows up, they think it’s a creature not unlike a drunk adult. It’s funny in that way that prevents tears. The commitment to the dehumanization within the society is, again, something I couldn’t tear my eyes away from.

I anticipate this might not be a read for everyone, but I found myself entranced by this deadly world of dramatic fashion.

Content warning: Nosebleeds, vomiting, drug abuse, graphic depiction of surgery, fatphobia

Glitterati takes place in a futuristic world where fashion rules the lives of its elite. Simone is one such denizen, bound by rules until he makes a faux pas that proves to be fashionable. A friendly competition between him and a coworker turns deadly when being in the upper echelon of society isn’t enough.

Fascinating in the precision of its prose, this glamorous tale is full of aesthetic and takes fashion rules to their highest extremes.

I don’t think anyone told Langmead that a protagonist has to be likeable. Simone is vapid, contemptable, and deep under the trance of his high fashion, Glitterati lifestyle. Unlike other stories, he is not one looking to upset the status quo. In fact, the status quo is entirely the appeal of this book. Like a beautiful train wreck, you can’t stop staring, even as the more horrendous elements come to light. For example, I am still disturbed by the free use of medicinal memory erasure.

The aesthetic is futuristic and precise in its language. There’s a lot of care put into the crafting of invented fashion designers, trends, and even the weekly rituals around accepted colors and outfits. With regards to social conventions, there are ways to greet each other, specific rhythms and patterns of speech. It’s so meticulously realized and finely crafted. Not a single element of world-building can exist beyond this book.

The tone can also be cheeky at times. The story takes a sharp turn towards plot when a child appears in Georgie and Simone’s estate and where this cheekiness shines. Because of aforementioned brain washing, the elite have no memories of children, so when the kid shows up, they think it’s a creature not unlike a drunk adult. It’s funny in that way that prevents tears. The commitment to the dehumanization within the society is, again, something I couldn’t tear my eyes away from.

I anticipate this might not be a read for everyone, but I found myself entranced by this deadly world of dramatic fashion.

DNF.

The problem with Glitterati is that it does one thing very well – making its MC vapid and contemptable, even despicable. But by definition then, we don’t give a damn about him being upstaged, or having his trend stolen – there’s absolutely nothing to make the reader attached to him, and that’s more an effect of the rapidity than the despicablelity, because despicable characters can be interesting, even weirdly likable if they’re also funny or acting on feelings we all have but most of us repress. Etc.

Simone is an airhead in the most extreme definition of the word, and also gross and stupid and horrible.That’s not even the tiniest bit interesting. So why would I care what happens to him?

I thought that Langmead might compensate with lovely prose, or by going wildly imaginative (and hopefully descriptive) with all the fashion stuff, but he doesn’t. There’s some interesting worldbuilding, like the way glitterati communicate through body language rather than facial expressions (which might damage their makeup or, horror, cause wrinkles!), but there’s not enough of it to keep me reading past the first third of the book. To say nothing of the worldbuilding holes: bodily fluids are The Most DisgustingTM, but the glitterati like sex? Um.

(Also? He doesn’t have his trend stolen. That’s an extremely generous, biased way to describe what happened. So on top of him being boring, his outrage at having his trend nicked is just eye-rolling.)

No thank you, I’m not interested in hanging out with this brainless little twit one moment longer when you give me nothing to enjoy about the experience.

This was one of the more interesting premises of a book I've read this year. Simone lives in a society that reminded me distinctly of what District #1 from Suzanne Collins' The Hunger Games must have looked like. Fashion, glitter, posing, and the horror of standing out from the crowd all combined with a dark undertone of the clash between what Simone calls the "Uglies" and the Glitterati.

I really didn't think I'd like this book as much as I did. The first paragraph had me just in a bit of disbelief as I read, wanted to just put the book down, but found I couldn't. There's a sort of gawking quality that story had that just had me not wanting to look away and, ihttps://www.netgalley.com/member/profilenstead, devouring it.

Glitterati is a FUN book. It's sort of set in our own world, but there's rich people that live mostly separate from all the normal workers. They're all very fashionable and remain oblivious to everything going on outside of their social circle. I really enjoyed getting immersed in their world of fashion, although there was one scene in this book that made me feel a little ill. There's also a fun trail in this book so if you like crime shows or sci-fi or fashion I'd recommend!

The premise of the book was different than any I've read before, and it wasn't badly done. However, I had a hard time connecting with Simone. I understand that he was supposed to come off as vapid for much of the book, but I feel as if the author took it a little too far and it made it hard for me to maintain interest in the novel because of that. The writing was well done, however, as was the world-building and plot.