The Girls Are Good

In the tradition of My Dark Vanessa and The Divines, a bold coming-of-age novel set in the competitive, high stakes and controversial world of elite gymnastics

Martina wants to be the best gymnast in the world. But so does everyone around her.

During one week of intense competition, Martina and her teammates are tested to the limit. Any sign of weakness can quickly spell the end. And within seven days, an intense obsession will lead to murder.

Every girl will do anything to win… but at what cost?

“Compelling, harrowing, and ultimately devastating – it’s quite simply unforgettable.” ALEX MICHAELIDES, author of THE SILENT PATIENT

“A tight, frightening story of friendship, rivalry and obsession.” ABIGAIL DEAN, Sunday Times bestselling author of GIRL A

“Brutal and brilliant – I read it in one sitting.” HARRIET TYCE, author of BLOOD ORANGE

“A glimpse into a wonderfully dangerous, screwed up world. I couldn’t put it down.” CESCA MAJOR, author of THE OTHER GIRL

Reviews

‘A vivid picture as shocking as it is gripping’ Stylist

‘Spare and claustrophobic … [a] sense of unease and impending doom.’ Shotsmag

For fans of the harrowing Netflix documentary Athlete A … comes Ilaria Bernardini’s cautionary tale about what happens when competition goes too far.’ Harper’s Bazaar

‘During an international contest… we see the physical pain, emotional toll, abuse and complicity the competition can foster. Black Swan meets Heathers’ GRAZIA

‘Mesmerising…a richness of psychological and sensual detail that non-fiction could never match’ THE SUNDAY TIMES

‘A tight, frightening story of friendship, rivalry and obsession, told in sparse and beautiful prose. Tense as the space between the uneven bars.' ABIGAIL DEAN, author of GIRL A

“The Girls are Good is a compelling, harrowing, and ultimately devastating portrayal of the horrors of being a teenager in the world of competitive gymnastics. Brilliantly observed, beautifully written – it’s quite simply unforgettable.”
ALEX MICHAELIDES, author of THE PATIENT

‘What a book! A stunning and revealing look the world of elite gymnastics. An unforgettable debut.’ JO JAKEMAN, author of STICKS AND STONES

‘Brutal and brilliant – I read it in one sitting.’ HARRIET TYCE, author of BLOOD ORANGE

‘Powerful, claustrophobic, shocking and heart-breaking.’ JANE SHEMILT, author of THE PATIENT

‘What a haunting novel. Cruel, barbed, disturbing, poignant – and it opened my eyes to an industry so graceful and effortless, and the intensity of a group of young people.’ LIV MATTHEWS, author of THE PRANK

'Loved this book, it’s such an original & haunting read which has stated with me long after reading'AMANDA REYNOLDS, author of CLOSE TO ME