The Low-Down on The Lowe Job

The Kardashians meets Monica Lewinsky, recontextualised into a London political drama.

The Lowe Job follows the matriarch-led Lowe family as they rocket to fame after daughter Lili Lowe is papped with her boss (an MP) in a compromising position (and, given the title, you can probably infer what that position was). Sensing an opportunity, master of public perception and matriarch Lydia Lowe sets about transforming the family’s newfound notoriety into an empire of opportunities for all of her daughters, while a reality TV show captures their every move.

The result is a bold, contemporary satire packed with comedy, scandal, and family drama, exactly the kind of book you want to read while sitting in the sun with a cocktail (or two) in hand.

Now, there’s been a lot of criticism surrounding this novel, both before and since its release. Many readers have taken issue with the writing style, with plenty of DNFs to be found on Goodreads and Storygraph alike. I’m never one to invalidate someone else’s reading opinions, but were you really expecting a highbrow literary experience from this synopsis? I certainly wasn’t.

This book is designed to be flirty, fun, fast-paced satire, and that’s exactly what it delivers. It would make an excellent book club pick for the kind of group that gathers over a glass of wine and spends just as much time gossiping as analysing the literature.

“ITS A BIT OF FUN” I want to scream at the reviewers.

You don’t watch Love Island expecting an Emmy-winning drama. So don’t pick up this novel expecting one either.

As for what really worked, the characters were distinct and developed just enough to serve the story without becoming just a list of names. Each sister had her own ambitions, agendas and personality, and whenever they shared scenes it created a really entertaining dynamic.

Teddy was equally well realised. I couldn’t help picturing him as Harvey Specter from Suits, and I completely bought both his relationship with Lili and the dialogue between them. The shifting dynamics from their early scenes to the later scenes, post her rise to fame was very well executed.

I also appreciated that the story actually felt complete. One thing I’ve learnt about myself as a reader is that I love a proper ending. Give me an epilogue any day. So I was grateful that this novel committed to a conclusion, giving our characters a clear arc and a sense of resolution.

All in all, this is a successful debut.

It pulls you in, keeps you hooked, and delivers exactly the kind of easy-to-read drama that’s perfect for debriefing over a glass of wine with your friends.

Have you checked it out? I’d love to know your thoughts.