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"Notes on a Scandal" is a novel by Zoë Heller that tells the story of Sheba Hart, a young and charismatic art teacher who starts working at a school in London, and Barbara Covett, an aging and bitter history teacher who becomes obsessed with her. The novel is set in London, in a world where teachers are under constant scrutiny and where the lines between professionalism and personal life are blurred.

The setting of the novel is a secondary school in London, where both Sheba and Barbara work. The school is described as a place where the staff is constantly under pressure to meet the high expectations of the students, the parents, and the government. The school is also a place where gossip and rumors spread quickly, and where teachers have to be careful about what they say and do.

The characters in the novel are Sheba Hart, Barbara Covett, and the other teachers and students at the school. Sheba is a young, attractive, and charismatic art teacher who is married to a successful lawyer and has two children. She is the new teacher at the school and quickly becomes popular with the students and the other teachers. However, she also makes a mistake that has far-reaching consequences for her and those around her.

Barbara Covett is an aging, bitter, and lonely history teacher who has been working at the school for many years. She is jealous of Sheba's popularity and is determined to bring her down. She is also a writer and keeps a diary, in which she writes about her thoughts and observations. As the novel progresses, we learn more about Barbara's past and her motivations for her actions.

The plot of the novel revolves around the relationship between Sheba and Barbara and the scandal that rocks the school. It starts when Sheba starts an affair with a 15-year-old student, Steven Connolly, and Barbara finds out about it. Barbara uses this information to try to manipulate Sheba and to ruin her reputation. The novel follows the events that unfold as a result of the affair and the ways in which it affects the lives of Sheba, Barbara, and those around them.

As the story unfolds, we see the different facets of the characters and how they respond to the scandal. Sheba is initially in denial about the affair and tries to protect herself and her family. However, as the pressure builds, she realizes the gravity of her actions and the damage that she has caused. Barbara, on the other hand, sees the affair as an opportunity to bring down Sheba and to assert her own power. She becomes more and more obsessed with Sheba and with destroying her reputation.

The novel is told from the perspective of Barbara, who writes in her diary about her thoughts and observations. Through her writing, we see the inner workings of her mind and the motivations behind her actions. We also see the contrast between her and Sheba, who is more open and emotional, and how their different approaches to life and relationships lead to their conflict.

In conclusion, "Notes on a Scandal" is a compelling novel that explores themes of power, jealousy, and manipulation. It is set in a school in London and follows the lives of Sheba Hart, a young and charismatic art teacher, and Barbara Covett, an aging and bitter history teacher, as they navigate the consequences of a scandal that rocks the school. The novel is told from the perspective of Barbara and offers a glimpse into her thoughts and motivations as she becomes more and more obsessed with Sheba.