Plot summary, “I, Claudia” by Mary McCoy in 4 Minutes - Book Review
0"I, Claudia" by Mary McCoy. The novel follows Claudia McCarthy, who, against her wishes, becomes entangled in the complex world of the Honors Council at her private high school, Imperial Day Academy. With a diverse cast of characters in terms of race, sexual orientation, and ability, the story explores power dynamics and the consequences of Claudia's rise to authority as the vice president of the Honors Council. Through Claudia's reflections on her experiences, the novel delves into the disparity between her initial intentions and the reality of her position.
Claudia, initially seeking invisibility due to past bullying and personal challenges, is coerced by her nemesis Livia Drusus, a member of the Honors Council, to run for Student Senate. Unexpectedly, Claudia is elected and uncovers a financial scandal, propelling her into a position of influence and placing her as vice president. While she aspires to use her power for the greater good, Claudia faces a morally complex political environment where clear-cut answers are scarce. The story touches upon themes of corruption, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions.
Amidst the political intrigue, Claudia also engages in a romantic relationship, which is noteworthy as she is disabled, and it challenges traditional portrayals of disability in literature. The characters in the novel, though based on historical Roman figures, are developed individually, going beyond archetypes and adding complexity to the social dynamics, particularly with characters like Livia and Cal.
The novel delves into the question of whether power inherently corrupts, as Claudia navigates thrilling scandals, expulsions, power struggles, and even death. Mary McCoy, the author, is a librarian and young adult author based in Los Angeles. "I, Claudia" received recognition, including a 2019 Printz Honor, and was listed as a significant book in 2018 by several libraries.