Hex

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A Vulture, LitHub, and PureWow Most Anticipated Book of 2020, this novel is described as "as precise as any scientific observation and far more tantalizing" by Vogue. It offers a sophisticated and surprising take on the campus novel, infused with witchery, as noted by Goop. The story follows Nell Barber, an expelled PhD candidate in biological science, who is obsessed with the delicate balance between poison and antidote. As she attempts to set a speed record for detoxifying poisonous plants, she finds herself entranced by her mentor, Dr. Joan Kallas. Their relationship becomes a focal point amidst a backdrop of tangled connections involving Nell's ex, her best friend, and Joan's husband. The characters are caught in a web of desire and ambition, leading to a cascade of affairs and heartbreak on campus. As Nell fills her apartment with poisonous plants and keeps meticulous notebooks dedicated to Joan, her research transforms into a map of her unrequited love. With emotional and intellectual depth, this novel captivates readers with its dazzling voice and exploration of obsession and longing.