Other People’s Clothes by Calla Henkel takes you back to a time when Britney Spears was making a glorious comeback and we were keeping up with the Kardashians. In this novel, set in 2008, we dive into a world where appearances trump everything, gossip is as weighty as facts, and every superficial detail matters.

The story revolves around Zoe Beech and Hailey Mader, two New York City art school students on their study abroad year in Berlin. Zoe, still haunted by the unsolved murder of her best friend, seeks solace by delving into different personas. On the other hand, Hailey, fueled by her parents’ wealth, dives headfirst into her glamorous expat life, forever seeking a taste of fame that Warhol’s mere 15 minutes can never satisfy.

The adventure begins when the roommates rent a luxurious yet heat-deprived apartment from Beatrice Becks, an American crime writer, and her enigmatic mother, Janet. Despite Beatrice’s austere demeanor, Hailey becomes enthralled by her and explores her personal belongings, oblivious to the consequences.

Initially, Zoe and Hailey struggle to make their mark in the underground clubs and art scene of Berlin. They drown their sorrows with cheap wine, feed coal furnaces in their bedrooms, and binge-watch “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” to escape the trial of Amanda Knox and the horrifying murder that Zoe desperately wants to forget. However, they soon suspect that Beatrice is spying on them, using their failures as inspiration for her next thriller. In response, Hailey concocts a plan to give Beatrice something truly spectacular to write about. Transforming their apartment into the city’s most extravagant club, they bring the scene to them instead of ingratiating themselves into Berlin’s elite circles.

Other People’s Clothes is a thrilling debut novel that immerses you in a world where appearances deceive and secrets lurk behind closed doors. Calla Henkel beautifully captures the essence of the era and the characters’ desires for fame and acceptance. If you’re ready to journey into the vibrant and enigmatic city of Berlin, get lost in this captivating tale of ambition, friendship, and the lengths people will go to be noticed.

So why not jazz up your reading list with Other People’s Clothes and experience the magic of Calla Henkel’s storytelling?

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