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The Villain Edit

A memoir about reality TV and taking control of the narrative
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( 948 ratings, 100 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Villain Edit by Alisha Aitken-Radburn is a candid exploration of the author's personal journey through reality television and the often challenging portrayal that followed. She delves into her experiences with the media and her own internal battles, aiming to uncover the truth behind the edited version of her life that audiences were presented with. The memoir beautifully reflects on themes of identity, self-discovery, and the quest for authenticity in a world driven by perception.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by the behind-the-scenes dynamics of reality TV and want an insider's perspective. This memoir offers a candid exploration of how television can shape and alter public perception, revealing the complexities of appearing on such shows and how it affects personal identity. Perfect for readers interested in media, personal growth, and navigating the ups and downs of fame.

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The Villain Edit

A memoir about identity and authenticity in the smoke-and-mirror worlds of politics, reality TV and social media, from Bachelor star Alisha Aitken-Radburn.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

When former government staffer Alisha Aitken-Radburn was given a villain edit on her first season of The Bachelor, she wasn't entirely surprised—after all, there are only a handful of character tropes producers can manipulate into storylines. But the backlash on social media was unexpectedly intense, and Alisha found her sense of identity completely rocked by a single comment: 'You are a bad person'.

Determined to shake the 'villain' label, she returned to reality TV screens, and this time, she got a different edit. She was met with praise and empathy, and her portrayal led to a third and final season, where she met the man she would marry.

But along Alisha's rocky path in the reality TV spotlight, the line between truth and fiction blurred. She cared about other people's opinions more than her own, and her insatiable quest for external validation saw her outsourcing her decisions and her self-worth to everyone from anonymous forum-lurkers to journalists and politicians.

The Villain Edit charts Alisha's journey through the smoke-and-mirrors worlds of politics, reality TV and social media. Navigating the secrets, lies and hard truths that are laced through even the most fairytale of endings, it reveals how the perceptions of others can rewrite the story of who we think we are, and how important it is to know when to go off-script and take control of the narrative.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Villain Edit by Alisha Aitken-Radburn is praised for its candid and insightful exploration of the reality TV industry and personal experiences. The book is noted for its honest treatment of how it feels to be both vilified and adored by an unseen audience, offering a unique perspective on womanhood and public life. It is described as relatable, deeply human, and imbued with humour and self-awareness, challenging stereotypes and encouraging readers to consider broader social narratives.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781761068850

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 August 2023

Country: Australia

Imprint: Allen & Unwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 314g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Alisha Aitken-Radburn is a former Labor government staffer who appeared on both The Bachelor and The Bachelor in Paradise. She is a regular contributor to Triple j's youth current affairs program, Hack, and the former host of In the House and In the Senate, featuring conversations with the women of Australian Parliament, and Cocktails and Roses, recapping The Bachelor and The Bachelorette with Osher Günsberg. The Villain Edit is her first book.

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