The Betrayal of Bindy Mackenzie


The Betrayal of Bindy Mackenzie, is a 2006 novel for young adults by Jaclyn Moriarty. It is the third of a series set in the north-western suburbs of Sydney, where the author grew up. The story focuses on a minor character from Moriarty's second young adult novel, Finding Cassie Crazy. The story is told through letters, memos and transcripts, similar to the structure of other novels by the author.

Plot summary

The novel follows Bindy Mackenzie, a Year 11 student at Ashbury High in Sydney. She is a perfectionist and focussing obsessively on her studies. When Bindy begins Year 11, she is disgusted to discover that she must take part in FAD, a mandatory course aimed at helping teenagers deal with the issues that face them.
Her teacher, Try Montaine, an American English teacher, takes a strong interest in each of the members of Bindy's FAD group. The FAD course presents Bindy with a rather shocking scenario – she discovers that she is widely disliked by most of her peers, due to her arrogant and precocious attitude. Bindy begins a mission to seek revenge on her classmates, Bindy also falls ill from a strange illness that only contributes to these problems.
Bindy slowly realises the error of her ways and tries to make amends with her FAD group, Her better attitude helping her peers to gradually learn to enjoy Bindy's company as she changes as a person. In the meantime, Finnegan Blonde, Bindy's partner from her FAD group, presents a possible love interest for Bindy as one of the first people to recognise her as friendly.

Characters

The Betrayal of Bindy Mackenzie received favourable reviews. Frances Atkinson at The Age called it "satisfying and engaging", complimenting Moriarty's "convincing and often funny" dialogue. Australian Bookseller & Publisher said it was "the perfect young adult novel".