Entertainment · Books & Arts · 5 hrs ago
Review: Inter Alia novel loses the force of Suzie Miller’s play
Suzie Miller’s novel Inter Alia adapts her play of the same name, which premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2025.
The story follows Jessica Parks, a feminist judge whose 18-year-old son is accused of sexually assaulting a teenager.
The accusation tests Jessica’s views on justice, after she has seen defence lawyers use legal loopholes in rape trials.
In the play, Rosamund Pike played Jessica as she struggled with the clash between her role as a judge and her feelings as a mother.
The review argues the novel is less effective than the play, saying its extra backstory and writing weaken Jessica as a character.
It also says the teenage complainant becomes a side character in Jessica’s personal story, rather than the centre of the drama.
The reviewer says the adaptation loses the play’s urgency and focus on survivors.
A Guardian Australia review says Suzie Miller’s novelisation of Inter Alia loses the force of the stage play.
The reviewer argues that the novel shifts attention from a teenage rape victim to the personal growth of Jessica Parks, a judge whose son is accused of sexual assault.
The review says the book’s asides, clichés and laboured ironies weaken its urgency and reduce Jessica to a less nuanced character.
Inter Alia premiered at London’s National Theatre in 2025, starring Rosamund Pike as Jessica.
Miller’s play Prima Facie premiered in 2019 and has been staged in more than 50 countries.
- Who
- Suzie Miller, playwright and author, and the Guardian Australia reviewer.
- What
- A review argues that the novelisation of Miller’s play Inter Alia loses the force and urgency of the stage production.
- When
- The review was published on 22 October 2026. The play premiered in 2025.
- Where
- The play premiered at London’s National Theatre.
- Why
- The reviewer says the novel shifts focus from the teenage victim to Jessica’s personal growth, while its writing weakens the story’s urgency and characterisation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Suzie Miller’s play Prima Facie premiered.
Inter Alia premiered at London’s National Theatre, starring Rosamund Pike as Jessica Parks.
The Guardian Australia published its review of the novelisation.
- Author
- Suzie Miller
- Play
- Inter Alia
- Stage premiere
- London’s National Theatre, 2025
- Lead actor in the 2025 production
- Rosamund Pike
- Earlier play
- Prima Facie, premiered in 2019 and staged in more than 50 countries
What people are saying
I can read my courtroom. I can read the barristers, the court staff, the public, the defendants. And I can read the witnesses, the complainants. It’s here that I can effect real change.
I want to be a judge who is also a woman, who is also herself completely. And this is me. Jessica.