Scarlett Thomas’s new novel is the story of Natasha, the daughter of a Russian oligarch, who is sent to study in England at a private boarding school. A gloomy mansion, portraits of the White Lady everywhere—this is Princess Augusta, who once lived here and is now, as rumor has it, appearing as a ghost. And Natasha’s fellow students are obsessed with diets. Even Natasha gets pulled into the game “Who’s the thinnest.” But this game turns into drama—and even tragedy.