Reviews

I liked the fact that the entire book, from beginning to end, was like one bug dream. the writing made it like you were constantly moving through water n i think that awad accomplished this really well in here
definitely going to be recommending this to other people but this book is v much for people w/ specific taste

melnee's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

tabbythereader's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

restpauper's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

TRIGGER WARNING; grief, racism, cannibalism, toxic family dynamics, violence, grooming. May be triggering for those that struggle with self-image.
disclaimers; I am not good at remembering all the words that relate to her, but, I will try to explain it on my own.

Mona Awad is known as a writer who has her way of making readers feel weird after reading her books, the world she creates always provides her perspective on reality. I always loved her writing style since Bunny. Rouge becomes a second book from her that I finished, the premise caught my attention. Who isn't curious to know about the effect of obsession towards skincare?

Mirabelle, also known as Belle, the protagonist, returns to her hometown due to her mother's death. She has a complex relationship with her mother that cannot be simply classified as toxic; she loves her. However, she also harbored a secret jealousy of her mother's beauty. Unfortunately, her mother left behind debts, forcing Belle to sell the apartment to pay them off. However, she uncovers her mother's secret connected to a mirror, which leads her to a beauty spa called Rouge. The conflict revolves around past memories, the mother's secrets, and their connection to this beauty cult. It also explores how these factors unknowingly plunge Belle into an obsession with her mother's image and influence.

Then, what happened to Belle?

She dragged herself deeper into a secret that made her obsession slowly make her lose her identity, however, In my opinion, she always seemed lost from the start. Perhaps it was because she always saw her mother as a perfect figure, leaving her without the foundation to form her independent thoughts. This was quite bothersome to me, as it prevented her from escaping her mother's shadow.

When Belle discovered the Rouge, a glint of triumph flickered in her eyes, like a victor who had unearthed a long-sought treasure. "Mom, this is your secret, isn't it?" she gasped. As the townspeople acknowledged her beauty, recognizing her as Noelle's daughter, a flicker of pleasure danced across her face. It seemed like a secret yearning was finally fulfilled.

“Didn't you envy? Didn't you want? A mirror is only a mirror, Belle. It only ever reflects back what we desire and long for.”

Because of the first-person perspective, I find it challenging to grasp the broader narrative and the world it presents. This is also happened when I was reading Bunny. I struggle to fully trust the protagonist, which hinders my empathy for her due to her seemingly stubborn and immature behavior. However, considering this is a world created by Mona Awad, it's safe to assume that unconventional occurrences are to be expected.

The Rouge isn't a typical beauty spa. It's actually called La Maison de Méduse (French for "The House of Medusa"), and it serves as a central element in the story, shrouded in mystery and harboring a dark secret. The spa is shrouded in secrecy and appears to be quite exclusive. La Maison de Méduse seems to cater to an extreme obsession with beauty and anti-aging. The spa promises transformative experiences, but the true nature of these transformations remains unclear throughout the novel.
They call Belle a perfect candidate like her mother leads her to her most magnificent self and gives her free treatment.

“The only journey that matters in the end, Daughter of Noelle.”
“Retinol?” I whisper.
“The soul. A journey of the soul, of course.”

In my opinion, as a cult, they brainwash chosen individuals into becoming objects of adoration, only to exploit them for their own purposes, culminating in cannibalism at the end. They believe this ritual somehow enhances their beauty. I found this part quite repulsive, especially considering Belle's eagerness to fulfill their twisted desires. The methods they employ are truly sickening.

“We? She must not see that I’m with you, Mother. She must not see you in the shop glass or she must think we’re one and the same. We look so much like each other today, it’s true. Esther doesn’t seem to see very well. Completely immune to the abomination in the window display.”

The treatments I mentioned earlier gradually altered her physical appearance, eventually causing her to perceive things beyond reality. In this section, I appreciate how Mona Awad employs mirrors to reflect Belle's distorted perception of the world, unseen by others.

The part I didn't like the most...... was the flashback to Belle's 10-year-old self and her obsession with Tom Curse. I found it quite ridiculous. Tom Curse is an adult character, and this infatuation is represented through her interactions with a character named Seth.

Young Belle first encountered Seth in her mother's mirror. While he could be dismissed as an imaginary friend, his appearances seemed too real at times. Don't try to convince me to like him - I never did from the start. He played on Belle's insecurities, whispering that her mother stole her beauty, leaving her with lasting emotional damage. Interestingly, he later resembled a leader at the mysterious Rouge spa.

He is manipulative.

"Who crept into Mother’s closet where she said not to go? Who turned the mirror around? I didn’t make you do anything. I just saw what was inside you, seedling. Saw you tell it in the eyes of mud. You want to know what was in that red powder? You. Your dark feelings about Mother. Want. Hate. Envy. That’s what poisoned the roses. Poisoned Mother, sad to say. That’s what made the red dust.” “No.”

There is one characters, a mysterious man named Hed Hudson, who calls himself "Detective Beauty." Surprisingly, he reveals he shares Belle's situation - his own sibling has also passed away. Despite Belle's resistance, even when she pushes him away, Hed remains determined to save her. Unlike Seth, he isn't a jerk.

However, I also believe that Belle orchestrated her rescue at the end, after realizing that the Red Jellyfish following her was her mother.

Unlike Bunny, which blends fairy-tale elements with fantastical narratives, Rouge delivers a more definitive conclusion. The resolution effectively portrays the emotional connection between Belle and her mother, providing a satisfyingly heartwarming ending within its own unique context.

holsta's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

I rely on action to entertain and girl that wasn’t in this book. I was so excited to read this and I was so disappointed

Merged review:

I rely on action to entertain and girl that wasn’t in this book. I was so excited to read this and I was so disappointed

Merged review:

I rely on action to entertain and girl that wasn’t in this book. I was so excited to read this and I was so disappointed

Merged review:

I rely on action to entertain and girl that wasn’t in this book. I was so excited to read this and I was so disappointed

lowstakepancake's review against another edition

Go to review page

4.5

nobody told me (told me, told me) it would be lone (lone) ly...

hannnnna's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

More...