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erinreadsbooks 's review for:
Rouge
by Mona Awad
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
What a fantastic (and fantastical) read! Reading this as a buddy read with friends really enhanced my experience with this one and made me slow down and notice more. And boy, is there a lot to notice in this book. The author packs in so much imagery and so many literary and cultural references that I felt really amplified the messages and atmosphere of this book. A little bit horror, a little bit fairytale, a little bit contemporary... this beautifully-crafted book had so many elements that really worked together well to create a rich and decadent world.
I've read many books where the protagonist's mental state is questionable and their narrative unreliable, but a lot of the time it doesn't work for me. I can't get myself into their head and instead just get frustrated. It wasn't the case in this book, and I think the dreamlike, fairytale-esque quality to it really helped me suspend my disbelief; if I can't even tell what is "real" and what is not, then how can I expect the protagonist to do so? I really enjoyed the ethereality of this story and I had a blast speculating and examining all the author's choices.
Read if you like fairytales with a tinge of horror, contemplation on the beauty industry, and stories of women and exploring intergenerational trauma.
I've read many books where the protagonist's mental state is questionable and their narrative unreliable, but a lot of the time it doesn't work for me. I can't get myself into their head and instead just get frustrated. It wasn't the case in this book, and I think the dreamlike, fairytale-esque quality to it really helped me suspend my disbelief; if I can't even tell what is "real" and what is not, then how can I expect the protagonist to do so? I really enjoyed the ethereality of this story and I had a blast speculating and examining all the author's choices.
Read if you like fairytales with a tinge of horror, contemplation on the beauty industry, and stories of women and exploring intergenerational trauma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment