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A review by mmarlborough
Rouge by Mona Awad
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This bizarre and thought provoking book was very unique. I haven’t read any of Awad’s work before but I definitely see why she is known to be literary stand out and has so many fans. I really enjoyed the audio performance due to the narrator’s accents and ability to easily transport the listener from the past to the present.
Bella’s mother dies in a mysterious way and she has to go to CA to deal with the estate. A stranger invites Bella to the spa her mother frequented, which is where she begins to piece together traumatic and alluring bit of her past that have made her who she is.
This book is a weird fever dream filled with beautiful but haunting imagery and symbols. Some parts definitely went over my head, while others have stuck with me. I didn’t necessarily enjoy this while listening to it, yet I keep thinking about it weeks later. There’s a repetitive nature to the middle of the book which ratcheted up the tension and anxiety in a creative and interesting way. Some symbols are spelled out very clearly while others remain ambiguous….I truly don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this before. Will this be for everyone? No. But if you want something different, go for it.
✨Trigger Warnings: Death of a Parent, Body Horror, Body Shaming, Adult/Minor Relationship, Anima Death, Racism, Mental Illness, Suicide
Bella’s mother dies in a mysterious way and she has to go to CA to deal with the estate. A stranger invites Bella to the spa her mother frequented, which is where she begins to piece together traumatic and alluring bit of her past that have made her who she is.
This book is a weird fever dream filled with beautiful but haunting imagery and symbols. Some parts definitely went over my head, while others have stuck with me. I didn’t necessarily enjoy this while listening to it, yet I keep thinking about it weeks later. There’s a repetitive nature to the middle of the book which ratcheted up the tension and anxiety in a creative and interesting way. Some symbols are spelled out very clearly while others remain ambiguous….I truly don’t think I’ve ever read anything quite like this before. Will this be for everyone? No. But if you want something different, go for it.
✨Trigger Warnings: Death of a Parent, Body Horror, Body Shaming, Adult/Minor Relationship, Anima Death, Racism, Mental Illness, Suicide