A review by kellysrambles
You Could Be So Pretty by Holly Bourne

challenging emotional fast-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

5.0

You Could Be So Pretty is a dystopian novel which is scarily similar to our own society. I was hooked from the very beginning as I learned to navigate the world of the Doctrine. 

This book is addictive, fast-paced and doesn’t hold back. A world where misogyny is both accepted and encouraged at the expense of women - of course it’s the woman’s fault if she is sexualised for  looking so good, in fact, it’s a compliment, right? 

You can be a Pretty and spend your time endlessly applying your Mask, uploading images to the Ranking and making sure you keep up with Body Prayer and don’t eat too much Sin. Or you can be an Objectionable and choose not to indulge in a life of Masking. 

The power of being either Pretty or Objectionable is what is so well explored in this book. The idea that looking a certain way is the only way to be successful. The idea that being Pretty means people will listen but being an Objectionable means people can barely look at you, let alone listen to what you have to say. 

Joni and Belle are two of my new favourite protagonists and I feel like I’ve been on a real journey with them both in this book. From being opposites to needing each other more than they think, their journey into friendship really gets you thinking as they both need to face up to societal expectations in different ways. 

This is a book which will provoke numerous emotions: awe, sadness, anger, guilt, envy. It is so cleverly written and one I will be sharing with as many people as possible! 

Thank you to Usborne, Holly Bourne and NetGalley for my early review copy in exchange of a fair and honest review.