A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademA funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered.
Merged review:
A funny, riveting gothic fairy tale that warns against the societal pressure to embody perfect beauty. Charming and with the uncanny, whimsical trademark of Mona Awad’s writing, Rouge is a look into Western society’s fear and disdain for aging, for physical imperfections; it is a contemporary princess story in which she is destroyed by the price of beauty, ensnared by the shadows of trauma. An exploration of identity and self image, especially after a significant loss, this is a novel that is both relatable and hard hitting. It is a call to be kinder when looking in the mirror, to let go of the past, to love ourselves even at our most influencer unapproved. Graceful, witty, and endearing in all the unique ways that Awad has mastered....more
A haunting saga of real world horrors in the Jim-Crow era South. Dark, winding, and filled with emotionally fluid prose, The Reformatory shows us, thrA haunting saga of real world horrors in the Jim-Crow era South. Dark, winding, and filled with emotionally fluid prose, The Reformatory shows us, through the eyes of a child, the shattering of innocence that comes as a result of racism, trauma, and injustice, as well as the long-hidden truths of the mass incarceration, torture, and murder of Black men and boys, which continues today. A physical manifestation of grief, rage, and longing, the ghosts of this novel are a compelling note of all that is left unsaid, undone, by young lives senselessly extinguished. Historically rich, informative, and deeply moving, this disturbing coming of age is a necessary look at the ways in which lives are buried and forgotten for the simple crime of being born in a prejudiced society. However, this story is not without hope, and a look towards a future in which justice not only crawls from the shadows, but thrives. ...more
A chilling, claustrophobic reimagining of the horrifically doomed Donner Party. Mixing history with the supernatural, this atmospheric novel showcasesA chilling, claustrophobic reimagining of the horrifically doomed Donner Party. Mixing history with the supernatural, this atmospheric novel showcases the cruel indifference of Mother Nature, as well as the devastating consequences of discord, isolation, and misunderstandings. Fast-paced and assured, The Hunger blurs the lines between paranoia and reality; it carves out the truth from campfire tales and folklore, the figure separating from the shadows. Dark and bleak as a desolate landscape, this horror read may be a perfect nightmare companion on your next trip outdoors. ...more
A bizarre descent into madness which explores the lengths people go to in the pursuit of the ultimate creative expression. Satirical and grotesque, HaA bizarre descent into madness which explores the lengths people go to in the pursuit of the ultimate creative expression. Satirical and grotesque, Haunted is a collection of overarching stories within stories, a colorful cast of characters breaking down over their stay at a mysterious and unknowingly disastrous writing retreat. With a number of scenes that are equally memorable and cringeworthy, this is a novel that tests the boundaries of what it means to be a good writer; what is the limit between a good story and the consequences of the actions taken to produce it? For fans of dark comedy and the looming shadows of social horror, Haunted is a one-way trip into the darkest corners of the creative mind, and the ruthless chase of literary success. ...more
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