Rouge: A Novel

**ge"** by Mona Awad is a haunting and surreal exploration of obsession, beauty, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships set against the glitzy backdrop of Southern California. The story follows Belle, a young woman whose life is overshadowed by her fixation on skincare and the pursuit of perfection. After her estranged mother, Noelle, passes away under mysterious circumstances, Belle returns home to face her mother’s debts and unearth the truths surrounding her death. The narrative takes a dark turn when a strange woman in red appears at the funeral, leading Belle to the exclusive and cult-like spa, La Maison de Méduse, where her mother once sought refuge. As Belle navigates this seductive and treacherous world, she confronts the sinister secrets that entangle her and her mother within the beauty industry’s merciless grip. With elements reminiscent of "Snow White" and "Eyes Wide Shut," Awad seamlessly blends black humor and eerie horror to critique society's obsession with appearance and the lengths individuals go to escape the painful realities of life. **"Rouge"** offers a thought-provoking and visually rich narrative that examines the fragile boundaries between desire, identity, and the darker aspects of human nature, making it a compelling read for those intrigued by the intersections of beauty and horror.

This is my 3rd Mona book, and I love everybody of hers so far. All's Well is my top favorite, but this one comes in second. I absolutely love Mona's writing style. I love the magical realism and psychological horror genres. I also just LOVE the fact that even though some dark themes are portrayed, that the stories somehow end on an almost happy, resolved form of closure. There's no loose threads. Every single wicked detail has it's own purpose. Ahhhh, I just love it so much, I need more. Forever a Mona fan 😩💘.

The book was like fever dream. A very confusing plot with a lot of unanswered questions, but still fun to read.

At first, this book reads like a dark and moody David Lynch film with some of the witchy plot-points of Suspiria (1977), and all of the atmosphere and magic of any movie directed by Panos Cosmatos (think Mandy, with abstract and dazzling visuals, and retro-horror moments). I liked this for the imaginative feast, and the tradition of body-horror cinema it easily brings to mind. It fell short in some areas by gratuitously building up characters (as well as perhaps not selectively fleshing out the right characters in the right areas), and by the inclusion of distracting details and dead-end plot points. If anything, this book attempted to include too much on the level of sideline details and visual tropes. Overall, an enjoyable read that dives into contemporary beauty regimens (lifestyles), inter-generational female relationships and mental health, all wrapped in a mysterious and gothic narrative.

I’m normally not much of a reader, but when I do, I enjoy science, fiction, or, books, that sort of stretch reality, and this book was perfect. It really kept my attention, and I read it in no time! Very good read! I recommend it to all my friends.

I read this for a book club and it certainly isn’t my normal genre but I got sucked in. Following Belle on her journey was like one of those movies you know something bad is happening but you just can’t look away.

Wish the ending tied up all the loose ends and questions I had throughout the book. Disappointed I was left with questions. Interesting concept and characters, just wish there was more.

I enjoyed the author's writing style, which reminded me of a more poetic David Lynch. 60 percent of this book was amazing and suspenseful, and the other 30 percent of it moved at snail's pace and was repetitive and confusing. I almost stopped reading it half way through but I finished because I paid for it.

I would’ve appreciated the book better if it was a 100 page shorter. That does not mean I did not like the book….which I did but backstory of her fractured past I guess was dragged in parts and the whole setup of spa (where the plot is revolving around) also takes several chapters and sometimes gets repetitive. It does have a very small subplot of romance but it’s not even 5% of the entire point. But the price people pay for beauty(vanity) is well captured.

No issue with the story, the issue was with the two copies I ordered, they where both slightly damaged.

Un peu déçue, peut-être parce que j’en attendais beaucoup mais je suis un peu passé à côté !

Wow! Just wow. Mona Awad’s novels are exquisite. I could not put this one down. I’m holding my breath for the next one.

I enjoyed this story a lot, the intrigue and the way Awad controlled my opinions of the characters was fun. The exposition of the backstory was well paced and while it didn't reach a creschendo of tension, the story arc was engaging throughout.