The Dark Side of Beauty
Issue 15: Mona Awad’s Commentary on The Beauty Industry in Her Latest Book "Rouge"
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Introduction:
“Rouge” by Mona Awad is a book that I didn’t quite understand initially before doing some research. As someone that enjoys looking after myself, the concept of the darker aspects of the beauty industry didn’t initially compute. Although my own incorporation of beauty in my own lifestyle are quite moderate, I do believe that there is an important message to be received through this book.
The book contains elements of fantasy, horror, psychological anticipation, as well as a broader message which can be looked into on a much deeper scale. Focusing on the message in “Rouge” by Mona Awad can show us that the beauty industry has an immense impact on our cultural narrative. Not just on the results of our appearance after feeding into the beauty industry narrative, but also to do with the impact it has on our perception of ourselves.
As you’ll find when reading the book, the protagonist consistently feeds into her desire to obtain unachievable outcomes in beauty. Although she is complimented for her skin throughout the book, her own perception of her results and ultimately of herself, never match. Even when finding herself under dangerous circumstances, she still feeds into it.
Only when she realises that she’s reached the point where she finds her soul being at stake, does she make the choice to try and survive.
In this email we’ll cover:
The Book of The Week
Quotes and Questions to Reflect On
Insights and Inspiration
Closing Remarks
“The only journey that matters in the end, Daughter of Noelle.”
“Retinol?” I whisper.
“The soul. A journey of the soul, of course.”
Mona Awad, Rouge
What’s New?
Book of the Week:
Rouge by Mona Awad
Genre:
Psychological Thriller
Synopsis:
Rouge follows Mirabelle (Belle) a young professional from Montreal who flies down to California after her mother’s passing to organise her state of affairs. However, her travels extend unexepectedly when her findings take a turn.
While sifting through the remains of her mother’s life, she realises how many secrets she had, particularly around beauty and a hidden mansion on the hill. As a result, she finds herself engrossed in the hidden parts of her mother’s life that slowly start to surface over the course of her stay.
One night after trying on her mother’s red shoes, she’s led down the path to the mansion, after which these visits occur more frequently. However, with every interaction she slowly loses pieces of herself, until at the last moment, she makes the choice to run away.
Why We Love It:
Mona Awad targets important topics that ultimately serve as themes throughout her book. She really indulges in the excessive elements of the protagonist’s compliance to culture, societal pressures, underlying colorism, feeding into the beauty standards, and familial relationships to make her point clear.
In a way it adds to the elements of fantasy and illusion that is presented in both the reality as well as the mind of the protagonist. Belle becomes so immersed in this world, that her perception of what is true becomes unclear. The less clarity she has, the more compliant and susceptible she becomes to the unknown dangers ahead of her.
In that regard, there are themes interlaced throhghout the book that may point to factors that are relevant in our reality as well. Such as the lack of clarity and understanding that Belle has. It’s true that knowledge is power, and if we are to retain our agency, thenn critical thinking is of the essence so that we donn’t fall victim to over-consumption, or to extreme levels, propaganda.
Key Message:
Although there are many messages incorporated in this book, there are a few that stood out to me quite significantly:
Firstly, is that representation in media matters. Although the subject of colorism is never directly mentioned, Belle’s inability to acknowledge her own beauty because of her skin color to me was a direct reflection on what type of media was produced at that time, especially in the beauty world. To see your skin colour as a drawback is a huge conversation that when expressed can lead to effective change and inclusion, which we are seeing in today’s media climate. Representation matters.
Secondly, the concept of overconsumption has been sitting with me while reading this book. It’s occured to me recently that most of what’s popping up on social media, at least on my algorithm, has to do with products and advertising. There are so many more interesting conversations to be had other than what other lip gloss I ‘need’ to have this season. I miss the days where we shared our knowledge, interests, hobbies and passions. In my opinion, advertising is ruining social media.
Lastly, beauty is more than skin deep; incorporating joy, passion and love in your life all make for an incredibly beautiful person, which we so often forget. Even so much as taking an interest in life; leaning into topics that have been on your mind, expanding your knowledge, or engaging with the people around you, all aid in creating an amazing well-rounded person. If you took inventory of your life right now as is, would you be satisfied with who you are and where you’re going based on the actions you’re taking?
We often take our time here for granted, and so often waste it trying to make impressions on people who don’t matter rather than living authentically well. There are so many opportunities to build a beautiful life when we are open to, and seek, possibilities.
Quotes and Questions To Reflect On
Quote of the Week:
“Without the sun, what’s the moon? Just a rock in the outer dark. Its illumination just a trick. Just a trick from the sun’s light, which it steals. And that’s what Beauty is too.”
Mona Awad, Rouge
Reflection Questions:
How does the main character’s journey resonate with your own life experiences?
What decisions did the character make that you found empowering or thought-provoking?
Were there any lessons that you could derive from this book?
Self-Care Tips:
Go for a walk in nature.
Have a conversation with someone new.
Do something outside of your comfort zone - it can be small.
Read a book that leans into topics that you’ve been wanting to learn about.
Start a passion project.
Insights and Inspiration
Author Spotlight:
Mona Awad
Background:
Mona Awad is a Canadian fiction novelist whose writing leans towards more dark fiction/ horror stories. Although her novels have amassed great popularity and won several awards, she also works as an assistant professor in the creative writing program at Syracuse University.
Other Works:
All’s Well
Bunny
13 Ways of Looking At A Fat Girl
Beyond the Book:
Closing Remarks
Learning to embrace our own version of beauty has been an ongoing conversation in the media, as well as amongst people individually. Although it has taken a long time, and there is always room for improvement, we’re lucky to be living in a time where having these open conversations have a place in our society. It’s easy to forget, but for many years it didn’t.
The opportunity in that is that we are welcome to think about and acknowledge our own experiences so that we may express them to those that are willing to listen. As the net gets cast wider in this ongoing conversation, hopefully people start to embrace inclusion not as a means of meeting a companny target or to appease a group of people in their advertising campaign, but more so out of empathy and consideration for the evolution of humanity.
True beauty isn’t skin deep; beauty comes in many different forms, including our energetic blueprint. Our essence, if you will. True beauty, in my opinion, is when we allow ourselves to shine, in which we are then also subconsciously giving permission for others to do that same.
Until Next Time!
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Keep living life on your terms.
Warm regards,
June Tara
Founder of Spark Siren