Friday, April 7, 2023

A Sinister side to the Beauty Culture

 


A family tragedy forces a talented young pianist to leave the music world. The serious injuries suffered by her parents mean she needs money for treatment. Holistik, a high-end beauty company, offers not only the chance to make a lot of money, but also a chance to belong and find out who she is.


At first all goes well. Helen, the niece of the owner, becomes close to her. As the friendship deepens, she is drawn further into the world of products to shape your body and increase your attractiveness. At first all seems well, she is experiencing belonging and thinks she is beginning to know who she is. However, the atmosphere darkens.


The novel is compelling starting as the story of a young girl finding herself and gradually veering into another dimension. I thought the author treated the underlying cultural ideas well. The book looks at race, body shaming, and the dictatorial nature of beauty standards. However, I found the transition to the sinister underpinnings of Holistik more frightening that I was prepared for.


I received this book from Dutton for this review.



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