You Could Be So Pretty
““If you loved the Barbie movie, you’ll adore this.”“ THE SUN
““The Handmaid’s Tale for the Insta generation.”“ THE TIMES
““Razor-sharp and compelling, it is essential reading for every teenage girl.”“ THE OBSERVER
““Holly Bourne is truly a one-in-a-million author.”“ DAILY MIRROR
““A searing exploration of beauty and its meaning for women and girls. Don’t miss it.”“ STYLIST
““Ideal for fans of Louise O’Neill and Laura Bates.”“ THE GUARDIAN
LIMITED EDITION FIRST PRINTING FEATURING EXCLUSIVE CUT-OUT DOUBLE COVER available while stocks last
BEAUTY COMES AT A PRICE. AND GIRLS MUST PAY.
In Belle and Joni’s world there are two options for girls:
One, follow the rules of the Doctrine like Belle: apply your Mask, work hard to be crowned at the Ceremony, be a Pretty.
Or two, fight the rules like Joni: leave your face bare, work hard to escape to the Education, be an Objectionable.
But maybe there is a third option…
Change the rules. Reclaim your power. If you can…
What would you choose?
Uglies meets The Handmaid’s Tale for the new YA generation in this mind-blowing novel from bestselling queen of YA Holly Bourne.
Content warning – this novel deals with issues that some readers may find upsetting, including references to pornography and sexual assault.
Latest reviews
I found this a tough read in a variety of ways. Firstly the different language: mask, sin, hair stripping etc. was clever but required a little bit of extra thought/concentration at first. It makes a good point though by challenging the reader to rethink things we just accept. Secondly the whole challenge to readjust our ideas and attitudes is hard work in some ways. Thirdly, the shock of some of the more extreme attitudes regarding the treatment of girls and women, particularly in terms of porn etc. made me stop and think about what young women and girls have to deal with today. It may not be being shown openly in screens in schools, but it’s so easily available perhaps we’re not far off that. Lots of reviews reference The Handmaid’s Tale and Uglies… neither of which I’ve read. I warmed to both Belle and Joni as the book progressed.
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