I was kindly sent this to review by Headline Publishing on Bookbridgr. Beauty looked like an intriguing take on Chick Lit for me, having only really lived in a secluded Sophie Kinsella shaped bubble when it came to that genre (no matter how awesome Miss Kinsella is!). But I think after reading Beauty, Louise Mensch (formerly Louise Bagshawe) has definitely entered my list of 'Chick Lit Authors Whose Books I Will Buy!' (Note to self: I need better list names.) So why did I like Beauty so much? Well, let me tell you. Are you sitting comfortably? (Am I being condescending and sarcastic? It's late, but I'm channelling Dina Kane, I'm sorry.) Let's begin!
So, Dina Kane. Where do we start with Dina Kane? Well, she's a very beautiful lady. I know what you're thinking, not another book about pretty women?! Wait, wait, wait...before you start ranting...
...You just had to share your views on gardening tools didn't you? Really.
Anyway, this isn't just another book about a pretty woman. It is, but with a twist! And we all love twists don't we? Mmm?
I knew I had your attention.
Anyway, Dina Kane is a very beautiful woman who decides to use her beauty to help her get anywhere she wants in life. And no, this isn't a cheap book about a woman who suddenly becomes beautiful and gets love and kinky sex deals (cough cough Anastasia Steele) but it's about a woman who uses the way others treat her in regards to her looks to progress in life.
Mensch's writing style is extremely interesting as whilst Dina has that sarcastic attitude that could make you want to slap her if you met her on the street, she also has a very redeeming quality. She's clever as anything. And who doesn't love clever women? Especially clever women who use a feature they were born with to progress. It's intriguing and mysterious, and more than anything, it's damn hilarious.
For about the first half of this book, you think you're just having an easy ride, rolling through Chick Lit Land like it's a weekend trip. However, once you get to that halfway point, there's no going back. All those little bits you laughed at? They counted. And all those guys fawning over Dina? Oooooh, it meant something all right!
Suddenly, Beauty becomes about more than just beauty, it's about drama, and fear and a fight to survive and come out on top. It makes your heart race, it makes you want to yell your opinion at whoever may listen, and more importantly, it makes you realise that Dina Kane isn't just a pretty face, she's a badass.
So readers, put away any opinions you may have of books about 'perfect' women and give this a read. You won't be disappointed.
Goodreads Rating: 4 Stars
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