Mona Awad's Rouge has garnered praise for its lyrical prose and compelling exploration of identity and beauty. Readers appreciate the rich, atmospheric world Awad creates, though some critique it for a slow narrative pace. Overall, it is lauded for its imaginative storytelling and emotional depth, appealing to fans of literary fiction with a gothic twist.

Rouge by Mona Awad captivates readers who relish dark, atmospheric tales blending the surreal with psychological depth. Fans of Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath will appreciate its complex characters and eerie, introspective narrative, making it ideal for those drawn to gothic and literary fiction.

In Rouge by Mona Awad, Mira Nour, a skincare-obsessed woman, travels from Montreal to California after her mother's mysterious death and becomes entangled with a magical spa her mother frequented, which promises beauty but has sinister consequences. The novel explores how self-esteem, secrets, grief, and childhood experiences shape identity while critiquing the beauty industry. The book includes themes of drowning, mental health struggles, and grief.

Dark / Mysterious / Unnerving / Fantastical / Contemplative

- Rouge by Mona Awad explores themes of beauty and self-discovery, drawing inspiration from both fairy tales and horror elements to create a unique narrative style. 
- Mona Awad has cited classic horror films and Gothic literature as influences on her atmospheric storytelling approach in Rouge. 
- Prior to Rouge, Mona Awad gained significant recognition for her novel Bunny, which was shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

**Mirabelle Nour (Mira)**
A young woman with Egyptian traits who struggles with self-confidence and beauty standards. She is deeply invested in skincare and has complex relationships marked by her evolving sense of self.

**Seth (Tom Cruise)**
The antagonist who appears as a version of Tom Cruise and works for Rouge. He has a manipulative presence and a complex dynamic with Mira.

**Noelle Des Jardins**
Mira's mother, a beautiful and complex character who comes from a French background and influences Mira's life through her memories.

**Hud Hudson**
A private investigator with a personal connection to Rouge, marked by his determined nature and a notable scar. He develops a significant relationship with Mira.

**Sylvia**
Noelle's former business partner, depicted as both caring and intrusive. She eventually plays a supportive role in Mira's life.

**The Woman in Red**
A leader at Rouge, characterized by her beauty and red hair. She maintains an enigmatic and manipulative presence.

Mona Awad

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read Rouge | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Rouge Summary and Study Guide

Background

Rouge Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6

Rouge Prologue-Part 1, Chapter 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 7-Part 2

Rouge Part 1, Chapter 7-Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Rouge Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Parts 4-5

Rouge Parts 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6 Rouge Part 6 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Rouge Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Rouge Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Rouge Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Rouge Literary Devices

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Important Quotes

Rouge Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Rouge Essay Topics

Rouge: A Novel

Before You Read

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