You Could Be So Pretty

You Could Be So Pretty is about two girls who are complete opposites in a society where appearance is the most important thing. Feminism is a huge theme in the book and it's written so it's easy to read but also makes you think a lot about the society we live in and lots of major issues. I would recommend this book if you want to read something slightly different from Holly Bourne's other books, but it's just as addictive and thought-provoking.

Suggested Reading Age 14+

What a fascinating, disturbing read. What initially appears to be a YA Handmaid's Tale is actually an only a slightly distorted snapshot of society today.

Belle and Joni are polar opposites, living either side of The Doctrine that governs insular communities like their own. Subjugated females are only deemed acceptable if they adhere to the rules - 'masking' their faces to show no signs of imperfection, accepting the male gaze even when lecherous and degrading, putting their 'Look' above all else, including education. Whilst Belle, steered by her mother aspires to be nothing more than the prettiest, Joni, guided by an equally dominant mother, rails against the unfairness and inequality. When the two girls are thrown together, they each begin to realise that their respective ideologies are not as clear-cut as they thought.

It's hard to place the time in which You Could Be So Pretty is set. Is it a sick, slick tech-savvy alternative future or an alternative present? The lack of a distinct time period and the use of very particular terminology creates a unique dystopia - it's our world, but not quite as we know it. There is something stomach-churning about the 'Just Right' years - as if once that time is passed, so has your usefulness and identity. Females are encouraged to reinforce the mantra 'It's Her Choice' when referencing whether someone masks or not, but it's clear that only certain choices are socially acceptable and not making them renders you 'Invisible'.

However, as much as the male characters are all misogynistic, deeply unpleasant and one-dimensional, the book also raises interesting questions about the female role in all this. Are the 'Prettys' of the title brainwashed or are they part of the problem? Belle and her friends mock those less physically blessed, often relish the overt attention they receive and enjoy creating heavily edited content.

I was a little wary about the book having no males with any redeeming characteristics whatsoever - this seems to demonise all boys, which I am not sure is helpful or representative. However, it certainly worked to reinforce the gender divide. Whilst many young (and older!) people are now wedded to their 'Devices' and 'Looks', I hope this book and others will encourage young people to value themselves, their abilities and their potential and have aspirations beyond the way they look.

This is such a sharp, incisive, feminist read and my (very!) over-long review is testament to the myriad of issues and questions it raises.

400 pages / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+