Natural beauty. `A sinister and entertaining exploration of toxic beauty culture and capitalism` Guardian wer. angielska

'A meditation on how horror can lurk beneath the surface of even the most poreless skin,' this novel, praised by the New York Times, won the Lambda Literary Award for Best Bisexual Novel in 2024. It was also listed as one of WIRED's Best Books of 2023 and Audible's Best Horror Books of 2023. Perfect for admirers of The Substance, the story follows our narrator, who inherited a mesmerizing talent for playing the piano from her parents. They escaped China after the Cultural Revolution. However, a tragic accident leaves her parents unable to support themselves, prompting her to abandon her aspirations for a job at a prestigious beauty and wellness store called Holistik. Holistik is celebrated for its luxurious products and services, immersing her in a world of opulence she never anticipated. Her fascination grows for Helen, the niece of Holistik's captivating owner, leading to a friendship that teeters into something more profound. During her time there, she indulges in products that promise to slim, smooth, and lighten, but soon she discovers a sinister reality beneath the surface. "Natural Beauty" is a striking debut that humorously critiques the beauty industry while delving into themes of consumerism, identity, and cultural heritage, ultimately unveiling a disturbing truth. Critical acclaim highlights its impact: Buzzfeed calls it a "darkly absurd and hilarious skewering of the luxury beauty industry," while Booklist notes its seamless blend of genres like science fiction and literary fiction, offering intriguing insights into both the oppressive beauty sector and the Chinese immigrant experience in America. Publishers Weekly describes it as an "outstanding first outing," and Constance Wu, the star of Crazy Rich Asians, found it an engaging read. Grace D. Li praises it as a "razor-sharp critique" paired with a heartfelt narrative, and Nick Cutter compares it to a modern "Portrait of Dorian Gray" through a Cronenburgian lens.