Rouge

About the book

Experience a horror-filled, gothic fairy tale from the acclaimed author of Bunny. Follow Belle, a lonely dress shop clerk, as she embarks on a treacherous journey in search of youth and beauty after her mother's unexpected death. Can she break free from her mother's tragic fate and discover a connection beyond appearances?

Since childhood, Belle has been fixated on skincare videos and maintaining flawless skin. Upon her mother Noelle's enigmatic passing, Belle returns to Southern California to confront her mother's debts and unravel the mystery surrounding her death. Things take a darker turn when a mysterious woman in red offers a clue at the funeral, leading Belle to a bizarre spa experience through a cryptic video.

Guided by a pair of red shoes, Belle is drawn into the enigmatic La Maison de Méduse, the same luxurious spa her mother adored. Here, she uncovers the horrifying truth behind her and her mother's obsession with mirrors, revealing the sinister depths and demons lurking behind the looking glass.

ROUGE delves into a surreal world where Snow White meets Eyes Wide Shut, exploring themes of beauty, envy, grief, and the complex mother-daughter bond. With a blend of dark humor and alluring horror, this story exposes the cult-like underbelly of the beauty industry and the peril of internalizing its unforgiving standards.

Infused with California sunshine and the symbolism of blood-red roses, ROUGE reflects our relationship with mortality, our fixation on external appearances, and the profound yearning that lies beneath the surface.