Jenny Penny Books. The Ugly Face of Beauty. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all. The ugly face of beauty is a very powerful story, it has a good modern plot line and will definitely be of appeal to female readers, to which many I feel will relate, not least to the adoption issue. It contains a diverse variety of subject matter including jealousy, bullying, rejection, spite, insecurity, heartache, tragedy, some gruesome burning and 'comeuppance' etc.; even a touch of the metaphysical (which I particularly like); with an underlying and very important much needed message - particularly at the moment when the media seem intent on promoting 'glamour' as being the prime aim in life for young women.
The Ugly Face of Beauty is a densely plotted psychological drama about the fragility of beauty, and therefore its inadequacy as a foundation for self esteem; it is also about how beauty can be a mask for inner ugliness. The novel tells the story of two teenage sisters, Jane and Linda. Jane is physically unattractive but intelligent and good-hearted. Linda, on the other hand, is beautiful but selfish, shallow and cruel. The binary opposition of these characters – the stark contrast of protagonist and antagonist – is reminiscent of Victorian fiction, and indeed the story has a matching flavour, capturing the hugely eventful, rollercoaster plotting of that period, as the opposing characters’ fortunes counterpoint each other, leading to a conclusion in which they each get their just deserts. If you are one of the many who feel that character-driven high drama (sometimes touching on melodrama) is something sadly lacking in modern fiction, the The Ugly Face of Beauty is for you. The story is filled with clashes, conciliations, heartbreak and hidden secrets: a veritable brew of drama, yet entirely modern – even hip – in its outward character.
The Ugly Face of Beauty is a very powerful story and shows all the emotions of jealousy, deep-seated anger, hatred, kindness and love. The story is true of many siblings that it will strike a chord with those in the same or similar situations and therefore they will be able to associate with it. Its a story that can give hope and inspiration for those who want to change their situation or life, help those who are unable to change it immediately. Many valuable lessons are withing the pages.
From the voice of the story, although good for an adult audience, I feel it will strike a particular chord with young adults. Its starts with action, which continues throughout the book, right to the end, and is written in such a way as to make the reader want to keep reading to find out what happens to Linda and Jane.
All the characters are strong and play an equal part, no-one has been left out or forgotten. You can feel the strength of the characters, their feelings and emotions as one works through the story. The survival retaliation by Jane against Linda is nicely balanced. Nancy portrays a single mum, struggling to survive and raise two teenage girls. There is not much about Nancy herself, and her own feelings and thoughts, although this story is meant to be about Linda and Jane, and it achieves that aim and remains focused on them throughout.
The story line is very strong, and I feel your book ought to be published as this story rings so true to life and could help so many people, not only young adults but older people as well; I think anyone who reads it will be touched by the emotions portrayed, especially by the main characters Jane and Linda, and associate with it in one way or another.
WHY THIS BOOK SHOULD BE PUBLISHED
The Ugly Face of Beauty
This book tells a story that will open the minds and hearts of those who live in the world of beauty, hoping that they’ll see beyond beauty and take notice of other talents and fine qualities that sometimes go unnoticed in people who don’t share the same interest as them. Beauty, popularity, wealth and perfection, how does this fit into our
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