This was all kinds of f*cked up, from the insane storyline to the unreliable narration. I kept reading purely for shock value, I couldn’t believe what was happening or the horrors of it all. However, where the plot impressed me, the writing let me down. It felt basic and almost like a first draft in certain parts. The conversation scenes were difficult to read, partly due to the unrealistic nature of them and the lack of energy in the writing.

I did enjoy the criticism of society and humans self obsession with looking good, but even this felt empty in parts. For a horror story focused on human narcissism, I really wish the writing lived up to the hype.

I was expecting to adore this book like everyone else.
However, what started out really strong and intriguing ended up being really underwhelming.

I understand why the book took the course it did, but until the last 15% it was a solid 4 star for me. Until it wasn't.
Of course, to remove yourself from a situation like that presented in the book is quite hard, and it was handled well enough. But i still feel it lacking depth, the main character ended up happy in her own way but not in the way I thought she deserved.

The commentary was amazing, wish it was explored more, the suspense elements really made me fly through the book always wanting to know more.
Overall, it was a solid book some will love it, while others will be disappointed by the ending. Unfortunately, I'm the latter.

This one surprised me! The tight writing and storytelling really worked for me. While it clocked in at under 200 pages, it had enough action to feel like a 350-pager! It reminded me of a more mature and horror-ified version of Death in the Downline.

I liked the intentional choice to not name our MC, it really drove home cultural erasure of the immigrant experience. I loved the relationship our MC had with her parents - it was so moving and beautiful how close, supportive, and loving the family was. Watching the MC’s musical journey was emotive, to say the least. I’ve never played piano but the author made sure I understand just how connected our MC was to her music to the point where I ‘got it’.

The commentary on the immigrant experience, capitalism, identity, the predatory beauty industry , poverty, and living as a second generation immigrant in North America were all impactful themes that worked really well together. We covered a lot of ground; there were times I wish we’d gone a little bit deeper into each theme or making some of it come full circle.

The escalation was absolutely unhinged. Some of it I was able to guess but a lot of it went in a direction I wasn’t expecting at all. Personally, I would have valued a bit more time in the denouement as the escalation was a bit intense and I was sitting with a few unanswered questions.

This is an impressive debut. I will keep my eyes open for more work by Huang.

4.25/5
Absolutely surreal story, which at the same time also seems like something that could really happen. This book is thought-provoking, but it is fun and easy to read. There are many books that want to draw attention to the consequences of the excessive beauty industry through magical realism or horror elements and this book sometimes does it best. Each figure was written so sophisticatedly, no matter how small the roll was, the details were just perfect.

Wow! Natural Beauty encapsulated how it feels to be a woman in the most garish, campy and artistic way possible. The way it shows the commodification of self care and beauty through a “ridiculous”, satire lens was pure genius.

Can’t believe this is a debut novel!

Natural Beauty is an extraordinary novel that left me spellbound. It is a stunning exploration of identity, perfection, and the cost of beauty, delivered through writing that is both poetic and razor-sharp. From the very beginning, Huang creates an atmosphere that is captivating, unsettling, and impossible to look away from.

The protagonist’s journey is profoundly moving, filled with moments of vulnerability and strength that resonate deeply. Huang delves into the pressures of modern society with a raw honesty that feels both timely and timeless. The story masterfully balances its surreal elements with stark realism, creating a narrative that feels both dreamlike and painfully real.

What truly stands out is Huang’s ability to craft tension and emotional depth in equal measure. Every scene feels meticulously constructed, pulling you further into a world that is as beautiful as it is terrifying. The book left me breathless, questioning societal values and reflecting on my own perceptions long after I finished.

Natural Beauty is a masterpiece - haunting, thought-provoking, and unforgettable. A flawless 5/5!