In Laura Elizabeth Woollett’s latest work, a collection of cleverly interconnected stories, she delves into the complex dynamics surrounding beauty and its consequences. The narrative revolves around Luna Lewis, a young girl who manipulates her ethnic appearance to infiltrate the modeling world under the guise of being part-Asian.
At the tender age of eleven, Luna experiences a harrowing incident while in Italy. In a distressing encounter, an elderly man follows her into a bathroom and forcefully kisses her on the mouth, leaving her shaken and vulnerable. This unsettling event marks the beginning of Luna’s heightened self-awareness regarding her physical appearance.
Subsequently, Luna finds herself in Malta, where her cousin Daniel brazenly comments on her weight. His blunt assessment of her figure with the word “fat” serves as a stark reminder that Luna’s relationship with her body has become increasingly fraught. The relentless pursuit of societal ideals takes its toll on Luna, driving her towards an unhealthy obsession with her own beauty.
Woollett skillfully weaves together multiple narratives, highlighting the centrality of physical appearance in the lives of her female characters. Within this framework, beauty serves as a universal language through which these women navigate their existence. It becomes a currency with immense power, influencing their relationships, aspirations, and sense of self-worth.
Through Luna’s story, Woollett explores the deep-rooted complexities and sacrifices that accompany the pursuit of beauty. Luna’s decision to present herself as ethnically ambiguous reveals the lengths she is willing to go to fulfill society’s expectations and gain entry into the fiercely competitive world of modeling.
The exploration of beauty goes beyond Luna’s personal journey, extending into the wider cultural landscape. Woollett examines the broader implications of society’s obsession with physical attractiveness, exposing the underlying power dynamics and societal pressures that shape our perceptions of beauty.
With her evocative storytelling, Woollett immerses readers in the intricate web woven by the characters’ intertwining stories. She deftly illustrates the allure and consequences of beauty, delving into the complexities that arise when physical appearance becomes a defining factor in one’s identity.
In this thought-provoking collection, Woollett shines a spotlight on the multifaceted dimensions of beauty. Through Luna’s experiences and the lives of her female counterparts, she invites readers to question the price society demands in its pursuit and idealization of beauty.
