(Fashion SF) Maria is a super model in a future that doesn't hesitate to modify the bodies of the models for maximum impact. (4,339 words; Time: 14m)
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Not Recommended
Recommended By: RHorton:4"La Beauté Sans Vertu," by Genevieve Valentine [bio] (edited by Ellen Datlow), published on April 27, 2016 by Tor.com.
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: "Beauty without virtue." A disturbing portrait of an industry so out of control that it can treat its employees like farm animals. Although the story is told almost entirely through narration, the narration is beautifully worded.
Con: There's no plot here. Up until she runs away, we don't have a clue Maria is unhappy. In fact, we never get any understanding of her feelings--the narration is so distant that we're not inside anyone's head very much.
The bit about replacing the girls' arms is disturbing, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense and it's not important to the story. E.g. Maria doesn't leave because she wants her old arms back.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 04/27/16)
Genevieve Valentine Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
Con: There's no plot here. Up until she runs away, we don't have a clue Maria is unhappy. In fact, we never get any understanding of her feelings--the narration is so distant that we're not inside anyone's head very much.
The bit about replacing the girls' arms is disturbing, but it doesn't make a whole lot of sense and it's not important to the story. E.g. Maria doesn't leave because she wants her old arms back.
Other Reviews: Search Web, Browse Review Sites (Issue 04/27/16)
Genevieve Valentine Info: Interviews, Websites, ISFDB
Darkly humorous critique of fashion and celebrity culture. I'm not quite sure how the references to the "Diamonds and Toads" fairy tale relate.
ReplyDeleteThe illustration by Tran Nguyen is stunningly gorgeous!
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