The first person narrative and the vivid sensory descriptions involve the readers in the life of Camellia from the first page. The author, Dhonielle Clayton, aptly creates the world of Orléans into a very realistic environment that gradually introduces readers to the customs, traditions, and the mysterious esteem placed in being a Belle.
For me, the book is very reminiscent of Scott Westerfeld's "Uglies" series, although Clayton's "The Belles" world is set in an alternative past rather than a future. It very interesting to read about how the Belles, in essence, sculpt and create people's exterior. Find it also to be a commentary on how modern society is continually trying to achieve optimum levels of 'beauty.'
For me, the book is very reminiscent of Scott Westerfeld's "Uglies" series, although Clayton's "The Belles" world is set in an alternative past rather than a future. It very interesting to read about how the Belles, in essence, sculpt and create people's exterior. Find it also to be a commentary on how modern society is continually trying to achieve optimum levels of 'beauty.'