Richard Kirshenbaum

Rouge is a historical fiction novel that introduces you to two women who are competing against each other in the beauty industry starting in the 1920s. Kirshenbaum delivers an entertaining read that gives us a look at high society, business tactics, betrayal and the power of beauty.

I found that the story was engaging but that the characters lacked a depth that would help me understand them more as people and not just as business rivals. Women running businesses at this time was not common and I would have loved to see more behind the scenes details of this important and powerful topic. Because of this I had trouble really connected with the characters are anything but a more superficial level. I would have loved to hear more of the "real story" and less of the rivalry and antics that took over during the storytelling.

*I was given a copy of this book to review and all opinion are my own.… (lisätietoja)

Rouge, by Richard Kirshenbaum, is the story of rival cosmetics empires, as well as a look at appearances and perceptions. The author uses the act of buying cosmetics to show class and aspiration. Whether it’s door-to-door saleswomen bringing glamour to housewives, or a salon that’s also an upscale social occasion, cosmetics allow customers to be someone else.

And the women behind these companies understand this reinvention. Josiah Herzenstein doesn’t actually pretend she’s not Jewish, but she renames herself Josephine Herz as she starts her rise. Her major rival, Constance Gardiner, also reinvents her past by changing the spelling of her name, and adopting an upper class accent and manners. And CeeCee Lopez, at Constance’s suggestion, uses her lighter skin and a Spanish-sounding name to change her race.

The novel covers decades, and the main characters have full, eventful lives, with dramatic reversals. It’s a lot like People Like Us or Swans of Fifth Avenue in the depictions of class customs and social climbing, although this wasn’t really a manners novel.

Without revealing the twists of the book, Constance and Josephine find themselves competing, again and again, and even inspiring each other in their competition. I enjoyed the powerful positioning through color choice or careful branding. Even though the novel begins with a flash-forward, there are plenty of surprises and reversals.

But at times, there’s almost too much symmetry between Josephine and Constance, making some scenes of the novel feel slightly forced. I’m thinking specifically of the scene where they wind up at the same restaurant for celebratory dinners, and their sons both leave early, leaving the two alone, with their champagne. That felt a lot less like two vibrant rivals accidentally crossing paths.

Overall, this is a dramatic story of competition, cosmetics, and keeping up appearances.… (lisätietoja)

I had eagerly anticipated the release of Rouge. The premise is intriguing and I had high hopes of reading about strong, powerful, competitive women breaking barriers in an era where women were shrugged off and not thought to have the competence to run a company. What I got was a novel full of superficiality, backstabbing, spitefulness, and gender and sexuality issues that made me incredibly uncomfortable. I hoped for more character depth and something that I couldn't quite put my finger on, but some part of this story fell flat for me and left me disappointed.

I could tell that this novel was well researched and the subject is still fascinating but sadly I am in the minority and did not care for this novel at all.… (lisätietoja)

A big Thank You to St. Martins and NetGalley for a complimentary copy!
All opinions expressed are my own.

*REVIEW*
Makeup is an essential tool for nearly every woman I know. How did it become so indispensable? Rogue tells the story of the women behind the rise of beauty in a compact and a tube. Josephine Herz and Constance Gardiner (Helena Rubenstein and Elizabeth Arden) are the two driven moguls who sit at the helms of their companies. Their stories are told from the 1920's through the course of their lives. Both were of a singular mindset: make it to the top, and remain there, at any cost. Truly, it's amazing what they did for success and fame. I admire and despise them simultaneously. Diligently each woman worked in a time when women just didn't do what they were doing. It's like they did it for spite, to fling in the face of the naysayers and critics. I do appreciate this fighting spirit, but the methods of achievement leave me speechless and befuddled to say the least. The sprinkling of insider industry tidbits about the entire process was fascinating and informative. Turns out, I'm clueless! But, against the glamorous landscape of the 30's and 40's, what woman wouldn't want an exorbitant amount of fortune and fame? They were wondrous females with illustrious careers in a man's world. I hope that, in some ways, they were regarded as fine examples of success by the women of the time. This story is vivid and remarkable with an exhaustive pace that leaves you wanting more. The characterizations of these deviously fabulous women makes me wonder if the author had close contact with them or was granted all access? It's that impressive, by a man, nonetheless! It's obviously well researched and carefully constructed for maximum impact on the reader. I'm a fan of historical fiction, and this account is unlike anything I have ever read. It's super unique and refreshing with unforgettable characters. I will never look at makeup in the same manner. Neither will you after you read this gem. Don't miss this book!… (lisätietoja)