In a dystopian community obsessed with female beauty and perfection, Mona rises through the ranks of the Re:Start program, only to uncover the dark, damaging consequences of its extreme weight-loss and self-discipline regime. The novella delivers a powerful critique of societal beauty standards and the psychological toll of toxic wellness culture, blending suspense with a raw exploration of body image and self-worth.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a dystopian community called Re:Start, the story follows Mona, a woman who has fully integrated into a village dedicated to the pursuit of female beauty and perfection. The village, populated by women known as the Lumineuses, is governed by strict rules and led by a mentor, Geneviève, who prescribes a regimen of sports and slimming pills. The narrative explores the dark underbelly of this seemingly idyllic society, where the pursuit of beauty comes at a high personal cost, including the use of medication, disordered eating, and self-harm. The plot intensifies when Mona's best friend loses control, prompting Mona to question the integrity of the program and the true nature of the community, which increasingly resembles a cult. The novella is described as short but impactful, with a tone that is both brutal and unsettling, and it directly addresses themes of body image, societal pressure, and the psychological toll of beauty standards.

Readers appreciated the novella's unflinching portrayal of the pressures women face regarding appearance and weight, noting its emotional impact and the accuracy with which it depicts internalized self-criticism and suffering. Many highlighted the effectiveness of the opening prologue and the raw, direct writing style, which they found immersive and hard-hitting. The book's critique of beauty standards, wellness influencers, and the toxic culture surrounding body image resonated strongly, with several readers mentioning specific scenes—such as the protagonist reading her friend's journal—that were particularly moving or difficult to read. The story's ability to provoke self-reflection and empathy was also frequently mentioned, as was its capacity to raise awareness about the realities of eating disorders and societal expectations.

Some readers expressed dissatisfaction with the novella's brevity, feeling that the story was too short and that the plot developed too quickly, especially towards the end. The writing style was described by a few as simplistic, and some found the narrative occasionally confusing or lacking in depth due to its condensed format. The ending did not convince all readers, with a few stating that it felt rushed or unsatisfying. While the subject matter was praised for its relevance, the execution left some wishing for a more developed or nuanced exploration.

The book was published on May 14, 2025, and falls within the science fiction genre. It is co-authored by Katia Lanero Zamora and Anouck Faure. With 44 reader ratings and an average rating of 4.41 out of 5, it has generated significant discussion, particularly around its handling of sensitive topics such as eating disorders, body image, and the psychological effects of societal beauty standards. Trigger warnings for eating disorders, weight, medication, and self-harm are noted by readers, and the novella is described as intense and potentially distressing for those sensitive to these issues.