In quite a nice turn of events, I only first read Scott Westerfeld's Uglies this year. Proudly boasting on its front cover that it came 'before the Hunger Games', Westerfeld's quartet (and subsequent spin-offs) was published during what I like to call the 'YA dystopian era'. Mainly the late naughties into the early 2010s. So, why is the fact I only read it in 2024 a nice turn of events?
Well, Netflix released a film adaptation. For me, this felt like a positive move towards the resurgence of dystopian fiction. I have argued several times that there are many reasons why people still enjoy dystopian fiction, but it is currently sitting in romantasy's shadow when it comes to the mainstream book industry. I thought a strong adaptation of a well loved YA dystopian book may turn the tide for readers. Unfortunately though, the film failed to deliver on several fronts.
Here's how the Guardian put it: 'Credit to Uglies for this: in the year 2024, plastic surgery and a beauty standard of body modification is a rich and relevant topic for young people. Unfortunately, Uglies renders its lessons in the most awkward, laughably flat and unconvincing way possible.'
Eek. Not so great.
Having watched the film, I can't say I disagree. The film didn't lose its key message that Westerfeld set out to address in his series. Dystopian fiction has evolved, but using it to critique society is still a very strong aspect of the genre. While the film may have failed in writing, overly generous CGI and casting, the notion that society has warped the true meaning of beauty isn't lost. In some ways, the over-exaggerated lights of the city where the 'Pretties' reside may have emphasised it even more.
Leaving the film behind, let's turn to the dystopian book in question...
As I write, I am reading the second in this dystopian series, Pretties. I am seventy pages in and if I had a drink for every time Westerfeld has used the words 'bogus' or 'bubbly', I'd be drunk as a skunk. However, the first book, Uglies, did have a lot to like about it.
Classic dystopian tropes
As well as a typical dystopian setting, Uglies does give readers that nostalgic feeling. While it was actually published before the Hunger Games, its range of different dystopian tropes will give you the same vibe and take you back to reading that series for the first time (and if you haven't already - let's get on with it.)
We have the themes of rebellion, an oppressive government and self-expression. The latter we see so clearly through Tally's change of heart from wanting to be Pretty to recognising true beauty in the community and the people of the Smoke. This brings us to another reason why dystopian fiction is such a good avenue for authors who are trying to make a point about our own society. Westerfeld clearly has his gripes about society's depictions of beauty and that no one should be treated differently according to their looks. It makes readers consider how much more the inside, or the depth of our heart and character, is worth.
Tally's story does keep you hooked especially as we start to enjoy the romance between her and David, and it's also not a book that will take you long to read. So a perfect option if you need something light and easy.
Definitely a YA dystopian...
If you were to ask me if I'd recommend the Uglies series, it wouldn't be my first choice. Of course, many YA dystopian books have a lot of cross over into the new adult space but Uglies is less so. While the conversation around standards of beauty continues way into adulthood, the style of writing, dialogue and character expression is on the younger-end of YA (although there is the reference to more adult themes in Pretties so it may mature as the series goes on!)
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