Ugly

By: David Michael Slater

Narrated by: Lauren Irwin

An epic tragicomedy spanning three generations, Ugly explores the horrifying and hilarious truths of man's inhumanity to woman, delivered with unforgettable characters and indelible dark humor in the grand tradition of John Irving.

Three generations of women, one horrifying and hilarious story of defiance.

Charlotte Adams escapes a destitute orphanage in prewar London, only to find herself in the lavish but equally treacherous home of one of England's wealthiest families. Her daughter, Margot Kenworthy, flees to America's heartland, where she takes refuge in a dangerously misunderstood finishing school. Her daughter, Cleo Portman, heads to Hollywood, where she takes on the predatory modeling business in shocking and unprecedented ways.

In the grand tradition of John Irving, David Michael Slater, acclaimed author of Fun & Games and The Vanishing, delivers a sprawling tragicomedy chock-full of remarkable characters and indelible scenes. An unforgettable listen, Ugly is a breakneck rollercoaster of a ride.

©2025 David Michael Slater (P)2025 Highbridge Audio

Full of OMG moments! You'll get sucked in! 😄

To be honest, when I first read the synopsis for Ugly, I wasn’t sure if it was for me. It didn’t sound like something that would normally grab my attention. But having read David Michael Slater’s other books — and never once being disappointed — I decided to give it a try. Boy, was I glad I did.

How a story so deeply rooted in the experiences of women and their complex relationships with men could be written so authentically by a man is nothing short of astonishing. Slater captures emotion, vulnerability, and strength with such precision that I often forgot who the author was — I was simply lost in the story.

Every day I looked forward to picking up the book again, eager to see what would happen next to each generation of women. The writing is sharp, heartfelt, and immersive, pulling you into a multi-generational journey that feels both intimate and universal. And let me tell you — it’s filled with so many “Oh my god!” moments that had me audibly reacting more than once.

Ugly is raw, real, and profoundly relatable — no matter your age or background. It’s one of those rare books that lingers after the final page, making you reflect on identity, resilience, and the complicated beauty of human connection.