Now this was a different take on the story we know and love! This is Beauty and the Beast from Beast’s point of view. This begs the questions of: who was the beast before he was cursed? How had he offended the witch so much? Why did she feel the need to teach him a lesson?
This story tells us the whole story to who the Beast is/was, and why he turns into the Beast. It also explains his desire to make Beauty happy, which is what he wants, more than making her love him. I hate who Beast was before he was cursed, he is such and egotistical jerk! I feel like the transformation is completely justified. This is no different from the other retellings. What is different is his transformation. The first is his love for his roses. Listening in his own head why he loves his roses is unexpected and really sweet.
Then he meets his beauty, who he acknowledges isn’t the most beautiful girl in the world. Again, in the other tellings you only know Beauty’s mind. Here you can only guess her thoughts about her captivity. I was extremely and pleasantly surprised with this story and would suggest it as a summer read and a follow up to Beauty by Robin McKinley.
The movie Beastly comes out on June 30. I will post something about my thoughts on that book turned movie that weekend.
A-
No Sexual Content
No Foul Language
No Violence
No Drinking, No Smoking, Mention of Drugs
Age Recommendation: 10+
Thank you for this great review. I will be reading this one for sure before I see the film. You might also enjoy a new fantasy book called, “Bloodline Alliance.” It’s unusual in that the author explores suffering, injustice and revenge as well as taking you into a very fascinating world. I’m really enjoy it and don’t want the book to end!