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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I adore this story. It reminds me a lot of the 2017 Disney version, but with elements of the original fairy tale AND personalities for all three sisters. Highly recommended.
"You called me beautiful last night."
"You do not believe me then?"
"Well - no. Any number of mirrors have told me otherwise."
"You will find no mirrors here, for I cannot bear them: nor any quiet water in ponds. And since I am the only one who sees you, why are you not then beautiful?”
~ content: mild violence, family strife. recommended for ages 13+ ~
"You called me beautiful last night."
"You do not believe me then?"
"Well - no. Any number of mirrors have told me otherwise."
"You will find no mirrors here, for I cannot bear them: nor any quiet water in ponds. And since I am the only one who sees you, why are you not then beautiful?”
~ content: mild violence, family strife. recommended for ages 13+ ~
The pacing and character arcs in this book were... sub-par. No real changes in Beauty from start to end, other than realizing she was actually beautiful (which I’m still not sure how I feel about that) and Beast’s backstory and character is severely lacking.
The writing and setting were beautiful, and the secondary characters were interesting. She also added in extra details to add a slight twist on the tale, but they never come to fruition and the last chapter blasts through any opportunities for emotional closure. I was really wanting and expecting to love this book, but instead it was only okay.
The writing and setting were beautiful, and the secondary characters were interesting. She also added in extra details to add a slight twist on the tale, but they never come to fruition and the last chapter blasts through any opportunities for emotional closure. I was really wanting and expecting to love this book, but instead it was only okay.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Slightly Longer Classic Tale
This is the original fairy tale with slightly more words and self esteem issues. Don't get me wrong. Its a good story. It's always been a good story. But Robin McKinley didn't really add anything to it besides a bit more back story.
This is the original fairy tale with slightly more words and self esteem issues. Don't get me wrong. Its a good story. It's always been a good story. But Robin McKinley didn't really add anything to it besides a bit more back story.
I loved this retelling, particularly the relationships amongst the sisters. And the books! All the books.
This is one of my favorite books of all time purely because it was the first book that completely entranced me. I will never forget finishing it for the first time, at the age of 12, and crying because it was over. I’ve read it numerous times over the years and it continues to be magical.
McKinley gave us the most gorgeous world. I usually want more action and less description, but the way she writes is so grand. This is absolutely geared towards younger readers, but I still found it to be just as interesting as when I read it for the first time.
The thing I noticed this time, as a mother of two girls, is how much Beauty’s physical appearance is mentioned. And not just Beauty’s appearance, but her sisters as well. It was a bit off putting. Also a reminder of how much stories have changed. However, I am anxiously awaiting for the time when my own girls can read this story and hopefully love it as much as I do. I’ll just have to remind them that “beauty is found within” (see what I did there?)
If I were reading this for the first time as an adult I would probably give it a 4, just for the body shaming, but seeing as this story has been in my life for over 2 decades, and I still haven’t forgotten it, I can’t NOT give it 5 stars.
Side note: For those who have read A Court of Thorns and Roses (another fantastic Beauty and the Beast retelling) so much of that book had to have been inspired by this one. SJM is a known fan of Robin McKinley and I could see so many elements in both. As all art is inspired by others I found the little nuggets to be fun.
McKinley gave us the most gorgeous world. I usually want more action and less description, but the way she writes is so grand. This is absolutely geared towards younger readers, but I still found it to be just as interesting as when I read it for the first time.
The thing I noticed this time, as a mother of two girls, is how much Beauty’s physical appearance is mentioned. And not just Beauty’s appearance, but her sisters as well. It was a bit off putting. Also a reminder of how much stories have changed. However, I am anxiously awaiting for the time when my own girls can read this story and hopefully love it as much as I do. I’ll just have to remind them that “beauty is found within” (see what I did there?)
If I were reading this for the first time as an adult I would probably give it a 4, just for the body shaming, but seeing as this story has been in my life for over 2 decades, and I still haven’t forgotten it, I can’t NOT give it 5 stars.
Side note: For those who have read A Court of Thorns and Roses (another fantastic Beauty and the Beast retelling) so much of that book had to have been inspired by this one. SJM is a known fan of Robin McKinley and I could see so many elements in both. As all art is inspired by others I found the little nuggets to be fun.
I absolutely adored this book, from beginning to end. A truly magical fairy tale, romance, and coming-of-age story that was a huge encouragement during my awkward middle-school years.