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tashmaster89's review
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
amandacole's review against another edition
5.0
Originally posted on Desert Island Book Reviews
The Beast’s Garden is basically a fairy tale retelling set in Nazi Germany. It’s based on “The Singing, Springing Lark,” which itself is similar to “Beauty and the Beast.” Fairy tale retellings might be my absolute favorite sort of book, and every time I find one, I can’t help but read it. “Beauty and the Beast” is my favorite fairy tale and I’ve read several retellings of it, but this one was definitely a standout. A quick note: this book is (as far as I can tell) only available in audio version in the U.S. I have no clue when it will be published as an e-book or hard copy, but I listened to the audio version and really loved it! I think I would have butchered the German pronunciations, so I’m glad I had a narrator who knew what she was doing.
I really loved pretty much everything about this book. From the Afterword, I discovered that many of the characters and events are based on things that were real, and that made me like it even more. Forsyth must have done a ton of research because at times, I really felt like I was transported to Nazi Germany (not that that’s a place I really ever want to be).
I enjoyed the way that the elements of B&tB were worked into the story. If you aren’t looking for them, they aren’t obvious, so even if you don’t love retellings, you might like this if you like World War II fiction. That said, when you do know they’re there, the original plot elements woven with the story here are really unique interpretations. For example (and this is a mild spoiler, but it’s also in the official synopsis of the book), in order to save her father from deportation or worse, Ava has to marry Leo, a Nazi officer. The way this comes about makes sense in any reading of the story, fairy tale-inspired or not, but it’s a very clear parallel to Beauty going to live with the Beast after her father steals a rose.
One thing that was really surprising to me was that Ava’s family was so divided. I wonder how real families at the time dealt with ideological differences — it’s not something I’ve ever thought about. I don’t want to spoil the book, but I have to say that I really appreciated the way that her family was portrayed. It would have been easy to go a different route, especially with a B&tB retelling, but it felt like a realistic family to me. None of the characters is all good or all bad, and I appreciated that.
For a while, I had trouble seeing how Ava could bear to be married to Leo, but he grew on me after a while. That said, I have no idea what he did behind the scenes or whether he had to commit crimes for his job. But even with that possibility, I still wanted him to come out okay in the end.
The ending for me was both unexpected and predictable at the same time, and that’s maybe the only time when I felt that the two genres (historical and retelling) clashed a little. Fairy tales usually have happy endings (though, in the case of Grimm’s fairy tales, usually also gruesome), but not many people saw happy endings in Nazi Germany. I’m not sure I would have made the same decisions as this author when it came to the ending, but as a reader, I found the ending satisfying.
It’s hard to say too many good things about this book. I loved listening to it and definitely recommend it, in particular the audio version, narrated by Jennifer Vuletic. I think I got more out of this book through listening to it than I would have if I’d read it traditionally. I gave this book five stars and will be adding it to my list of favorites for this year.
The Beast’s Garden is basically a fairy tale retelling set in Nazi Germany. It’s based on “The Singing, Springing Lark,” which itself is similar to “Beauty and the Beast.” Fairy tale retellings might be my absolute favorite sort of book, and every time I find one, I can’t help but read it. “Beauty and the Beast” is my favorite fairy tale and I’ve read several retellings of it, but this one was definitely a standout. A quick note: this book is (as far as I can tell) only available in audio version in the U.S. I have no clue when it will be published as an e-book or hard copy, but I listened to the audio version and really loved it! I think I would have butchered the German pronunciations, so I’m glad I had a narrator who knew what she was doing.
I really loved pretty much everything about this book. From the Afterword, I discovered that many of the characters and events are based on things that were real, and that made me like it even more. Forsyth must have done a ton of research because at times, I really felt like I was transported to Nazi Germany (not that that’s a place I really ever want to be).
I enjoyed the way that the elements of B&tB were worked into the story. If you aren’t looking for them, they aren’t obvious, so even if you don’t love retellings, you might like this if you like World War II fiction. That said, when you do know they’re there, the original plot elements woven with the story here are really unique interpretations. For example (and this is a mild spoiler, but it’s also in the official synopsis of the book), in order to save her father from deportation or worse, Ava has to marry Leo, a Nazi officer. The way this comes about makes sense in any reading of the story, fairy tale-inspired or not, but it’s a very clear parallel to Beauty going to live with the Beast after her father steals a rose.
One thing that was really surprising to me was that Ava’s family was so divided. I wonder how real families at the time dealt with ideological differences — it’s not something I’ve ever thought about. I don’t want to spoil the book, but I have to say that I really appreciated the way that her family was portrayed. It would have been easy to go a different route, especially with a B&tB retelling, but it felt like a realistic family to me. None of the characters is all good or all bad, and I appreciated that.
For a while, I had trouble seeing how Ava could bear to be married to Leo, but he grew on me after a while. That said, I have no idea what he did behind the scenes or whether he had to commit crimes for his job. But even with that possibility, I still wanted him to come out okay in the end.
The ending for me was both unexpected and predictable at the same time, and that’s maybe the only time when I felt that the two genres (historical and retelling) clashed a little. Fairy tales usually have happy endings (though, in the case of Grimm’s fairy tales, usually also gruesome), but not many people saw happy endings in Nazi Germany. I’m not sure I would have made the same decisions as this author when it came to the ending, but as a reader, I found the ending satisfying.
It’s hard to say too many good things about this book. I loved listening to it and definitely recommend it, in particular the audio version, narrated by Jennifer Vuletic. I think I got more out of this book through listening to it than I would have if I’d read it traditionally. I gave this book five stars and will be adding it to my list of favorites for this year.
gifflesnooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
babyleo's review against another edition
5.0
The Beast's Garden is the kind of story that appears to be a simple fairy tale retelling, a classic tale woven through history; but in actual fact it is a powerful and important story, filled with bold thoughts and acts of defiance, bringing history to life under the guise of a mere fairy tale. It is brutal and honest, yet told so wonderfully that amongst the horror of war and the raw subject, you are captivated and amazed at what happens, real or otherwise.
From the first pages Forsyth holds nothing back, showing off the beauty and danger early on, something that remains until the very last page. The combination and close proximity beauty and danger has in this novel is wonderful, the way Forsyth shows how both existed side by side for so long also adds a lot of meaning. The fact day to day life coexisted with such horror, especially in the early years, is incredible to discover, even more so in novel form.
The Beast's Garden includes important and historic figures such as the Goebbels, Mildred Harnack, members of the Abwehr, as well as numerous others on both sides. Through Forsyth's flawless and bold narrative their stories and movements during Hitler's reign are brought to life again in a spectacular tale about war, love, strength, and music.
Forsyth blends the actions of the real with the desires of the fictional and manages to excel and telling both stories. Real events are woven meticulously and elegantly with the lives of her characters creating a personal and unique perspective on some of the people and key moments during World War Two.
Aside from the historical elements, the detail and style of the narrative is wonderful to read. Nothing is included that isn't of some importance and everything has meaning in some form or another. Ava is strong and resilient and watching her grow over the course of the story is incredible, truly an example of not knowing what you're capable of until you have no other choice. Each created character brings something to the story, whether it is the perspective of the Jewish, the resistance, or those caught in between,
Forsyth combines the fairy tale and the real together stylishly and with skill. There are quotes from The Singing, Springing Lark opening each section and Ava reads and draws strength from the story of the lark herself, through all its torments and triumphs, each action reflected in her own story.
Coupled with the story of The Singing, Springing Lark and the facts and truths of World War Two, Forsyth's incredible creativity and ability to mix together what is real and what is not is to be admired. The story spans seven years, from 1938 to 1945, and through Ava's story you see the world change around her and see it change herself. Through her story and others an understanding is gained about the effect Hitler had on not just the outside world but Berlin and the German people too.
This is a story that is riddled with real faces and real events, connected and combined with characters that are filled with bravery, bold opinions, and incredible strengths. It is a novel told against the backdrop not only of history but of a fairytale, and one that demonstrates the power Germany had shown the world, but it also shows the power hidden within Germany itself. A spectacular story.
A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/the-beasts-garden-by-kate-forsyth/
From the first pages Forsyth holds nothing back, showing off the beauty and danger early on, something that remains until the very last page. The combination and close proximity beauty and danger has in this novel is wonderful, the way Forsyth shows how both existed side by side for so long also adds a lot of meaning. The fact day to day life coexisted with such horror, especially in the early years, is incredible to discover, even more so in novel form.
The Beast's Garden includes important and historic figures such as the Goebbels, Mildred Harnack, members of the Abwehr, as well as numerous others on both sides. Through Forsyth's flawless and bold narrative their stories and movements during Hitler's reign are brought to life again in a spectacular tale about war, love, strength, and music.
Forsyth blends the actions of the real with the desires of the fictional and manages to excel and telling both stories. Real events are woven meticulously and elegantly with the lives of her characters creating a personal and unique perspective on some of the people and key moments during World War Two.
Aside from the historical elements, the detail and style of the narrative is wonderful to read. Nothing is included that isn't of some importance and everything has meaning in some form or another. Ava is strong and resilient and watching her grow over the course of the story is incredible, truly an example of not knowing what you're capable of until you have no other choice. Each created character brings something to the story, whether it is the perspective of the Jewish, the resistance, or those caught in between,
Forsyth combines the fairy tale and the real together stylishly and with skill. There are quotes from The Singing, Springing Lark opening each section and Ava reads and draws strength from the story of the lark herself, through all its torments and triumphs, each action reflected in her own story.
Coupled with the story of The Singing, Springing Lark and the facts and truths of World War Two, Forsyth's incredible creativity and ability to mix together what is real and what is not is to be admired. The story spans seven years, from 1938 to 1945, and through Ava's story you see the world change around her and see it change herself. Through her story and others an understanding is gained about the effect Hitler had on not just the outside world but Berlin and the German people too.
This is a story that is riddled with real faces and real events, connected and combined with characters that are filled with bravery, bold opinions, and incredible strengths. It is a novel told against the backdrop not only of history but of a fairytale, and one that demonstrates the power Germany had shown the world, but it also shows the power hidden within Germany itself. A spectacular story.
A longer version of this review was published on my blog https://lostinagoodbk.wordpress.com/2015/08/17/the-beasts-garden-by-kate-forsyth/
celestialsilence's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
margyle's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED THIS BOOK! Romance without all the graphic detail, suspense, and full of hope. I don't usually like books that cause me anxiety or an emotional roller coaster but this one was worth it.
qofdnz's review against another edition
5.0
This book in its audible version has been my constant companion for what seems like far longer than it actually took to read. This could be due in part to the harrowing tale it told. Forsyth does for historical fiction what Diana Galbaldon does not. In that she takes it seriously. I saw no element of fairy tale in this book, just an incredibly well researched, historically accurate story of nazi germany.
rachaelh79's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
thiefofcamorr's review against another edition
4.0
The Beast's Garden by Kate Forsyth is along the same lines as two of her other books, The Wild Girl and Bitter Greens, mixing fable and historical fiction into one heck of an amazing book. Previously tackling Rapunzel with the time of the Sun King, Louis XIV and Dortchen Wild (the girl next door to the Grimms) which means many different fairy tales... we now have a retelling of the Grimms' Beauty and The Beast, set in Nazi Germany.
Ava is a young girl, overwhelmed by what's happening to her country. Though she isn't directly targeted (being the third daughter of a non-Jewish family), she is hurt and overwhelmed by what's happening around her, especially as their close family friends, the Feidlers, are Jewish. She sees the injustice and barbaric horror, but there are few ways to speak out about it. Her bravery for the little ways she fights back is noticed by a member of the army, Leo, who seems to agree with her and yet is strong and proud for his place in the very army she detests. Thrown together, this novel explores their different sides of view as they try to survive what their home has become.
There are many stories about this time of history - a tricky thing to tell due to how raw it is for some people still today - and yet, Forsyth handles it well. We see concentration camps and how people so easily turned on life-long family friends, and it doesn't shy away from some of the most terrible parts of our history.
My favourite in this tale was Leo. He's the love interest of this novel, yet he's not shown in stunning form - at the beginning it's quite unsettling how demanding he is so soon and yet tries to cover it as begging and placating 'I'm so in love' (as if that's supposed to be romantic? Run, Ava!), and it is a delicate line between how he both loathes elements yet also takes pride in others.
Whilst few books can beat Bitter Greens in my eyes, this book is beautifully rendered, and deserves a read immediately.
Ava is a young girl, overwhelmed by what's happening to her country. Though she isn't directly targeted (being the third daughter of a non-Jewish family), she is hurt and overwhelmed by what's happening around her, especially as their close family friends, the Feidlers, are Jewish. She sees the injustice and barbaric horror, but there are few ways to speak out about it. Her bravery for the little ways she fights back is noticed by a member of the army, Leo, who seems to agree with her and yet is strong and proud for his place in the very army she detests. Thrown together, this novel explores their different sides of view as they try to survive what their home has become.
There are many stories about this time of history - a tricky thing to tell due to how raw it is for some people still today - and yet, Forsyth handles it well. We see concentration camps and how people so easily turned on life-long family friends, and it doesn't shy away from some of the most terrible parts of our history.
My favourite in this tale was Leo. He's the love interest of this novel, yet he's not shown in stunning form - at the beginning it's quite unsettling how demanding he is so soon and yet tries to cover it as begging and placating 'I'm so in love' (as if that's supposed to be romantic? Run, Ava!), and it is a delicate line between how he both loathes elements yet also takes pride in others.
Whilst few books can beat Bitter Greens in my eyes, this book is beautifully rendered, and deserves a read immediately.