Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
I don't think, even when I read the Grimm Brothers and Hans Christian Anderson and the Blue/Green/Red etc. Fairy Books, that I was a great fan of the Beauty and the Beast story. And I can't stand the Disney animated fairy tales. But I enjoyed this book - it's a sweet retelling of the story, with a bit of flesh on Beauty's family.
It's a pity the ending had to have Beauty turning into the most beautiful woman in the world (or some such) - plain to attractive would have been sufficient. Mind you, the yearning for beautiful looks was there throughout, so I wasn't surprised. But I'm not writing about how we raise our children to be miserable, or at least dissatisfied, because of their looks ...
It's a pity the ending had to have Beauty turning into the most beautiful woman in the world (or some such) - plain to attractive would have been sufficient. Mind you, the yearning for beautiful looks was there throughout, so I wasn't surprised. But I'm not writing about how we raise our children to be miserable, or at least dissatisfied, because of their looks ...
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
My love for this book cannot be described. I've read it 3-4 times now, and each time I find myself eagerly reading each page, excited to get to my next favorite part. I grow to love this story more every time I read it. After seeing the live action Beauty and the Beast movie, I just had to re-read this.
This is one of my favorite books in the world. I first found it at our town library when I was in third grade or so (early/middle '80s), and after a while ended up getting my own copy, which has traveled with me to adulthood. I read it again when I need something familiar and comfortable, and especially when I need reassurance that life will be okay and I'll get through the current crisis; the last time was when I was fresh out of the hospital and on hemodialysis.
Ms. McKinley's version of the story, told in the first person, really plays up the underlying theme of the fairy tale, but not in an obtrusive way. Not only are Beauty and her Beast engaging characters, but so are Greatheart (her horse and only connection to her previous life), the invisible servants, and even the castle itself.
The prose is spare but beautiful, and Beauty is written in a way that lets the reader identify with her easily. I highly recommend this as a "grown-up" exploration of a classic, well-loved fairy tale.
Ms. McKinley's version of the story, told in the first person, really plays up the underlying theme of the fairy tale, but not in an obtrusive way. Not only are Beauty and her Beast engaging characters, but so are Greatheart (her horse and only connection to her previous life), the invisible servants, and even the castle itself.
The prose is spare but beautiful, and Beauty is written in a way that lets the reader identify with her easily. I highly recommend this as a "grown-up" exploration of a classic, well-loved fairy tale.
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.
