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A review by pawswithabook
The Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Whilst this story is the basis of my most favourite Disney film, and I was read adaptations of the well loved classic as a child, I have never read the original book. Until now…
It wasn’t what I was expecting, the language and writing has not really stood the test of time, and I don’t think a child would understand it easily at all. What was possibly beautiful and familiar at the time of writing, is overly embellished, and complicated by today’s standard and I couldn’t imagine reading this to my little girl.
The plot itself is a classic, I adore the story, and that will last forever. I’d say though, that Disney took the best bits of the story and embellished those, and left the worst and unnecessary tangents behind.
What is incredible, is this beautiful edition of the book. The illustrations are colourful and vibrant, and the interactive elements feel so so special. If I compare to the Secret Garden though in the same collection, the interactive elements feel a little less innovative, they are more extended pictures than elements that you can ‘play’ with.
I’m glad I read it, and whilst the edition is stunning, I wouldn’t encourage anybody else to rush to read this one!
It wasn’t what I was expecting, the language and writing has not really stood the test of time, and I don’t think a child would understand it easily at all. What was possibly beautiful and familiar at the time of writing, is overly embellished, and complicated by today’s standard and I couldn’t imagine reading this to my little girl.
The plot itself is a classic, I adore the story, and that will last forever. I’d say though, that Disney took the best bits of the story and embellished those, and left the worst and unnecessary tangents behind.
What is incredible, is this beautiful edition of the book. The illustrations are colourful and vibrant, and the interactive elements feel so so special. If I compare to the Secret Garden though in the same collection, the interactive elements feel a little less innovative, they are more extended pictures than elements that you can ‘play’ with.
I’m glad I read it, and whilst the edition is stunning, I wouldn’t encourage anybody else to rush to read this one!