Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty & the Beast by Robin McKinleyOnce Upon a Time II, Young Adult Challenge
I've seen the Disney movie, I've seen the stage musical, and now I've read the story: Beauty and the Beast. Is the song in your head now? McKinley wrote this version in 1978, and has even redone this story herself again, in Rose Daughter. I thought I might read that as well, but I think I would wait a while. There can't be that many ways to tell this story.
This version is similar to the Disney movie, but the back story changes quite a bit, as Beauty is the youngest of three daughters, and she is not a beauty either, more of a tomboy and scholar. Her family loses their fortune and moves to the country. Her father gets lost in the enchanted woods behind their home when he comes home with a fantastic tale of a terrible promise made to the Beast who saved his life, Beauty volunteers to go live with the Beast. Knowing the story, the real enjoyment was just in seeing how McKinley gets the reader to the inevitable end.
There were some nice touches. I liked the enchanted library with all books written, even ones yet to be written, and the Beast even read one of my favorite poems, Browning's "Soliloquy of the Spanish Cloister." There was no Gaston coming to 'save' Beauty; I liked that Beauty comes to her own understanding about love and wasn't treated as property by men. The roses still played a big part, and the country respect of magic, to explain things that can't be easily understood was plausible. It was a good read, not great, but a nice little fairy tale nonetheless.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one :) Isn't the enchanted library great? That was one of my favourite details too.
ReplyDeleteI really love this book. Especially the horse that she had to take with her, and of course, the library. Great details, wonderfully realistic heroine.
ReplyDeleteOoh, I'd have to read this one just to learn more about that enchanted library. Lucky for me, I just got the book and it is on my list for the Twisted Fairy Tale challenge.
ReplyDeletenymeth - the library was so cool. How she read aobut the cars? It was a neat touch
ReplyDeletejeane - a great heroine, I liked her strength how she solved her own problems.
framed - I hope you like it. I'll look for your review.
Thanks for the great review! I really have to read this one...I've been hearing so much about it lately but really didn't know what it was about until I read your review :/ Sounds like something I'd enjoy. I love retelling of fairy tales. Onto the wishlist!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to reading this one as it's on my list too... especially want to read about that library!
ReplyDeleteI hope to read this soon as the reviews I have read have been great and I love fairy tale re-tellings. The enchanted library sounds great, I wish I owned it :)
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe that I have never read the actual story of beauty and the beast. At least I don't remember doing so. I also haven't read any Robin McKinley and I've heard very good things. This may be the one to kill two birds with one stone with!
ReplyDeleteMy list is growing, but there are several by Robin McKinley that I really need to read!
ReplyDeleteBeauty and the Beast is probably my favorite Disney movie (and I love the soundtrack--so yes, it's in my head now). This sounds like an enchanting read--and that library! :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book! One that I must add to my TBR list!!
ReplyDeleteI own this book and have read it several times, but obviously not recently since I forgot about the enchanted library! back on to my TBR pile!!! It's still one of my favourite versions of Beauty and the Beast(even if I don't remember all the details!) I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Have you read any other Robin McKinley? she's one of my favourite fantasy writers.
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