Beauty:A Retelling Of The Story Of Beauty And The Beast
The story of Beauty and the Beast is a timeless classic that has been retold in many different ways over the years. One of the most recent adaptations is the book “Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” by Robin McKinley. The book is a beautifully written retelling of the classic story that is sure to captivate readers of all ages.
Plot Summary
The story follows the life of Beauty, a young woman who is known for her beauty and kindness. When her father loses his fortune, the family is forced to move to a small cottage in the woods. One day, Beauty’s father stumbles upon a castle and takes a rose from the garden as a gift for his daughter. The owner of the castle, a beast, demands that the father either return to the castle or send one of his daughters in his place. Beauty volunteers to go and takes her father’s place at the castle. As time passes, Beauty gets to know the Beast and realizes that there is more to him than meets the eye. The two fall in love, and the curse that has been placed on the Beast is broken, allowing him to return to his human form.
The Characters
One of the things that makes “Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” so compelling is the characters. Beauty is a strong, independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for herself. She is also kind and compassionate, which makes her the perfect match for the Beast. The Beast, on the other hand, is a complex character who is both fierce and vulnerable. He has been cursed and turned into a monster, but underneath it all, he is still a human being who is capable of love and compassion.
The Writing Style
Robin McKinley’s writing style is one of the things that sets “Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” apart from other adaptations of the story. Her prose is lyrical and poetic, and she has a talent for painting vivid pictures with words. She also does an excellent job of fleshing out the characters and giving them depth and complexity.
The Themes
“Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” explores a number of themes that are relevant to modern readers. One of the most prominent themes is the idea that beauty is more than skin deep. Throughout the story, Beauty learns that true beauty comes from within and that it is important to look past appearances to see what is truly important. Another theme that is explored in the book is the idea of redemption. The Beast has been cursed and turned into a monster, but through his love for Beauty, he is able to break the curse and become human again.
Conclusion
“Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast” is a beautiful and compelling book that is sure to captivate readers of all ages. With its strong characters, poetic prose, and timeless themes, it is a retelling of the classic story that is both faithful and original. Whether you are a fan of the original story or are new to the tale, “Beauty” is a book that is not to be missed.