Status
Available
Call number
Series
Publication
HarperTeen (2005), Mass Market Paperback, 336 pages
Description
Kind Beauty grows to love the Beast at whose castle she is compelled to stay and through her love releases him from the spell which had turned him from a handsome prince into an ugly beast.
User reviews
LibraryThing member ncgraham
At first glance, this seems a somewhat innocuous read: a gentle, pleasing young adult novel based on a well-known fairytale. Yet I am not at all ashamed, and actually quite proud, to name Beauty among my favorite books.
Some have criticized Robin McKinley’s earliest literary effort simply for
To my mind, the complex verbal interactions between Beauty and the Beast were what made the story unique in the first place. McKinley takes this aspect of the fairytale and runs with it. Both her Beauty and her Beast are real people, with their own virtues, flaws, and insecurities. And this is a romance novel in the best sense, not because it is swoony and dramatic, but because it charts the progress of a relationship that seems—despite the fantasy setting—true to life.
Moreover, McKinley shows herself to be a master of atmosphere. Every setting, whether it is the grandeur of the Beast’s palace or the simple comforts of the Hustons’ country home, comes alive through her gorgeous prose:
When spring came I dug up the garden and planted it, and weeded it, and prayed over it, and fidgeted; and almost three years of lying fallow agreed with it, because it produced radishes the size of onions, potatoes the size of melons, and melons the size of small sheep. The herb border ran wild, and the air smelled wonderful; the breezes often stirred the piney, mossy smell of the forest with the sharp smell of hers, mixed in the warm smell of fresh bread from the kitchen, and then flung the result over the meadow like a handful of new gold coins. I pruned the apple trees—there were also the remains of an old orchard, and a few of the trees were still productive—and had high hopes of the next winter full of apple jelly.
Every time I finish reading, I find myself craving fried potatoes and onions, and pining for the Beast’s magical library (trust me, the Disney version’s got nothing on it!).
Highly recommended.
Some have criticized Robin McKinley’s earliest literary effort simply for
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sticking too closely to the original. I, however, find this way of looking at fairytale retellings shallow. It is not the cosmetic changes that matter—although there are a few major ones, including the presentation of our heroine, Honour “Beauty” Blackman, as a plain but studious young woman—but the depth of the characterizations and the quality of the world-building.To my mind, the complex verbal interactions between Beauty and the Beast were what made the story unique in the first place. McKinley takes this aspect of the fairytale and runs with it. Both her Beauty and her Beast are real people, with their own virtues, flaws, and insecurities. And this is a romance novel in the best sense, not because it is swoony and dramatic, but because it charts the progress of a relationship that seems—despite the fantasy setting—true to life.
Moreover, McKinley shows herself to be a master of atmosphere. Every setting, whether it is the grandeur of the Beast’s palace or the simple comforts of the Hustons’ country home, comes alive through her gorgeous prose:
When spring came I dug up the garden and planted it, and weeded it, and prayed over it, and fidgeted; and almost three years of lying fallow agreed with it, because it produced radishes the size of onions, potatoes the size of melons, and melons the size of small sheep. The herb border ran wild, and the air smelled wonderful; the breezes often stirred the piney, mossy smell of the forest with the sharp smell of hers, mixed in the warm smell of fresh bread from the kitchen, and then flung the result over the meadow like a handful of new gold coins. I pruned the apple trees—there were also the remains of an old orchard, and a few of the trees were still productive—and had high hopes of the next winter full of apple jelly.
Every time I finish reading, I find myself craving fried potatoes and onions, and pining for the Beast’s magical library (trust me, the Disney version’s got nothing on it!).
Highly recommended.
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LibraryThing member Jinjifore
I can't count how many times I've read this book. Robin McKinley has a gift for taking old stories and reworking them into something that is new and unique, and yet still bringing out pieces of the original that the reader might not have ever noticed before.
In this version of the story, "Beauty" is
The closeness of the family is one of the changes McKinley made to the story, and I find that it adds a great deal to the story to have Beauty struggle not only with her own lonliness and fear in the Beast's castle, but with her painful separation from her family. In this version, her desire to leave the Beast for the fateful seven-day visit is motivated by her love for her sister Grace, and it is her family who persuades her to stay a little longer because of their own love for her. By switching the motivations from jealousy and spite to love, McKinley opens up new and interesting facets to the story.
The main reason I love this version so much, though, is Beauty's love of books and reading. She connects with the Beast through his magnificent library, and in fact learns to recognize and accept the magic of the castle through her trust of books. I have heard several rumors that the makers of the Disney version of the story used McKinley's book as a partial source, especially for Belle's love of books and the Beast's library. Although I've never been able to find any source that confirms the rumors, I was certainly thrilled to find one of my favorite parts of my own favorite version of the tale incorporated into the movie.
Beauty is a marvelously told book in its own right, even separated from the story on which it's based. McKinley has a way of writing that's simple and yet elegant, and has a remarkable facility for conveying her characters' feelings through the way they describe their own surroundings. I'm a huge fan of all of her works, but this one stands above the rest.
In this version of the story, "Beauty" is
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not, in fact, very beautiful. Her given name is Honor, to complement the names of her sisters Grace and Hope, but at a young age she discovered what honor meant and said that she wished to be beauty instead. Unfortunately, she didn't grow into this nickname, but her sisters and father were too kind, she says, to remark on it.The closeness of the family is one of the changes McKinley made to the story, and I find that it adds a great deal to the story to have Beauty struggle not only with her own lonliness and fear in the Beast's castle, but with her painful separation from her family. In this version, her desire to leave the Beast for the fateful seven-day visit is motivated by her love for her sister Grace, and it is her family who persuades her to stay a little longer because of their own love for her. By switching the motivations from jealousy and spite to love, McKinley opens up new and interesting facets to the story.
The main reason I love this version so much, though, is Beauty's love of books and reading. She connects with the Beast through his magnificent library, and in fact learns to recognize and accept the magic of the castle through her trust of books. I have heard several rumors that the makers of the Disney version of the story used McKinley's book as a partial source, especially for Belle's love of books and the Beast's library. Although I've never been able to find any source that confirms the rumors, I was certainly thrilled to find one of my favorite parts of my own favorite version of the tale incorporated into the movie.
Beauty is a marvelously told book in its own right, even separated from the story on which it's based. McKinley has a way of writing that's simple and yet elegant, and has a remarkable facility for conveying her characters' feelings through the way they describe their own surroundings. I'm a huge fan of all of her works, but this one stands above the rest.
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LibraryThing member bluesalamanders
This was my favorite McKinley book when I was younger. Beauty (a nickname; her real name is Honour) is the plain and studious (and slightly more rugged, with her horseback riding and preference for home over 'society') sister next to the two older beauties, so when their merchant father's business
But they all adapt and are living contentedly if not cheerfully when - well, you probably know the story. And so Beauty goes to live with the Beast, so her father can stay home.
This was, I believe, McKinley's first published novel as well as her first fairy tale adaptation and it is still one of her best. "Beauty" is a gentle story with no violent climaxes and much description and thought.
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falls on hard times and they have to move, it is she who adapts easiest to the country life. But they all adapt and are living contentedly if not cheerfully when - well, you probably know the story. And so Beauty goes to live with the Beast, so her father can stay home.
This was, I believe, McKinley's first published novel as well as her first fairy tale adaptation and it is still one of her best. "Beauty" is a gentle story with no violent climaxes and much description and thought.
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LibraryThing member lefty33
This is a retelling of the Beauty and the Beast story. McKinley did a wonderful job of describing visual details and emotional pangs, making this a delightful read. I've read several books by this author and this has been my favorite. The story's enchanted world was just a little different than
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usual and the characters had more depth than in the traditional telling, enhancing the story beyond what Disney was able to bring to it. Everyone who enjoys fantasy even a little would enjoy this book. Show Less
LibraryThing member twilightlost
Fairy tales tend to be simplistic, but Robin McKinley takes the story of Beauty and the Beast and fleshes it out to make it a lovely read. The book starts with Beauty's family losing their fortune and having to move to the country, something the city family had never contemplated before. They
The father, on a return trip from the city, gets lost in the forest and is guided to a castle where he is well looked after for the night. When he is leaving the next morning, he plucks a rose from the garden to take to Beauty, whose one wish for a gift was some rose seeds to plant around the house. The Beast is furious that this man has abused his hospitality, and he emerges to tell the father that he must return in one month, either alone or with one of his daughters, to pay the price.
So sets in motion the story of how Beauty comes to live at the castle, and eventually fall in love with the Beast. A quick read, but one I will come back to again.
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quickly adapt to their new life and find happiness in the simplicity. There is one rule - they must never go into the forest that backs onto their property.The father, on a return trip from the city, gets lost in the forest and is guided to a castle where he is well looked after for the night. When he is leaving the next morning, he plucks a rose from the garden to take to Beauty, whose one wish for a gift was some rose seeds to plant around the house. The Beast is furious that this man has abused his hospitality, and he emerges to tell the father that he must return in one month, either alone or with one of his daughters, to pay the price.
So sets in motion the story of how Beauty comes to live at the castle, and eventually fall in love with the Beast. A quick read, but one I will come back to again.
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LibraryThing member the_hag
Beauty (a marvelous retelling of Beauty and the Beast) is divided into three parts, the first tells of her and her families sumptuous life in the city with her father as the head of household with an 18 room mansion complete with servants. In this part of the novel we are lead to see that they are
The second half is retelling of the fathers trip back to the city when his fortunes change some and one of his ships turns up. On his return journey, he of course encounters the Beast and the demand of the father's return in 30 days (or else) is made...with the option, of course, for one of his daughters to return in this stead. This section is a bit tedious for me...the endless going on and on about how horrible it is that Beauty is leaving then (boo, hoo)...it was just a bit too much for me, but overall doesn't detract too much from the story.
The final section is of course her experience with the monstrous beast (who is rather civilized, except for his appearance of course) and how they come to live and enjoy one another's company. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, it had the traditional happily ever after feel to it...and not even a villain really, just the triumph of the human spirit and goodness over the evil magic spell and they live predictably happily ever after.
You know...I knew this would be good...but was worried that since it was written twenty years ago that it would be dated...and how pleased I am to be proven wrong! This is simply a sumptuous retelling of Beauty & the Beast!! Exquisite in detail and a joy to read! Unlike the version I was read as a child, Beauty's sisters are not vain or shallow and this isn't a family glad to be rid of the competition...now this is much richer and more complex and in places heartbreaking! Beauty is not without faults though, the characters are richly drawn, but the dialogue and descriptions are a bit repetitive...over emphasis on the dark and haunted nature of the dark woods and on how plain, smart and hard-working Beauty is...but these are easily forgivable as this was McKinley's first novel and I assume that her work will only get better.
I give it a solid A, it sticks to the traditional bones of the story, but give it more heart and soul...filling in the outline with outstanding details that bring the entire family and the back story of how Beauty left them to life complete with many enjoyable quirks.
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good, kind and decent people...not the vain, spoiled and irresponsible ones portrayed in the story I was told as a child (I particularly liked this about Beauty). Here we see the traditional bones of the story with a few nice embellishments. The father's fortunes are ruined by the loss of his shipping fleet and his eldest daughter's betrothed is lost at sea with them. The middle daughters love interest saves the day for them and they find themselves set up with him the local blacksmith in the small village of Blue Hill, on the remote edge of a dark wood and their experience adjusting to their new homespun county existence. The second half is retelling of the fathers trip back to the city when his fortunes change some and one of his ships turns up. On his return journey, he of course encounters the Beast and the demand of the father's return in 30 days (or else) is made...with the option, of course, for one of his daughters to return in this stead. This section is a bit tedious for me...the endless going on and on about how horrible it is that Beauty is leaving then (boo, hoo)...it was just a bit too much for me, but overall doesn't detract too much from the story.
The final section is of course her experience with the monstrous beast (who is rather civilized, except for his appearance of course) and how they come to live and enjoy one another's company. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall, it had the traditional happily ever after feel to it...and not even a villain really, just the triumph of the human spirit and goodness over the evil magic spell and they live predictably happily ever after.
You know...I knew this would be good...but was worried that since it was written twenty years ago that it would be dated...and how pleased I am to be proven wrong! This is simply a sumptuous retelling of Beauty & the Beast!! Exquisite in detail and a joy to read! Unlike the version I was read as a child, Beauty's sisters are not vain or shallow and this isn't a family glad to be rid of the competition...now this is much richer and more complex and in places heartbreaking! Beauty is not without faults though, the characters are richly drawn, but the dialogue and descriptions are a bit repetitive...over emphasis on the dark and haunted nature of the dark woods and on how plain, smart and hard-working Beauty is...but these are easily forgivable as this was McKinley's first novel and I assume that her work will only get better.
I give it a solid A, it sticks to the traditional bones of the story, but give it more heart and soul...filling in the outline with outstanding details that bring the entire family and the back story of how Beauty left them to life complete with many enjoyable quirks.
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LibraryThing member puckrobin
I could reread this book endlessly. In fact, I have worn out two copies and had to replace it. Yet another retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, this version sees a Beauty who is awkward, tomboyish and lacking in patience with social graces and a Beast whose sardonic humour are
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softened by an almost wistful awkwardness as the two misfits come to know and care for each other. Wonderfully detailed and with the ability to make the reader feel like one of Beauty's family, this retelling deserves to be considered a classic in its own right. Show Less
LibraryThing member francescadefreitas
Ah, revisiting this old friend was lovely - I do not know how long it has been since I last read it. In this retelling, Beauty's name is an irony, as she is the least attractive of three daughters. Her family handles their fall from wealth to near poverty with such a lack of whining that it is
When they relocate to a small town at the edge of a dark wood, the eeriness of the forest invades the cosy family story, and an air of menace enters. When the Beast demands either the father or a daughter in payment for a stolen rose, Beauty of course volunteers, and of course her family cannot stop her. Beauty's growing relationship with the beast is believable, and it is with real urgency the reader awaits her return to him.
The very ending is a little bit of a let down, as it happens too quickly, and I don't have time to get used to the sudden release of enchantment before the words stop and the story is over.
I would give this to readers looking for atmospheric stories, fairy tale retellings, fantasy stories, or romance stories.
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difficult not to admire them all. When they relocate to a small town at the edge of a dark wood, the eeriness of the forest invades the cosy family story, and an air of menace enters. When the Beast demands either the father or a daughter in payment for a stolen rose, Beauty of course volunteers, and of course her family cannot stop her. Beauty's growing relationship with the beast is believable, and it is with real urgency the reader awaits her return to him.
The very ending is a little bit of a let down, as it happens too quickly, and I don't have time to get used to the sudden release of enchantment before the words stop and the story is over.
I would give this to readers looking for atmospheric stories, fairy tale retellings, fantasy stories, or romance stories.
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LibraryThing member heidialice
When Beauty’s family falls on hard times, they must move to the stange and magical countryside. When her father tries to pick a rose for her from the Beast’s garden, he must make a terrible decision to die himself or give up one of his daughter’s lives.
Masterfully, hauntingly told. I like
Masterfully, hauntingly told. I like
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McKinley’s tough and unlovely girls. This is the best of what a fairy tale should be: magical, empowering and well done. Despite romance being a main theme, it’s well-treated and subtle, if a touch unbelievable. Show Less
LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
Beauty is the youngest, and plainest, daughter of a merchant living in a coastal city. When Beauty's father's investments collapse the family finds themselves having to give up their city finery and go to live in the country. Thus begins the tale of Beauty and the Beast.
For those that are familiar
All in all I did not find the story to be spectacular, although I can see that it would have more appeal for those who are more appreciative of abundant description in settings and scene.
For those that are familiar
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with the original fairy tale (not the Disney version) there are few surprises in this re-telling. The wording of the story is lyrical and narrative, there is not an overabundance of action or conversation. This story is simple and sweet. I only experienced a bit of frustration near the end when Beauty did not immediately disclose her particular purpose as I could see no reason for her reticence in telling. (I'm trying not to spoil the story for those that are not familiar with it).All in all I did not find the story to be spectacular, although I can see that it would have more appeal for those who are more appreciative of abundant description in settings and scene.
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LibraryThing member Demiguise
I absolutely adore this book. It doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is- a simple retelling of the classic tale. At its core this story is about the power of love, faith, and trust. Not only the Beast is transformed by this, but Beauty is as well.
As a young woman, I was able to relate
As a young woman, I was able to relate
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very well to Beauty. Fifteen years later, this book still has the ability to transport me to an earlier time when magic was possible, dragons roamed just beyond the boundaries of habitation, and love really could change the world. Show Less
LibraryThing member DonnerLibrary
I think the only version of Beauty and the Beast that I have been exposed to is the Disney movie version. At least, that is the only version I remember at this point which may be because my two year old has been watching it over and over and over lately. Apparently she has moved on from Mary
Anyway, since the Disney version seems to be the only thing I have to compare Robin McKinley's version to, it is an interesting comparison. The first major difference for me is that Beauty has more family in the book than just her father. Perhaps she always had sisters in the traditional fairy tale version but this was new to me. I found the loss of fortune and the move to the country a great way to get some insight into Beauty's true character before she meets the Beast. Beauty's acceptance of her plain appearance and her willingness to do hard work are quite the contrast to Belle who feels above the rest of the villagers in her small town.
The character of the Beast has a very different personality in this book compared to the movie as well. In the movie, the Beast has a terrible temper and this starts the relationship off on the wrong path. The Beast in the book is kind and gentle from the beginning and it is simply Beauty's fear of him that prevents her from entertaining the idea that the relationship could develop into something more. Even as Beauty grows beyond her fear and develops a great friendship with the Beast, she is the one who cannot move beyond his physical appearance.
I greatly enjoyed this version which has more emphasis on family and takes the reader much deeper into the characters and their relationships than the Disney version. The division of the novel into three parts works very well, although the first two parts put together might equal the length of the last section. The very end felt a little rushed toward the 'happily ever after' but I think the majority of fairy tales are like that. Break the magic spell and boom everything is grand and happy. Sometimes I wonder what happens after that part!
Beauty is Robin McKinley's first novel and was originally published in 1978. I think the timelessness of the story and the writing contribute to it having been reissued in several versions. McKinley captures all the details in a simple manner that is charming and easy to read.
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Poppins...Anyway, since the Disney version seems to be the only thing I have to compare Robin McKinley's version to, it is an interesting comparison. The first major difference for me is that Beauty has more family in the book than just her father. Perhaps she always had sisters in the traditional fairy tale version but this was new to me. I found the loss of fortune and the move to the country a great way to get some insight into Beauty's true character before she meets the Beast. Beauty's acceptance of her plain appearance and her willingness to do hard work are quite the contrast to Belle who feels above the rest of the villagers in her small town.
The character of the Beast has a very different personality in this book compared to the movie as well. In the movie, the Beast has a terrible temper and this starts the relationship off on the wrong path. The Beast in the book is kind and gentle from the beginning and it is simply Beauty's fear of him that prevents her from entertaining the idea that the relationship could develop into something more. Even as Beauty grows beyond her fear and develops a great friendship with the Beast, she is the one who cannot move beyond his physical appearance.
I greatly enjoyed this version which has more emphasis on family and takes the reader much deeper into the characters and their relationships than the Disney version. The division of the novel into three parts works very well, although the first two parts put together might equal the length of the last section. The very end felt a little rushed toward the 'happily ever after' but I think the majority of fairy tales are like that. Break the magic spell and boom everything is grand and happy. Sometimes I wonder what happens after that part!
Beauty is Robin McKinley's first novel and was originally published in 1978. I think the timelessness of the story and the writing contribute to it having been reissued in several versions. McKinley captures all the details in a simple manner that is charming and easy to read.
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LibraryThing member vanedow
Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite fairy tales. Beauty isn't just a pretty girl combing her hair while waiting for a white knight to rescue her and sweep her off her feet. She does some rescuing of her own, first saving her father from the beast and then saving the beast from his curse.
This
This
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retelling stays close to the original story. It's told from Beauty's perspective, and you just can't help but like her. I got completely caught up in the romance, I'll admit it. If you enjoy darker retellings, this is not your book, but if you want a simple, sweet happy ending, you'll love this. Show Less
LibraryThing member yearningtoread
Beauty by Robin McKinley
Pages: 325
Release Date: January 1st 1978
Date Read: 2012, February 13th-17th
Received: Own
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommended to: 12+
SUMMARY -
Grace, Hope and Honor have lived the finest life in the city, well taken care of by servants and, most importantly, their father. Honor, the
When trouble strikes and the family is forced to move into a small house in the country, Beauty hears stories of the Beast who lives in a castle in the woods behind their house. She is unsure if she believes the stories...until her father returns from a trip, claiming that he has seen the Beast, disturbed his presence and now must pay. Either he must return to the Beast, or one of his daughters must take his place. Beauty, and only Beauty, just might have the courage - and the love - to change the lives of everyone she knows.
MY THOUGHTS -
I love books like this. Slow, like thick, sweet honey pouring from a jar. Or like melted chocolate drizzling over strawberries. I don't even know. Just sweet, lovely, and very savory. Wow!
The beginning of Beauty was really good, but the end was good times great. Beauty doesn't even leave for the Castle until after 100 pages in, but I was hooked from the first page! Beauty, her family, their story - all intrigued me. I wanted them to be well. And I love how everything was so perfectly set up and how everything tied into the end.
McKinley's writing is seriously beautiful. It's all-encompassing...like, the words surround you when you read them. I'm dying to get to reading more more more!
CHARACTER NOTES -
Beauty (Honor) is a wonderful character. She's sweet and stubborn and loves without restraint. She's consistent, but I also saw character growth as I read. She made an impression on me and I won't forget her, no matter how many heroines I get around to reading about in life.
Beast is somethin' else. He isn't like the Disney Beast, who goes from "loser" to "lover". I don't want to say anymore abut him and spoil it...but - wow. I loved him from the moment Beauty first met him. Seriously, my heart started pounding!
There are some fun minor characters - Ger, Hope, Grace, the father, even the horse Greatheart. They added to the story and I cared for each one of them individually. I was especially hoping for Grace's story to end happily - read the book to find out if it did!
STORY NOTES -
This is a slow story, but not in a boring way. It draws you in and doesn't let go - but it also gives you room to breathe and just enjoy.
Beauty has some seriously beautiful imagery, especially regarding the gardens. The one scene that talked about the sunset causing the garden to glow a golden color....that's just one instance that had me melting with love for the beautiful descriptions.
The reasons I give this book 4.5 stars and not 5 are not big things, or even issues to begin with - just a few things I wished had been different. I am, still, entirely satisfied and loving this book. I guess my main thing is that I wish the change of feelings in Beauty hadn't been so sudden. I could tell it was coming based on the scenes, and because, DUH, everyone knows how this story ends, but it was a bit too sudden for me when she realized she loves him. Which brings me to my other thought - I wish the last few pages had been more passionate. It was so wonderful and gut-wrenching and lovely and then it was like, "Yay, we're happy. The end."
But despite that, when there was passion.... ACH! Beauty made my heart ache. The nightly proposals, the learning to trust, the sweet, beautiful moments shared... I'm seriously already looking forward to reading it again!!
SUMMING IT UP -
Delectable. I'm still thinking of golden sunshine, red roses, and Prince Charming. That's what Beauty promises, and it delivers perfectly.
For the Parents -
Nothing! A kiss or two. Verrrrry clean. Recommended to 12+!
Pages: 325
Release Date: January 1st 1978
Date Read: 2012, February 13th-17th
Received: Own
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Recommended to: 12+
SUMMARY -
Grace, Hope and Honor have lived the finest life in the city, well taken care of by servants and, most importantly, their father. Honor, the
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youngest, goes by the name of Beauty, although it does not fit her, as she is the ugliest of the three sisters.When trouble strikes and the family is forced to move into a small house in the country, Beauty hears stories of the Beast who lives in a castle in the woods behind their house. She is unsure if she believes the stories...until her father returns from a trip, claiming that he has seen the Beast, disturbed his presence and now must pay. Either he must return to the Beast, or one of his daughters must take his place. Beauty, and only Beauty, just might have the courage - and the love - to change the lives of everyone she knows.
MY THOUGHTS -
I love books like this. Slow, like thick, sweet honey pouring from a jar. Or like melted chocolate drizzling over strawberries. I don't even know. Just sweet, lovely, and very savory. Wow!
The beginning of Beauty was really good, but the end was good times great. Beauty doesn't even leave for the Castle until after 100 pages in, but I was hooked from the first page! Beauty, her family, their story - all intrigued me. I wanted them to be well. And I love how everything was so perfectly set up and how everything tied into the end.
McKinley's writing is seriously beautiful. It's all-encompassing...like, the words surround you when you read them. I'm dying to get to reading more more more!
CHARACTER NOTES -
Beauty (Honor) is a wonderful character. She's sweet and stubborn and loves without restraint. She's consistent, but I also saw character growth as I read. She made an impression on me and I won't forget her, no matter how many heroines I get around to reading about in life.
Beast is somethin' else. He isn't like the Disney Beast, who goes from "loser" to "lover". I don't want to say anymore abut him and spoil it...but - wow. I loved him from the moment Beauty first met him. Seriously, my heart started pounding!
There are some fun minor characters - Ger, Hope, Grace, the father, even the horse Greatheart. They added to the story and I cared for each one of them individually. I was especially hoping for Grace's story to end happily - read the book to find out if it did!
STORY NOTES -
This is a slow story, but not in a boring way. It draws you in and doesn't let go - but it also gives you room to breathe and just enjoy.
Beauty has some seriously beautiful imagery, especially regarding the gardens. The one scene that talked about the sunset causing the garden to glow a golden color....that's just one instance that had me melting with love for the beautiful descriptions.
The reasons I give this book 4.5 stars and not 5 are not big things, or even issues to begin with - just a few things I wished had been different. I am, still, entirely satisfied and loving this book. I guess my main thing is that I wish the change of feelings in Beauty hadn't been so sudden. I could tell it was coming based on the scenes, and because, DUH, everyone knows how this story ends, but it was a bit too sudden for me when she realized she loves him. Which brings me to my other thought - I wish the last few pages had been more passionate. It was so wonderful and gut-wrenching and lovely and then it was like, "Yay, we're happy. The end."
But despite that, when there was passion.... ACH! Beauty made my heart ache. The nightly proposals, the learning to trust, the sweet, beautiful moments shared... I'm seriously already looking forward to reading it again!!
SUMMING IT UP -
Delectable. I'm still thinking of golden sunshine, red roses, and Prince Charming. That's what Beauty promises, and it delivers perfectly.
For the Parents -
Nothing! A kiss or two. Verrrrry clean. Recommended to 12+!
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LibraryThing member lycomayflower
A pleasant young adult book what does what it says on the tin. The telling is tale-ish, with a lot of action summarized rather than presented in-scene. The book excels at creating a context for the story and giving Beauty and her family personalities. The descriptions of the enchantments
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surrounding the Beast are also quite well done. I was a little disappointed that we didn't get a little more exploration of why Beauty fell in love with the Beast (I would say the Beast is the least-well-developed character in the story), and the end felt very abrupt, especially since we are given something like 50 pages of (lovely) home life for Beauty before the specter of the Beast even arrives. But overall, I enjoyed this retelling, despite its flaws, and I think it would interest readers of the age group for which it was written (elevenish, I'd say). Show Less
LibraryThing member 4sarad
Very quick and easy read. It definitely made me run out and rent Beauty and the Beast since I hadn't seen it in quite a long time. I enjoyed the book more than the movie... imagine that! I would definitely recommend this, especially to preteen girls.
LibraryThing member Sioneva
My junior high librarian recommended this to me, back in my impressionable youth, and although I can understand why McKinley chose to re-tell the story of "Beauty and the Beast" again, in "Rose Daughter," "Beauty" will always be my nostalgic and aesthetic preference! The gawky adolescent that
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beauty is when the story begins rang especially true in my junior high days and the descriptions are so beautiful that, if I weren't afraid that Hollywood would ruin it, I've always wished they'd make a film based on the novel. McKinley's writing only gets better with age, and given how incredible this first novel was, that's saying something! Show Less
LibraryThing member countrylife
Well imagined and sweet retelling of the old story of Beauty and the Beast. From the seaport city to their new village near the forest, the forest itself and the castle hidden within, the settings were rendered realistically. The Beast and the various members of Beauty's family, even her horse, but
I took nary a note as to names or places or quotations; I just floated along and enjoyed the story itself. And enjoy it I certainly did.
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especially Beauty, herself, were vividly captured for our eyes. I took nary a note as to names or places or quotations; I just floated along and enjoyed the story itself. And enjoy it I certainly did.
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LibraryThing member kiri_wren
This is a wonderful version of my favorite fairy tale. It's unique in that Beauty must also discover the beauty in herself, not just in the Beast, and the enchantment of the castle has a fun twist to it that fans of literature in general are sure to enjoy. Another satisfying aspect of this version
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is that all of the characters are pleasant, good-hearted people, and the antagonist is simply dealing with the tribulations of life, as well as coming-of-age, learning about oneself, and learning what love is. The dialogue between Beauty and the Beast is also endearing and masterfully crafted. Show Less
LibraryThing member apeders5
An interesting retelling of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast.
LibraryThing member book.luver
One of my favorite books that came during my obsession with Beauty and the Beast. Well told with lots of adventure and great characters. Honour, who's nickname is Beauty, was once rich but when her father starts losing ships and money and even her older sister loses her love to a lost ship they
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move to the country where they learn to work for themselves until on a journey Beauty's father runs into the rumored Beast. Trading her freedom for that of her father Beauty goes to live with the Beast and finds there is much more to him than meets the eye. A sweet romance worth reading several times. Show Less
LibraryThing member IMBitter
I fell in love with Beauty and The Blue Sword as a young child, and they were both favorites of mine while growing up and have read them more times than I can count. To this day they are both still my all-time favorites.
LibraryThing member cmbohn
I remember loving this one from the first time I read it. Got this one for my daughter's birthday.
LibraryThing member thioviolight
I enjoy retellings of fairy tales, but while this one was not bad at all, it was not one of the best I've read either. McKinley's version of the story is mostly faithful to the original in structure, adding a twist to the tale. But I think I was expecting a bit more, so the novel for me is just
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good instead of great. Still, it wasn't bad and it kept me entertained. Show Less
LibraryThing member iftyzaidi
Wonderful writing, though the ending was a little rushed. The story itself springs no surprises. An enjoyable, light read.
Awards
Eliot Rosewater Indiana High School Book Award (Nominee — 1997)
Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (Nominee)
Phoenix Award (Honor — 1998)
Maud Hart Lovelace Award (Nominee — 1987)
Best Fiction for Young Adults (Selection — 1978)
ALA Outstanding Books for the College Bound (Fiction — 1999)
Language
Original publication date
1978
Physical description
336 p.; 4.19 inches
ISBN
0060753102 / 9780060753108