Beast is a new take on an old story. The story of Beauty and the Beast retold in a way that will leave you wondering if the handsome prince returning is the perfect fairy tale ending.
This version is told from the perspective of Lucie. Lucie is a poor girl whose father is deceased. Her mother has remarried, and her stepfather is not an appropriate father figure. Lucie’s mother sends her out into the world to find her own way but provides an employment lead thru a family member so that Lucie can maybe have a chance at life.
The characters in this book are incredibly believable. The setting and time elements also appear very accurate and make the book very easy to read. Every piece of furniture and personality mold well into the story line. The chateau is described as opulent, but not the kind of opulence portrayed in movie versions that seems extremely far-fetched.
This is definitely a different take on the traditional beauty and the beast tale. Instead of being filled with magic and fluffy feelings, this book has dark, revenge-filled tones. The story’s ending is happy, but it isn’t the happily ever after of the more traditional telling.
Overall, I would recommend this book to those looking for a different take on the traditional fairy tale or those wanting to infuse a little bit of dark magic into their day.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Candlewick Press
Content Analysis:
Profanity/Language: 2 religious exclamations, 3 mild obscenities, 1 derogatory name.
Violence/Gore: Two instances of cut fingers with blood; girl sees ghost; men kill doe in cruel and bloody manner; three verbal threats; man smashes mirrors; beast kills and eats bloody rabbit; 2-page rape (narrative moderately graphic descriptions).
Sex/Nudity: Three references to sex; man grabs woman around waste; three kisses; naked man comes out of bath with no detail; one instance of hand holding; two caresses of face; 2-page rape (narrative w/ moderately graphic descriptions).
Mature Subject Matter:
Socioeconomic conflict, considered suicide, stealing and death of parent, rape.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
Adults drink wine.
