Beauty by Robin McKinley

 

Hardback Library Bound purchased from Thriftbooks

Beauty: A retelling the the story Beauty and the Beast by Robin Mckinley

If I had to choose a favorite Disney movie I would always choose Beauty and the Beast. I find that I love watching different adaptations of the movies just as I do the books. This version was no exception. 

One of the first differences I could say is that there is more of Beauty's family and background provided. A mother who died from childbirth along with the baby sister. A single father raising three girls all on his own. They want for nothing as their life is grand with the finest possessions. Their father is a ship merchant and as long as the ships arrive back safe the money keeps flowing in. 

Unfortunately, all is lost when the ships do not return. Unusual weather leaves things unknown but the bills keep coming even when the money is not. (Haven't we all heard that before.) At a certain point you have to reassess your life and what is important. In their father's case, it was time to sell everything and move out of town to a small house. It was rather fortunate that one of the men vying for his middle daughter hand is a black smith and is willing to help. 

When you are used to having it all is it a difficult transition to having to do everything yourself. Learning to cook, clean, and garden without previous knowledge. Lifting pales of water and when you have never done so before. Over time their new lives become their new normal. Everything is just fine until word arrives that a ship and finally returned! Eager to see which ship it is, as the eldest daughter wanted to marry one of the ship's captains, and if there is any cargo remaining to pay off their remaining debts and get them back to their lives. Father asks the girls what they would like from the city if money permits. The eldest two want dresses and jewels while Beauty simply asks for a Rose to plant roses around the house. 

Time passes and father returns home gripping a red rose and looking like he's in shock. He has a story to tell and with a deal that has been made. A magical castle and a Beast who was rather upset when he plucked the rose. So now it's either him or one of his daughters. 

If you are a fan of Beauty and the Beast or just a romance fan you will love this book. It shows a real family in crisis and how self reflection can change one's perception of the world.