Book review - Beauty by Robin McKinley

I can't remember why, but a few months ago my mother asked me if I had read Beauty by Robin McKinley. I had not. I know my sisters have and if I remember M said it was her favorite version of the Beauty and the Beast story. So when we finally made it to the library I check to see if they had it. Originally written in 1978, I agree with my sister that it is my favorite retelling of a classic fairy tale. It had all the right components and flowed well. It was a perfect story for a middle grade or young young adult reader. Even as an adult i enjoyed it very much. I think that this book will be a gift for Kanga when she is old enough.

Plot: As I mentioned this is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast and so most are already familiar with the plot. The particulars are quite interesting however. Beauty is actually our heroine's nickname and is rather an ironic one at that her two older sisters are both very beautiful while Beauty is quite plain.Their  mother died in childbirth. When their wealthy and doting father falls on bad times they relocate from the city to the country. They establish themselves well there and have been living there for two years when their father hears of one of the ships that he thought was lost coming into port. He leaves to finalize his business. Upon returning he tells of being caught in a blizzard and finding himself at the doors of a castle where he was fed and rested but where no one was seen. Upon leaving he saw a rose garden and he thought to bring home a bud for his youngest child. Upon removing the bud, however, he was confronted by a horrible beast who told him that for taking what he prized most he would have to remain. When the beast learns that he has three daughters he says that any one of them can come in his stead. Beauty's father is given a month to spend with his family before returning either alone or with one of his daughters. Beauty volunteers to go as she is the most expendable and because she feels some small need to. Upon arriving she meets this new hideous beast and so begins her stay in his enchanted castle.

Personal Favorites: I particularly enjoyed how unfailingly polite the beast was. He was chivalrous, kind, gentle and considerate. He is continually telling Beauty not to fear him and except for the first few times she sees him, she doesn't fear him. As a freshman in college I had a media class where we talked about the "Good girl with Bad guy" image and how many it seems to support girls getting and staying in relationships with abusive men. This story had none of that. The beast was a most gracious and caring host and she did not have to "tame" him at all. I also want his library.

Considerations: There are a few things at the end that didn't seemed completely explained, but it's a fairy tale so I can accept that. Beyond that I had now qualms or concerns.

The book was quite wonderful and, along with The Ordinary Princess, and The Little Princess will be among the books I present and read to my daughter. The total length was 262 pages.