48 pages • 1 hour read
Robin McKinleyBeauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1978A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Beauty: A Retelling of the Story of Beauty and the Beast by Robin McKinley, young Honour "Beauty" Huston, deemed unattractive despite her nickname, sacrifices herself to live with a beast in a magical castle after her father's theft of a rose. While there, she forms a bond with the Beast and discovers her own inner and outer beauty, ultimately breaking his curse through her love. The story addresses themes of financial loss and transformative love.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Robin McKinley's Beauty masterfully retells the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale with rich prose and vivid characters. Readers appreciate its immersive world-building and emotional depth, though some find the pacing slow. Overall, it is praised for its enchanting storytelling and nuanced heroine. Engaging yet occasionally verbose, it remains a beloved adaptation.
Who Should Read Beauty?
Readers who enjoy Robin McKinley's Beauty are often enchanted by richly detailed retellings of classic fairy tales. Fans of Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine and Spindle's End by Robin McKinley herself will appreciate the imaginative reworking of beloved stories and strong, relatable heroines.
RecommendedReading Age
12-18yearsLexile Level
900L