Beast

Starred review from May 14, 2018
In this compelling reimagining of “Beauty and the Beast,” Jensen integrates a new plot thread in the form of a third protagonist into the familiar fairy tale. Chambermaid Lucie is transformed into an ever-burning candlestick by the same spell that turns the wicked Jean-Loup, Chevalier du Beaumont, into the gentle-souled, monstrous-seeming Beast. Because Jean-Loup sexually assaulted her soon after they first met, Lucie is eager to witness his downfall, but equally unprepared to develop sympathy for the Beast, who seems an entirely different person altogether. Then Rose arrives, fulfilling a desperate bargain made between her impoverished merchant father and the Beast, and Lucie must find a way to protect her friend from falling in love, breaking his curse, and thus allowing the cruel Jean-Loup to return. Jensen (The Witch from the Sea) includes all of the tale’s most significant elements—including the classic romance, evoking both the traditional story and the Disney version—while still adding new twists and depths. Haunting language and lush descriptions (“the petals are long-dead; they have lost their bright color and velvety texture and curled into crisp, dry cinders...”) engage the senses, making this a memorable, worthy addition to the canon of “Beauty and the Beast” retellings. Ages 16–up.

May 1, 2018
A fresh retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" with an interesting and meaningful plot twist. Lucie leaves home at her mother's urging to find a job at the Château Beaumont, where she becomes a chambermaid. Everyone warns her about Master, but when she catches sight of the dashing Jean-Loup Christian Henri LeNoir, Chevalier de Beaumont, she can't get enough of him. One night she is tasked with lighting his way to bed, and he unceremoniously rapes her in his room. Weeks later Lucie comes across Mère Sophie, a wise woman who helps her take revenge, turning him into a hairy animal. But nothing turns out like she thought it would, and over time Lucie falls in love with Beast. Matters are complicated when a beautiful young woman, Rose, comes to the castle--and when the curse is broken and Jean-Loup returns to his original form. Vividly enchanting descriptions transport the reader to the beautiful surroundings. The rape scene, while not explicit, does not shy away from honest language and strikes home in portraying the shame and victim-blaming that is often experienced by sexual assault survivors. Lucie is a brave and sympathetic heroine who ultimately writes her own happy ending.For readers who love reimagined fairy tales and strong female characters. (Fiction. 13-adult)

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July 1, 2018

Gr 8 Up-In this retelling of "Beauty and the Beast," the vain and cruel Jean-Loup is master of a large estate. After he violently rapes his young maid, Lucie, she seeks revenge, and Jean-Loup is transformed into a hideous beast. Lucie also undergoes a magical transformation and is forced to remain the home of her assailant. But it seems that Beast does not know he is Jean-Loup and has a completely different personality, resulting in a wholly undeserved redemption arc when a beautiful woman arrives with the ability to break the spell. Sexual assault and Lucie's attempted suicide are completely mishandled by Jensen in favor of the Beast. Readers will understandably find it difficult to see him as a sympathetic character because of his unforgiveable crime-nor should they have to. Ascribing that attack to Jean-Loup and not the Beast he becomes is problematic. To ask that of any audience is troubling, but feels even more irresponsible when involving teens. VERDICT Ultimately harmful and disturbing, this title is easily skipped. Fans of fairy tale retellings would do better to pick up Leigh Bardugo's The Language of Thorns instead.-Maeve Dodds, Charlotte Mecklenburg Lib., NC

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