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.

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.

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.

Romantic / Fantastical / Heartwarming / Inspirational

Robin McKinley

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Beauty reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Beauty | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore Beauty and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Beauty Summary

Background

Beauty Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Beauty Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Beauty Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 1-3

Beauty Part 3, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 4-5

Beauty Part 3, Chapters 4-5 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Beauty Character Analysis

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Themes

Beauty Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Beauty Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Beauty Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Beauty Essay Topics

Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Beauty?

Reading Age

Book Details