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MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT 1: Beauty and the Beast Reconsidered

The story of beauty and the beast is one everyone has heard of the beautiful Belle and her love of roses saves the cursed prince. You don't need to hear it again, right? It certainly can't be told any different from the Grimms or Disney version.

Maybe it's time to give a fresh twist to an old story, though. Donna Jo Napoli's story 'Beast' challenges perceptions of this fairytale. From the creator of other retellings like 'Zel' (Rapunzel) and 'Spinners' (Rumpelstiltskin) comes this new version of Beauty and the Beast. Released in June, 'Beast' tells the story from the perspective of the beast.

Napoli's book is rich in detail and alive with twists and turns. Old World Persia, where Napoli says the original idea of Beauty and the Beast comes from, is the main setting. Here lives prince Orasmyn, a slightly immature and spoiled character who loves nothing more than himself and his roses. His life, which seems perfect, is shattered when he's placed under a sorceress' curse which turns him into a lion.

Now more 'beast' than human, Orasmyn flees to Europe. Now begins the story that we are familiar with - in France, the beast occupies an old castle and with claw and paw plants a beautiful garden. He begins to plan ways to find a woman who will love him and end the curse. His life is turned upside down, however, by the sudden appearance of a strong-willed and mysterious French woman who shares his love of roses: Belle.

Napoli's 'Beast' is appealing to both young and old because of her careful approach and talent at storytelling. The simple and outward tale can easily be enjoyed, while psychological turns make the book appealing to more mature readers. From both a two-footed and four-footed view Napoli shows the ways in which Orasmyn grows and learns to not only appreciate love but give it as well.

Donna Jo Napoli certainly succeeds with her writing of 'Beast.' Exotic settings are blended with tradition, and tenets of Islam are woven with Belle's Christianity in a show of tolerance and love. There is nothing cliché or boring about this story. Although we may already know the ending, the journey still proves magical and touching.

While the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast is certainly entertaining, if you're in the mood for a thought-provoking and exciting read 'Beast' comes with high recommendations.


-Written by Victoria Ho

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