44 pages 1 hour read

Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve

Beauty and the Beast

Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1740

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Beauty, the youngest of 12 siblings and daughter of a merchant, moves to the country after their home burns down. Her father's attempt to fulfill Beauty's request for a single rose leads to his encounter with a Beast, who demands a family member in exchange. Beauty volunteers and stays in the Beast's enchanted castle, where she gradually grows fond of him, ultimately breaking his curse through love.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve is praised for its rich, magical storytelling and intricate character development. Some critics find it overly verbose and feel that modern retellings are more accessible. Overall, it is cherished for its historical significance and imaginative narrative, but not all readers appreciate its length and complexity.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Beauty and the Beast?

A reader who enjoys fairy tales, romantic fantasy, and classic literature will be captivated by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve's Beauty and the Beast. Similar works such as Charles Perrault's Cinderella and the Brothers Grimm's Snow White will also appeal to their taste for timeless, enchanting stories.

Recommended

Reading Age

8-12years

Book Details

Genre

Fairy Tale / Folklore

Classic Fiction

Fantasy

Topics

Love / Sexuality

Relationships

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Relationships: Family

Relationships: Marriage