48 pages • 1 hour read
Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
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.
Romantic
Fantastical
Heartwarming
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
84,430 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
84,430 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Beast
Beast
Initially perceived as a possible antagonist, he is under an enchantment that gives him a monstrous appearance. Despite this, he is gentle and kind, ultimately becoming the story's love interest.
Roderick Huston
Roderick Huston
Beauty's father and a wealthy merchant in the beginning, he is supportive of his daughters' dreams and independence. After losing his fortune, he remains compassionate and selfless, adjusting to a simpler life.
Grace and Hope Huston
Grace and Hope Huston
Beauty’s older sisters who contrast with her in appearances but share a kind and sincere nature. They deviate from the traditional fairy tale stereotype of jealous sisters.
Lydia and Bessie
Lydia and Bessie
Invisible beings that serve Beauty in the enchanted castle. They help move the plot along by providing background information and attempting to influence Beauty's relationship with Beast.
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.