Beastly Beauty by Jennifer Donnelly

Jennifer Donnelly's gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast, praised by Publishers Weekly, explores the complexities of societal expectations and self-acceptance. Arabella defies convention, sparking a curse that entraps her and her loved ones in a castle. As years pass, Arabella loses hope until a thief named Beau arrives. Despite the servants' hopes, Beau seeks only escape, haunted by past illusions of love. To break the curse, Arabella and Beau must trust their hearts, confronting inner demons and societal constructs. Donnelly's narrative delves into themes of ambition, pride, and desire, challenging traditional notions of beauty and power. Arabella's journey embodies the struggle to embrace one's true self in a world that demands conformity. Through rich prose and compelling characters, Donnelly crafts a timeless tale of redemption and love, reminding readers that the greatest prisons are often self-imposed. With its dreamy atmosphere and poignant themes, this retelling promises to captivate audiences, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved fairy tale.