Beastly Beauty By Jennifer Donnelly

Jennifer Donnelly's gender-swapped retelling of Beauty and the Beast challenges conventions of beauty and power. Arabella, deemed "beastly" for her ambition and independence, faces societal pressure to conform. A curse traps her and her loved ones in a castle, her anger deemed monstrous. Hope dwindles until Beau, a thief, arrives. Despite the servants' belief in him, Beau is skeptical of love. Together, Arabella and Beau confront their past traumas and learn to trust each other. Donnelly's sublimely written tale explores themes of self-acceptance and the true nature of love. ❤️📚❤️