Beast

Beast

by: Donna Jo Napoli

Simon Pulse Paperbacks, 2004

Prince Orasmyn has made a terrible mistake. Now he must suffer as a beast and the only way to break the curse is if someone falls in love with him. But who could love a monster? Orasmyn must fight his new found urges and instincts and remember that he is a prince. He must find a way to break the curse and must do so before he gives up hope.

Personal Review: I love this book, it was truly enchanting. This book is told from the perspective of the Beast and gives us a good twist on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale. We get to travel with Orasmyn through Europe, feel his sorrow, loneliness, and joy. The life that Prince Orasmyn had before he was a beast completely contrasts his new life, giving us an interesting emotional and spiritual twist. If you like books about different cultures you will like this book. The cultural and spiritual themes of this book override the fairytale. Warning: When the Prince gets turned into a beast it talks about him mating. That might be disturbing for some readers.

272 pages
Ages: Amazon puts this book at 12 and up but I personally rate it ages 14 and up.

Genres: Iran-fiction, Fairy Tales