I've read numerous retellings of Beauty and the Beast, including the two by favorite authoress Robin McKinley, and I do believe this one reaches near the top of the list, though in its own unique way. It's not so lengthy or descriptive as either "Rose Daughter" or "Beauty" and could never match them entirely, but it's not quite fair to compare them and "Belle" certainly carries its own charm and appeal. Belle's family life is realistic and endearing, her characte... (show more)

I've read numerous retellings of Beauty and the Beast, including the two by favorite authoress Robin McKinley, and I do believe this one reaches near the top of the list, though in its own unique way. It's not so lengthy or descriptive as either "Rose Daughter" or "Beauty" and could never match them entirely, but it's not quite fair to compare them and "Belle" certainly carries its own charm and appeal. Belle's family life is realistic and endearing, her character interesting, the story is written exquisitely, and the Beast is adorable. Certain parts were so sweet they made me cry. And I don't cry often for books. However, I was disappointed in the fact that the Beast doesn't even enter the scene until over halfway through the smallish two-hundred page book. I'm suprised the relationship between Beauty and the Beast didn't seem more rushed because of the small amount of time they had together, but somehow it managed to make sense. Beast should have been in it more, but other than that, I loved it. (show less)