44 pages • 1 hour read
Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de VilleneuveBeauty and the Beast
Fiction | Novella | Middle Grade | Published in 1740A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Beauty, the youngest of 12 siblings and daughter of a merchant, moves to the country after their home burns down. Her father's attempt to fulfill Beauty's request for a single rose leads to his encounter with a Beast, who demands a family member in exchange. Beauty volunteers and stays in the Beast's enchanted castle, where she gradually grows fond of him, ultimately breaking his curse through love.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve is praised for its rich, magical storytelling and intricate character development. Some critics find it overly verbose and feel that modern retellings are more accessible. Overall, it is cherished for its historical significance and imaginative narrative, but not all readers appreciate its length and complexity.
Who Should Read Beauty and the Beast?
A reader who enjoys fairy tales, romantic fantasy, and classic literature will be captivated by Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve's Beauty and the Beast. Similar works such as Charles Perrault's Cinderella and the Brothers Grimm's Snow White will also appeal to their taste for timeless, enchanting stories.