Quick Take

It is the heart of this place, and it is dying, says the Beast. And it is true; the center of the Beast's palace, the glittering glasshouse that brings Beauty both comfort and delight in her strange new environment, is filled with leafless brown rosebushes. But deep within this enchanted world, new life, at once subtle and strong, is about to awaken.Twenty years ago, Robin McKinley dazzled readers with the power of her novel Beauty. Now this extraordinarily gifted novelist returns to the story of Beauty and the Beast with a fresh perspective, ingenuity, and mature insight. With Rose Daughter, she presents her finest and most deeply felt work--a compelling, richly imagined, and haunting exploration of the transformative power of love.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Rose Daughter

Introduction

"Rose Daughter" by Robin McKinley is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. With a fresh perspective and mature insight, McKinley brings the story to life in a compelling and haunting exploration of love's transformative power. In this article, we will delve into the book's analysis, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending it.

About Robin McKinley

Robin McKinley, the author of "Rose Daughter," is a gifted novelist known for her imaginative and deeply felt works. Born in Warren, Ohio, McKinley grew up an only child with a father in the United States Navy. She moved around frequently as a child and read extensively, crediting her background with inspiring her stories. McKinley attended Gould Academy and Dickinson College before becoming a full-time writer. She has written numerous books, including "Beauty," which established her as a master of fairy tale retellings.

Analysis of Views

A fresh perspective: Readers appreciate McKinley's unique approach to the story of Beauty and the Beast, which adds depth and nuance to the familiar tale. They find her insights into love and transformation compelling and enjoy the exploration of themes beyond the surface-level romance.
Richly imagined world: Many readers praise the vivid descriptions and immersive world-building in "Rose Daughter." The enchanted palace, filled with leafless brown rosebushes, and the magical elements woven throughout the story captivate readers and transport them into McKinley's imaginative realm.
Lush prose: McKinley's writing style is widely admired for its poetic quality and evocative language. Readers appreciate the way she brings the characters and their surroundings to life through vivid descriptions and metaphorical imagery. The lyrical prose adds depth and beauty to the story.
Mature themes: Some readers find that "Rose Daughter" delves into more mature themes than the original fairy tale. The exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery resonates with readers who appreciate deeper character development and complex relationships. The book's exploration of love as a transformative force resonates with many readers.
Compelling characters: The characters in "Rose Daughter" are praised for their depth and complexity. Readers appreciate the portrayal of Beauty's sisters, who are depicted as loving and kind, and the Beast, who is given a more nuanced backstory. The characters' growth and development add depth to the story and make them relatable to readers.

Reasons for Recommendation

A fresh take on a classic tale: Readers recommend "Rose Daughter" for its unique perspective on the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast. They appreciate McKinley's ability to breathe new life into a familiar story, adding depth and complexity to the characters and exploring themes beyond the romantic aspect.
Richly imagined world: The immersive world-building in "Rose Daughter" is a major draw for readers. The enchanted palace, leafless rosebushes, and magical elements transport readers into a captivating realm filled with wonder and imagination. The vivid descriptions create a sense of escapism that readers find enchanting.
Lush prose: McKinley's poetic writing style is widely praised for its beauty and evocative power. Readers appreciate the way she brings the characters and their surroundings to life through vivid descriptions and metaphorical imagery. The lyrical prose adds depth and richness to the story, making it a pleasure to read.
Mature themes: Readers who enjoy exploring deeper themes in their literature recommend "Rose Daughter" for its mature treatment of love, loss, and self-discovery. The book's exploration of love as a transformative force resonates with readers who seek more complex character development and thought-provoking storytelling.
Compelling characters: The well-developed characters in "Rose Daughter" are another reason for readers to recommend the book. Readers appreciate the portrayal of Beauty's sisters, who are loving and supportive, as well as the Beast, who undergoes a compelling transformation throughout the story. The characters' growth and development make them relatable and engaging to readers.

Reasons for Not Recommending

Slow pacing: Some readers find that "Rose Daughter" has a slow pacing that may be challenging for those looking for a fast-paced read. The meandering plot may not appeal to those seeking a more action-packed narrative or those who prefer tighter plot structure.
Overemphasis on description: While many readers appreciate McKinley's vivid descriptions, some find that they detract from the overall flow of the story. The detailed descriptions can become overwhelming at times, leading to a sense of dragging pace that may detract from the overall reading experience.
Disappointing ending: A few readers express disappointment with the ending of "Rose Daughter." While they appreciate the exploration of themes beyond romance, some feel that the resolution falls short or lacks closure. They may have expected a more satisfying conclusion or a clearer resolution to certain plot points.
Lack of clarity: Some readers find that certain aspects of the story lack clarity or explanation, particularly in relation to certain magical elements or plot twists. They may feel that certain aspects of the story require more elaboration or explanation to fully understand or appreciate them.
Personal preferences: As with any book, personal preferences play a role in whether or not readers recommend "Rose Daughter." Some readers may have specific tastes or expectations that are not fully met by this particular retelling of Beauty and the Beast, leading them to recommend against it or express reservations about certain aspects of the story.

Conclusion

"Rose Daughter" by Robin McKinley is a captivating retelling of the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast that offers a fresh perspective on familiar themes. With its richly imagined world, lush prose, mature themes, compelling characters, and exploration of love's transformative power, it has garnered praise from readers who appreciate its depth and complexity. However, some readers may find aspects such as slow pacing, overemphasis on description, or lack of clarity challenging or unsatisfying. Ultimately, whether or not one recommends "Rose Daughter" depends on individual preferences and whether they connect with McKinley's unique take on this beloved story.