Lost in a Book
With the new Beauty and the Beast film out, I decided it was time to get in the mood for some Disney nostalgia. Beauty and the Beast has always been my favourite Disney film, and Belle continues to inspire me, flying the flag for those of us who would prefer a good book to pursuing 'prince charming'. Going along with this theme, I found a few YA books based on some of Disney's beloved tales; one of these was Lost in a Book by Jennifer Donnelly.
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The story begins during Belle's imprisonment in the Beast's enchanted castle.
Two sisters, Love and Death, make a bet on whether the Beast will win Belle's heart. Love is essentially the enchantress who transformed the Beast.
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Now, Death hates to lose, so she is determined to write Belle's story by tricking her. Having bound herself to remain in the castle forever, Belle is clearly unhappy, and takes solitude in the library the Beast has given to her.
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Some of the actions and words that Donnelly uses to describe Belle do not really run with Belle's character. She seems a little too naive here. This might just be my opinion, as I see Belle as a strong, wilful character, who would be highly suspicious of some of the events. The Beast and his household are not very prominent. They have a vague presence and wander in and out of the narrative as Belle does in the 'enchanted' book (I'll say no more on this book, as I don't want to spoil anything for those who have not yet read Lost in a Book).
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Of course, we all know that Belle will be reunited with the Beast in the end, but the ending of Donnelly's novel seems a little rushed. I feel it could have ended with more of a connection to the Disney film/s.
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Despite this, I quite enjoyed this book. The language and structure as a whole are easy to follow, and while it does stray a little from Belle's character, it is not drastic and still portrays her as the intelligent, kind, and strong book-worm we all know and remember.
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It reads like a fanfiction, but would appeal to anyone who would like to read a theory of how Belle spent her time within the castle.
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If you have read this book, I would love to know your opinions on it, as well as any recommendations you might have for future book reviews.