The story of beauty and the beast is one everyone has heard of — the beautiful heroine’s* love saves the cursed* prince.

　　Donna Jo Napoli’s story Beast challenges perceptions* of this fairytale.

　　Released in June, Beast tells the story from the perspective* of the beast.

　　Napoli’s book is rich in detail and alive with twists* and turns. Old World Persia, where Napoli says the original idea of Beauty and the Beast comes from, is the main setting. Here lives Prince Orasmyn, a slightly immature and spoiled character who loves nothing more than himself and his roses. His life, which seems perfect, is shattered* when he’s placed under a sorceress’* curse which turns him into a lion.

　　In France, the beast occupies an old castle and with claw and paw plants a beautiful garden. His life is turned upside down, however, by the sudden appearance of a strong-willed and mysterious French woman who shares his love of roses: Belle.

　　Napoli’s Beast is appealing to both young and old because of her careful approach and talent at storytelling. Exotic settings are blended* with tradition. There is nothing cliché* or boring about this story. Although we may already know the ending, the journey still proves magical and touching.

　　(Difficulty: senior)

　　Write T for True and F for False:

　　1.The Disney version of Beauty and the Beast pays more attention from the perspective of the heroine.

　　2. Napoli believes that the original idea of Beauty and the Beast comes from Old World Persia.

　　3. The story Beast is appealing to the young only.

　　4. Though Beast is telling an old story, it is not boring at all.