Estimated read time: 5 min read
One Sentence Summary
A modern retelling of "Beauty and the Beast" where a vain and arrogant teenager is cursed to live as a beast until he can find true love.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"Beastly" by Alex Flinn is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast." Set in modern-day New York City, the novel explores themes of love, inner beauty, and the true nature of appearances. The story follows the journey of a wealthy and arrogant teenager who is transformed into a beast and must find true love to break the curse.
Brief Synopsis
The plot of "Beastly" centers around the life of Kyle Kingsbury, a handsome and popular high school student who is known for his wealth and good looks. Kyle is self-absorbed and cruel, often belittling those he considers beneath him. However, his life takes a drastic turn when he plays a cruel prank on a fellow classmate, a witch named Kendra Hilferty, who in turn casts a spell on him, transforming him into a beast. The only way for Kyle to break the curse is to find someone who will love him as he is, despite his monstrous appearance.
The story is set in New York City, where Kyle is forced to live in isolation in a townhouse with only a housekeeper, Magda, for company. As he grapples with his new reality, Kyle begins to see the world and himself in a new light, ultimately leading to personal growth and self-discovery.
Main Characters
The main characters in "Beastly" include:
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Kyle Kingsbury | A wealthy and arrogant teenager who is transformed into a beast. |
| Kendra Hilferty | A witch who curses Kyle and plays a pivotal role in his transformation. |
| Lindy Owens | A kind and compassionate girl who becomes instrumental in Kyle's journey. |
| Will Fratalli | Kyle's best friend, who remains loyal to him despite his transformation. |
| Magda | The housekeeper who looks after Kyle and provides guidance during his ordeal. |
Story Points Over Chapters
Chapter 1-5: The Transformation
In the opening chapters, readers are introduced to Kyle Kingsbury, a handsome and popular teenager who revels in his privileged lifestyle. However, his cruel behavior leads him to cross paths with Kendra, who curses him and transforms him into a beast. Kyle is forced to confront his new appearance and the isolation that comes with it.
Chapter 6-10: Isolation and Reflection
As Kyle grapples with his new reality, he is confined to his townhouse, isolated from the world he once knew. He begins to reflect on his past actions and their impact on others, leading to a gradual change in his perspective.
Chapter 11-15: Meeting Lindy
Kyle's path crosses with Lindy Owens, a kind and compassionate girl who is inadvertently drawn into his world. Despite his initial intentions, Kyle forms a genuine connection with Lindy and starts to see beyond his own superficial desires.
Chapter 16-20: The Journey to Inner Beauty
As Kyle spends more time with Lindy, he begins to understand the true nature of love and inner beauty. His feelings for Lindy compel him to strive for personal growth and redemption, transcending his physical appearance.
Chapter 21-25: The Ultimate Test
Kyle's journey towards redemption is put to the ultimate test as he seeks to break the curse and find true love. His efforts are further complicated by external forces, leading to a climactic confrontation and a revelation of the true nature of appearances.
Main Events
- Kyle's transformation into a beast after being cursed by Kendra.
- Kyle's isolation and reflection on his past actions.
- Kyle's growing connection with Lindy and his journey towards inner beauty.
- The ultimate test of Kyle's efforts to break the curse and find true love.
Themes and Insights
Themes
- Inner Beauty: The novel explores the idea that true beauty lies within a person, transcending physical appearances.
- Redemption: Kyle's journey towards redemption and personal growth serves as a central theme, highlighting the transformative power of love and self-reflection.
- The Nature of Love: The story delves into the complexities of love, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections and selfless acts.
Insights
- The novel provides insights into the impact of superficiality and the significance of empathy and kindness.
- It offers a nuanced exploration of personal transformation and the pursuit of self-worth beyond external validation.
Reader's Takeaway
"Beastly" offers readers a poignant and modern reimagining of a timeless fairy tale, prompting reflection on the nature of beauty, love, and personal growth. Through Kyle's transformative journey, readers are encouraged to consider the true essence of inner beauty and the power of empathy and redemption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Beastly" by Alex Flinn presents a compelling narrative that intertwines themes of love, inner beauty, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City, the novel invites readers to contemplate the true nature of appearances and the transformative power of genuine connection. As Kyle navigates his journey from arrogance to empathy, the story resonates with readers through its timeless themes and enduring insights.
Beastly FAQ
What is the genre of 'Beastly'?
Beastly is a young adult fantasy novel that falls into the subgenres of fairy tale retelling and romance.
Is 'Beastly' a retelling of a classic story?
Yes, 'Beastly' is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tale 'Beauty and the Beast'.
Who is the author of 'Beastly'?
The author of 'Beastly' is Alex Flinn.
What is the main premise of 'Beastly'?
The main premise of 'Beastly' revolves around a wealthy and arrogant teenager who is transformed into a beast as punishment for his cruel behavior, and must find true love to break the curse.
Is 'Beastly' part of a series?
No, 'Beastly' is a standalone novel and is not part of a series.
