The Beast's Garden

Well, that was disappointing. I've had this book on my to-read list since it was first announced. A retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in Nazi Germany? I was intrigued. It took nearly 2 years to find out a way to order it from Australia. My anticipation was high.

Unfortunately there were so many things wrong with this. First, the love at first sight was ridiculous. She loved her husband, but wouldn't trust him with anything. I understand times were tough, but some honesty would have been good for them. Many of their interactions were utterly ridiculous and to be completely frank I hated both of them. No, not fair, I tolerated Leo, but I kept wishing someone would drop a bomb on Ava and end it already.

I will give Kate Forsyth props on her research. The war was terrible, and she captured the unfair atrocities of the war. Many of the scenes were shocking, and heart wrenching. It was really the actions and personalities of the main characters (and main secondary characters) that compelled me to give this such a low rating.