Marvelous by Molly Greeley

 Marvelous recreates the true story behind the Beauty and the Beast legend.

In 1547, on the island of Tenerife, a young boy named Pedro Gonsalvus notices that he is treated differently by other children. They don’t play with him as they play together, and they call him La Bestia as his body and face are covered in hair. Then suddenly, he is snatched from the island.
King Henri of France is given a gift for his coronation. It is a hairy boy delivered in a cage. The king is fond of children, and he teaches the boy French. The boy learns the language quickly, and loves the smiles the king dots on him.

When Catherine D’Aubray’s father’s ship sinks, his fortune and her dowry are gone. A marriage is arranged for her to Monsieur Savage as he is known at the French court.

The characters of Pedro and Catherine are gorgeously developed in the first half of the story. His emotions are very raw and touching, his hunger for experiencing friendship, craving company, to be needed, wanted, trusted, to be useful and respected, not looked upon as merely hairy. When Catherine finds her new name as Madame Savage, she quickly learns resilience.

The second half involves intrigues of the court. This fascinating story is written with beautiful prose.

Release date: 28 February 2023

Source: William Morrow & Company