Today’s recommendation is not a direct adaptation of Beauty and the Beast. It’s an adaptation of a similar tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon, a Norwegian fairy tale. It’s called East, by Edith Pattou.
The story follows Rose, a young girl from a poor family. A White Bear appears at her family’s door one day, promising to give her family riches if Rose will leave with him. She agrees, scared but determined. Rose soon loses her heart to the mystery man who lives in the castle the White Bear brings her to, but loses him just as quickly. She is determined to save him, even if it means going to the mythical land east of the sun and west of the moon.
I discovered this book years ago and it’s one I often come back to. A fun, sweet story, East is a timeless tale of love overcoming all odds.
What are some versions of Beauty and the Beast you enjoy?
Until next time, fellow wonderers!
Kate G. Jameson 
I love this book! I found it in a book store in Alaska and fell in love with it. The images of the ice castle are so vivid in my mind! I never thought of it in relation to Beauty and the Beast. Perhaps I will reread it with that thought in mind. I’ve also never read East of the Sun and West of the Moon. I should probably do that too.
I know! I love the imagery in it. The two stories aren’t exactly the same, but have similar concepts of falling in love with a man under a curse to change his appearance.