Who recommends: Lori, Shelley, JW, Rebekah, Lynn, Danielle, Kathleen, Isabel, Margaret
Who discommends: Edith

I just finished Rose Daughter last week and really enjoyed it. McKinley's Beauty is one of my all time favorite books, but the voice that tells the story of Rose Daughter is completely different. This book deals with the consequences of the family's loss of wealth, the relationships with in the family and Beauty's relationship with the Beast in such a different way that you do not feel like you are reading a rehash.

Although Beauty is still one of my favorite books, I really liked Rose Daughter (and loved the ending) and will be tucking on the shelf next to its sister.--Shelley

I was disappointed in it. I was hoping for something as compelling as BEAUTY, one of my all-time favorite books. I read RD as soon as the library got it a year ago or so. I didn't think the relationship between the h&h; was developed convincingly -- i.e. I didn't see why they should fall in love. I didn't feel emotionally engaged. A nice enough read because I like McKinley's style of writing, but not a keeper for me.--Edith

Yet again for McKinley a beautiful, lyrical retelling of Beauty and the Beast. The plot of this one was closely aligned with BEAUTY until about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way through and then gradually diverges. I like how the Beauty here took a more active role in the saving of the Beast and the surprising ending. I wish McKinley would have written something new, but you take what you can get ...--Rebekah

Liked it, but not as much as the first version.--Danielle

Part of my enjoyment of this book stems from my own fascination with growing roses. I have a slight preference for BEAUTY, probably because I've read it over and over, but ROSE DAUGHTER is going to stay on my keeper shelf.--Kathleen

I still prefer BEAUTY although this ending is one that I have always wanted for the story.--Isabel (31 Jul 99)