Marvelous by Molly Greeley (Review by Stacey Lorenson)

3.8 stars

Marvelous is an adult reimagination of the classic fairy tale, The Beauty and the Beast. Greeley’s vivid and emotional prose combines raw survival with a slow blooming romance. Greeley chronicles the true story of Pedro Gonzales, abandoned as an infant, kidnapped from his adoptive family, and sold to French king, Henri II in 1547. Pedro received a formal education while entertaining the Kings guests with his striking appearance, an overabundance of hair that covered his entire body.

A marriage was eventually arranged for Pedro by the king, wedding a young girl named Catherine. After Catherine enters the picture, the two embark on a journey that requires patience, commitment, and an enduring love for each other. Pedro and Catherine eventually assert their independence attempting to live free from ridicule, ignorance and dehumanization while protecting their four children, all baring the hypertrichosis trait.

Marvelous is an incredibly unique, romantic, historical fiction that examines the true meaning of family against numerous challenging circumstances, making this novel an excellent book club choice. An added note, Marvelous does include some adult romantic scenes within the context of the story that adds an element to the storytelling which helps intensify the development of the relationship between Pedro and Catherine. I enjoyed reading Marvelous and I’m looking forward to exploring her other two novels as well.