Beauty and the Beast, and Tales of Home

"Beauty and the Beast" by Bayard Taylor is a novel that intertwines fact and fancy, presenting a narrative set in mid-19th century Russia. The story engages with themes of love, power dynamics, and societal customs, focused on the characters of Prince Alexis, his wife Princess Martha, and their son Prince Boris. It explores the complexities of their lives within the context of Russian nobility and serfdom, revealing the interpersonal struggles and emotions that shape their world. The opening portion introduces us to Kinesma, a town on the Volga, where Prince Alexis finds himself in turmoil over a postponed dinner. His comedic insistence on avoiding a festival for his son leads to a series of events involving a drunken bear and a harried court-poet, setting the stage for the whimsical yet dark environment of the castle. As the narrative unfolds, we witness the egocentric behaviors of Alexis, the meekness of Princess Martha, and the cowardly nature of Boris, all richly painted against the backdrop of Russian culture and humor. The tone oscillates between severe brutality and lighthearted farce, foreshadowing the transformations that will occur as their lives progress.