As Old As Time: There’s Something There That Wasn’t There Before

If you aren’t overly familiar with Disney’s “tale as old as time” Beauty and the Beast, then you will at least recognise the timeless 1991 animated film as one of Disney’s classics. 2017 also saw new life breathed into the beloved fairy tale in the form of a live-action adaptation that introduced it to a new audience but not without appeasing fans of the original.

As the story goes, small town girl Belle is imprisoned by a beast who dwells in a castle in the forest. But as time goes by, she comes to learn that he was transformed into his current state by a witch many years ago, who cursed him for his vanity and lack of compassion. He now protects an enchanted rose, and has until the fall of its last petal to find true love, else he will forever remain a monster.

2017's live-action adaptation was a magic mirror of the original

But, what if it was Belle’s mother – a character mentioned not once in the animated classic – who cursed the Beast? That’s the premise at least to author Liz Braswell’s retelling of the story, As Old As Time - one of three novels that form her A Twisted Tale series, each a surprising take on a Disney classic.

On first glance, you’d assume such a concept to be contrived; new ideas forged to answer questions never asked, to create backstories never needed, and to add layers that don’t belong. But, actually, Beauty and the Beast, as many will know, is riddled with gaping plot holes. And now, As Old As Time ingeniously fills them by conjuring an entire history that feels far more natural than it does forced, all the while adding rich layers to an otherwise (and literally) two-dimensional fantasy world.

The 1991 original was no stranger to unanswered questions

As for the characters, they’re the same and as likeable as you might remember. Belle, however, is far more fleshed out here; more relatable than was ever allowed in any previous big screen adaptations, and the dialogue between her and the Beast more convincing than ever. The story also plays on bigger and more contemporary themes than its traditional counterpart, such as feminism and prejudice (meanwhile, the popular “Stockholm Syndrome Theory” that Belle and Beast’s relationship has been subjected to over the decades is swiftly deflated).

Like a magical witch, Braswell has transformed a tale as old as time into something fresh and relevant, and into a story that’s as gripping as it is charming. Fans will also be happy to know that, for the most part, certain iconic scenes remain. In fact, several pieces of dialogue are even identical to those of the films. And while you’ll find none of those memorable sing-along songs within the pages of this enchanting page-turner, they’ll fill your ears during certain scenes nonetheless – as if by magic.