Beast by Lulu Allison
Firstly, I would like to thank Big Green Books and the lovely Sarah for arranging for me to read this book through the #buyastrangerabook scheme they facilitate on Bluesky. It’s a lovely scheme, and one that invites people to read more great books!
The legend of Faust has prevailed through the centuries; it’s been retold in many different formats, from Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus in the fourteenth century, to Goethe’s adaptation, which brought new metaphysical depths to the story, to various retellings in other literature, and even cinema, from Murnau’s beautiful 1926 film.
Beast, by Lulu Allison, introduces a new aspect of the story and, in many ways, turns it on its head, telling the tale from the viewpoint of the demon’s familiar. This not only offers a new perspective on the classic tale, but raises a large number of questions regarding predestination, good and evil, and who, exactly, is the ‘Beast’?
Although not wanting to give too much away in the story, we are taken through our tale from the viewpoint of a demon’s familiar, in this instance, takes the form of a rabbit. As becomes clear, the demon has been called to attempt to make a deal with a musician (Eve), and the tale revolves around her life, her striving to achieve something sublime in music, and the efforts and frustrations of the demon to convince her to make a deal in return for her soul.
Although this is an adaptation of a very old tale, it feels refreshingly new, and I really did enjoy reading Beast. Lulu Allison portrays her characters with real depth and emotion, and many of the characters are akin to people I have known in my own past. I recognise the egos of musicians and the kindness of strangers, and each is brought to life, as if based on people the author knew personally.
Many of the aspects of Beast are certainly not easy to explore without continuing to read the book, and sitting and having a think about what you’ve just read, but Lulu Allison has achieved that. Having studied Religion and Philosophy, this opened up a wealth of thoughts I experienced during my university years, and having read the book now, I am wondering if there was even a ‘Beast’!
Overall, Beast is a wonderfully written story that not just comprises an enjoyably readable tale, but also one that explores many facets of the inner human; our wishes and desires; are we predestined to fulfil one singular purpose… questions, questions…
- Beast by Lulu Allison is out now and published by Bluemoose Books (£12.00). To order a copy, go to bluemoosebooks.com
Founder and Editor of Pilgrim House and The Gothic Revival, currently researching Folklore and early Welsh Christianity and a student Counsellor. Tom’s other work on music, poetry, writing on autism along other writings and images can be found at https://tomasstanger.com