Beauty

Sheri S. Tepper's "Beauty" radically reimagines the classic Sleeping Beauty tale, transforming it into a sweeping epic of time travel, philosophy, and environmentalism. Princess Beauty, a 14th-century English noble, narrowly escapes her fated curse not by a prince's kiss, but by being abducted by mysterious visitors from a distant future. Transported from her picturesque medieval world to a dystopian Earth teeming with billions yet devoid of genuine connection, Beauty embarks on an extraordinary journey across centuries and dimensions. She encounters various incarnations of humanity, from ancient myths to bleak post-apocalyptic societies, gaining profound insights into the cyclical nature of civilization and destruction. As she grapples with complex ethical dilemmas and witnesses the evolution and devolution of humanity, Beauty gradually uncovers her unique and pivotal role in shaping humanity's destiny. This captivating and thought-provoking novel challenges conventional narratives, blending fantasy with speculative fiction to deliver a powerful commentary on gender, power, and the future of our world.