Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard

A Beauty and the Beast retelling where Lady Astrid marries a scarred war hero, discovering love beneath his gruff exterior.


Amalie Howard’s The Beast of Beswick, published in 2019, is a vivid and stirring retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" fairy tale, set in the rich backdrop of Regency England. In this fresh interpretation, Howard explores themes of love, trauma and healing, weaving a romance that speaks to both the outer and inner battles we all face. The novel follows Lady Astrid Everleigh, a young woman with a vibrant spirit, and the brooding, scarred war hero, Lord Evan Sterling, whose exterior is as hard as his heart. Through a marriage of necessity, they embark on a transformative journey toward understanding and love.

Historical Context: Regency England and Social Expectations
The Regency period in Britain, spanning from 1811 to 1820, was a time of great social and political upheaval. The Napoleonic Wars were ravaging Europe, and British society was grappling with issues of class, gender and wealth. Within this context, marriage was often seen as a social contract, not just a romantic bond. Families arranged marriages based on status, wealth and alliances rather than personal affection.

Lady Astrid’s world, as depicted in The Beast of Beswick, is one where women had limited control over their lives and the expectations placed upon them were often rigid. Marriage was a means to secure one's social standing and romantic love was an afterthought—unless, of course, one was lucky enough to find it.

Lord Evan Sterling, however, represents a different kind of hero. Returning from the war disfigured, both physically and emotionally, Evan embodies the trauma of the era's soldiers—those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars, often coming back with scars that ran much deeper than the surface. His struggle is not only against the physical limitations of his body but also against the psychological wounds that come with war.

The Plot: A Marriage of Necessity and a Journey of Discovery
The novel opens with Lady Astrid being reluctantly forced into marriage with Lord Evan Sterling. Her family’s financial difficulties lead them to this agreement, as Lord Evan’s wealth and title provide security. Astrid, initially repelled by the idea of marrying the reclusive and scarred Lord Sterling, soon discovers that he is far more complex than the rumors surrounding him suggest.

Evan, known for his gruff exterior and his war wounds, lives a life of isolation, preferring to avoid society due to his physical appearance and the emotional trauma of his past. When Astrid marries him, she is met with a man who is as haunted by his own demons as he is by the scarred face that reflects them.

What begins as a marriage of convenience slowly turns into something more. Astrid’s initial perception of Evan as a beastly figure gradually changes as she gets to know the man beneath the surface. His kindness, vulnerability, and courage begin to show through and Astrid finds herself falling in love with the person who had been hidden behind the layers of his physical scars.

Thematic Exploration
1. The Nature of Beauty and the Beast
While The Beast of Beswick is an explicit retelling of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale, it subverts the traditional concept of beauty. The novel challenges the reader’s understanding of what makes someone beautiful—both inside and out. Evan’s physical scars make him appear monstrous, but his true beauty lies in his strength, his vulnerability and the way he allows Astrid into his heart. Conversely, Lady Astrid is portrayed as a woman who, despite her outward beauty, is more than just a pretty face. She is intelligent, compassionate and willing to see beyond appearances, which makes her a "beauty" in the truest sense.

2. The Impact of War and Trauma
One of the most poignant themes in The Beast of Beswick is the impact of war on its soldiers. Evan’s physical and emotional scars reflect the horrors of war and his struggle to reclaim his life after returning from battle mirrors the experiences of many soldiers during the Regency period, especially those who fought in the Napoleonic Wars. Howard illustrates how these men, often discarded by society, dealt with post-traumatic stress in an era when mental health was poorly understood and rarely acknowledged.

Evan’s journey is not just one of romance, but of healing. His relationship with Astrid allows him to confront his past trauma and begin the difficult process of rebuilding his life. In this sense, the novel not only tells a love story but also offers a commentary on the deep, lasting effects of war on the human psyche.

3. Love as Redemption
Ultimately, The Beast of Beswick is a story of redemption. Both Evan and Astrid undergo significant transformations. Evan, who initially sees himself as unworthy of love due to his scars, learns to open his heart and accept that love does not come from physical perfection but from understanding and emotional connection. Astrid, too, grows as she sheds the constraints of societal expectations and embraces the complexities of love and marriage beyond superficial appearances.

The novel suggests that love has the power to heal not only broken hearts but also wounded souls and that true love transcends the physical realm to touch the deeper aspects of a person’s identity.

Character Analysis: Lady Astrid and Lord Evan Sterling
Lady Astrid Everleigh is an intelligent, independent woman who must navigate the societal pressures of her time. Though initially drawn to her beauty and grace, Astrid is not a passive heroine. She is thoughtful, resourceful and unafraid to challenge the constraints of her era. Her character is a reflection of the growing empowerment of women during the Regency period, who began to demand more than just a life of marriage and social appearances.

Lord Evan Sterling, the "beast" of the story, is a man burdened by his past. His transformation from a grim and isolated war hero to a loving and vulnerable husband is at the heart of the novel. Through his character, Howard explores the theme of post-traumatic growth—how love and understanding can bring healing to even the most broken individuals.

Their relationship is a beautiful exploration of mutual respect, shared pain, and the courage to embrace vulnerability. Together, they show that love is not just about passion, but about understanding, compromise and healing.

Conclusion: A Heartfelt Retelling of a Timeless Tale
The Beast of Beswick by Amalie Howard is a masterful retelling of Beauty and the Beast that adds depth to the familiar fairy tale. Through a gripping exploration of trauma, healing and self-acceptance, Howard creates a narrative that is both emotionally powerful and socially relevant. The novel reminds readers that true beauty lies beneath the surface and that love, when given the chance, has the power to heal even the deepest scars.

This novel not only offers a compelling romance but also raises important questions about how society views beauty, trauma and the healing power of love—making it a relevant and thoughtful addition to the Regency romance genre.