We Are the Beasts by Gigi Griffis

Gigi Griffis’ We Are the Beasts offers a chilling look into the dark, oppressive world of 18th-century rural France, blending historical horror with a feminist undercurrent. Inspired by the true mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan, the novel crafts a daring narrative centered on two teenage girls desperate to escape the cages of their lives.

The premise is gripping: Joséphine and Clara use the chaos caused by a mysterious beast to stage their friends’ “deaths” and orchestrate their freedom from abusive homes. The story’s strength lies in its concept, where the girls’ courage and ingenuity shine through as they defy societal norms and challenge the brutality of their existence. Griffis deftly captures the bleakness of the era, weaving it with moments of dark humor and camaraderie that make the girls’ plight both heartbreaking and inspiring.

However, while the foundation of the story is solid, the execution sometimes falters. At times, the pacing feels sluggish, and the narrative could have benefited from tighter editing to sharpen its impact. Repetition in dialogue—like the overuse of “Mon Dieu” (my god) and “Oh la vache” (oh my god)—can pull the reader out of the immersive setting, and the resolution of the Beast’s identity feels predictable. Readers familiar with other interpretations of the Beast of Gévaudan may find themselves yearning for a more unique take, such as a hyena or giant wolf, rather than revisiting the lion theory.

That said, there are moments of levity that stand out, such as the humorous depiction of sheep confronting a lioness, which injects a touch of whimsy into the otherwise grim tale. These lighter notes provide a welcome contrast to the story’s darker themes, making the girls’ journey feel all the more human.

We Are the Beasts is not without flaws, but it offers an engaging exploration of resilience and rebellion against oppression. While it may not achieve the same cinematic grandeur as Brotherhood of the Wolf—a comparison the author may inadvertently invite—it still carves out its own space as a worthwhile and entertaining read. For fans of historical horror and feminist narratives, Griffis’ novel delivers a thought-provoking and adventurous story.

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