Gigi Griffis’s novel “We Are the Beasts” is a young adult horror story set in 18th-century France, inspired by the real historical mystery of the Beast of Gévaudan. The narrative follows two teenage girls, Joséphine and Clara, who live in a small village plagued by a series of brutal deaths attributed to a mysterious beast. The book intricately weaves themes of friendship, survival, and the quest for freedom against a backdrop of fear and superstition.

Setting and Historical Context

Historical Background:

The novel is set during a time when rural French communities were rife with superstition and fear. The Beast of Gévaudan was a real phenomenon that terrorized the region between 1764 and 1767, leading to numerous attacks and deaths. This historical context enriches the narrative, grounding it in actual events that shaped the lives of those in rural France.

The Village of Mende:

Mende serves as the primary setting for the story. It is depicted as a tight-knit community where gossip spreads quickly, and fear governs daily life. The villagers believe that the beast is a punishment from God for their sins, which adds to the atmosphere of dread that permeates the story.

Characters

Joséphine

Joséphine is one of the protagonists. At sixteen years old, she embodies resilience and courage. Her home life is troubled; she faces domestic violence and oppression from her father. Joséphine’s desire for freedom drives her actions throughout the story.

Clara:

Clara is Joséphine’s best friend and confidante. She shares Joséphine’s dreams of escape but has her own struggles with familial expectations. Together, they form a bond that becomes crucial as they navigate their dangerous plans.

The Beast:

While not a character in the traditional sense, the beast symbolizes both external danger and internal fears. It represents the oppressive forces in their lives—family, societal expectations, and their own limitations.

Plot Summary

Rising Tension:

The story begins with reports of gruesome killings attributed to the beast. As fear grips Mende, Joséphine and Clara see an opportunity to escape their dire circumstances. They devise a plan to fake their friends’ deaths, hoping to hide them away until it is safe to run.

The Plan Unfolds:

As they put their plan into action, they face numerous challenges. The harsh winter conditions threaten their survival, and they must gather resources while avoiding detection by villagers who are increasingly suspicious.

Confrontation with Reality:

As tensions rise, both girls confront their fears—not just of the beast but also of their own families and societal constraints. The stakes become higher as they realize that their fake deaths could lead to real consequences if they are discovered or if the beast finds them first.

Themes

Friendship and Loyalty:

The bond between Joséphine and Clara is central to the narrative. Their friendship provides strength as they face overwhelming odds. Their loyalty to each other drives them to take risks that challenge societal norms.

Survival and Freedom:

The quest for survival is a dominant theme throughout “We Are the Beasts.” The girls’ desire for freedom from their oppressive lives motivates them to take drastic measures. This theme resonates with readers who understand the struggle against societal constraints.

Fear and Superstition:

Fear plays a pivotal role in shaping the characters’ actions and decisions. The villagers’ belief in curses and supernatural punishment reflects how superstition can govern behavior in times of crisis. This theme explores how fear can lead to irrational actions and reinforce oppressive systems.

Style and Tone

Griffis employs a vivid writing style that immerses readers in the historical setting. The tone fluctuates between suspenseful and reflective, capturing both the urgency of survival and moments of introspection among characters. The language is accessible yet evocative, making it suitable for young adult readers while still engaging for adults.

Conclusion

“We Are the Beasts” is a compelling exploration of friendship, survival, and societal constraints set against a haunting historical backdrop. Gigi Griffis skillfully intertwines elements of horror with deep emotional resonance, creating a narrative that challenges readers to consider what it means to be free in an oppressive world. As Joséphine and Clara navigate their treacherous journey, they embody resilience against both external threats and internal fears.

Main Points Summary

1. Setting: The novel takes place in 18th-century France during the time of the Beast of Gévaudan.
2. Characters: Protagonists Joséphine and Clara seek freedom from oppressive family lives.
3. Plot: The girls devise a plan to fake deaths amidst rising tension from beast attacks.
4. Themes: Explores friendship, survival, fear, and superstition.
5. Style: Vivid writing style with an accessible tone suitable for young adult audiences.
6. Conclusion: A compelling narrative that challenges societal norms through horror elements intertwined with emotional depth.

This summary captures the essence of Gigi Griffis’s “We Are the Beasts,” providing insights into its characters, themes, and narrative style while remaining clear and engaging for readers seeking to understand this unique work.