Check out the trigger warnings beforehand!

Long Story Short: New York in a whirlwind of art, sensible depictions of mental illness and heartbreak seasoned with a strong sense of irony.

Coco Mellors has terrific writing skills: each POV reads like being inside the character's mind, and the recurring humor never gets old. I particularly enjoyed the switching between Cleo and Frank and their friends and acquaintances. The pacing helped to maintain a constantly refreshed narrative while providing each character with the breathing time they needed to be explored and developed. This includes the city as well since we get the feeling that New York is always present, its lights glistering in the background.
Perfect for anyone who enjoys Sally Rooney's representation of toxic relationships looking for a more hardcore read!

Content Warnings

corinnaxsophie's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I don’t really understand the whole point of this book. Some characters were so obnoxious, only a few of them likeable. Basically they all take drugs, drink, party and make bad decisions throughout the story. Half of them seem to have narcissistic personalities so umm yeah. I really enjoyed Eleanors perspective, she was witty, funny and not as self absorbed. I also wonder why some of the characters stories were simply dropped (Cleos best friend, Anders), even though they were really interesting.

Content Warnings

mecmccann's review against another edition

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I had high hopes for Cleopatra and Frankenstein, and it definitely lived up to my expectations.

This book follows Frank and Cleo, who quickly fall in love and get married so that Cleo can obtain a visa. But a flame dies down as quickly as it rises, and they quickly run into marital problems. We follow as their relationship ebbs and flows, until their inevitable demise.

This book hits hard at what it means to be human. It's complicated and beautiful, devastating and joyful. If you are an empathetic human, you will enjoy this book.

Content Warnings

noveltay's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Writing style is so similar to Eliza Clark. I enjoyed this book and the writing style. I liked how it was a romance but romance was not the main focus ever, even during weddings and affairs.

Content Warnings

maggiemullooly's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Content Warnings

leordanete's review against another edition

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful reflective tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I'm not sure why it took me so long to read this book, but it's so beautifully written! I also love how the author switches between different characters' stories and each voice feels different and authentic. She kept the characters really interesting and honestly I really felt for them all in their own ways. I'm also really content with the ending.

Content Warnings