Reviews with content warning for Transphobia - Frankissstein

I almost never say this, but don't read this book. Frankenstein is one a favorite of mine so I was intrigued when I saw this semi-reimagining. And that aspect of the story is good - the realized conversations Mary Shelley has with Percy and the depictions of her life at that time was really captivating, whereas the "contemporary" portions of the book are actually so harmful. The protagonist is a Trans character and yet the writing, whether intentionally done so or not, is extremely transphobic. Content warning: There's also a graphic scene of sexual assault and violence that is completely unnecessary. Despite the positive reviews and the fact that it was long-listed for a prestigious award, this book further proves the necessity to diversify those doing the reviewing and nominating because it should not have been as lauded as it was.

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bookedbymadeline's review

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Confusing how there aren’t any quotes around the dialogue

Problematic: Ry compliments a Black woman’s hair by saying she looks like an expert “maybe because of how you style it. Very professional.” As I’ve seen from other reviewers the book does not get any better in Trans rep for Ry. I have no interest in reading about a Trans character that is written for cis people like myself and would rather spend my time on books with more accurate representation.

The conversation around AI-prof stein says that AI won’t make women obsolete or be sexist which begs the question of how could it not be sexist when the ones building the robots are sexist themselves? It’s human error. He’s being idealistic in thinking that a future of AI will be non binary when the creators of AI have their own prejudices and beliefs that will be built into AI, just like humans writing the Bible put their own image on God.

Where is the story even set in?! First they talk about Memphis then they’re going to a bar in Trafalgar Square?

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sophiewelsh's review

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dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

1.5

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ohitsbetterthisway's review

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I was not enjoying it. The way trans-ness is portrayed often made me sick to my stomach.

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drhilbert's review

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medium-paced

Strong character development? No

1.0

would've been nice if it wasn't for the transphobia

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tjthetd23's review

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challenging dark emotional mysterious 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

5.0

Frankkissstein is a modern version of what James Joyce wanted Ulysses to be. The writing style is unique but it isn't nonsensical; it draws you in. The story is chock full of triggers but it never feels gratuitous with its violent or abusive content. Everything that happens does so for a reason and enriches the characters even when it is awful. Winterson blurs the line between fiction and nonfiction beautifully in a way that often had me googling whether the scenes, particularly the ones of Mary Shelley later in life, were fact or fiction. To understand characters that are based on real people so thoroughly that you can fictionalise parts of their narrative and not have it feel out of place is an amazing skill in a writer.

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laurajones's review

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challenging dark reflective slow-paced

Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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thoroughlyenjoyedbooks's review

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challenging reflective medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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