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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was an interesting interpretation of the Frankenstein story and its parallels to our current political reality.
I want to thank the publisher for granting me an advance listening copy of the audiobook. It took me a few years to pick this one up because the horrors of the MAGA world persist, making the novel’s themes feel all too real. However, learning that Chicano Frankenstein now has a Spanish translation rekindled my interest, and I’m so glad it did.
The fictional president in this novel runs on the slogan Make America Safe Again—or MASA—a clever detail that will bring a knowing smile to many Latinx readers. Though the book can be stressful to read, given its stark parallels to today’s political climate, it also offers moments of warmth. These moments, particularly in the protagonist’s interactions with Faustina, her family, and her colleagues, highlight his humanity and emphasize the power of community and belonging.
These interactions made me reflect on why I choose to be louder and prouder. The man’s interactions with Faustina, her friends, and her family shifted their perceptions. Their views on reanimated people changed when they actually got to know him—when their preconceived notions were confronted by reality. I kept thinking about how I choose to be louder and prouder every time the political establishment tries to erase or marginalize people like me because I want those around me to understand that the policies they support affect real people—people they know, work with, and interact with daily. Chicano Frankenstein masterfully crafts an allegory in which the 'stitchers' could stand in for immigrants, trans individuals, or any marginalized group targeted by those in power. The novel is timely, pointed, and deeply affecting, lingering in my mind long after I turned the final page—especially with its haunting, prescient ending.
As a final note, though it doesn’t impact the plot, I couldn’t help but appreciate the shoutout to Steve Kornacki and his election night big board.
The fictional president in this novel runs on the slogan Make America Safe Again—or MASA—a clever detail that will bring a knowing smile to many Latinx readers. Though the book can be stressful to read, given its stark parallels to today’s political climate, it also offers moments of warmth. These moments, particularly in the protagonist’s interactions with Faustina, her family, and her colleagues, highlight his humanity and emphasize the power of community and belonging.
These interactions made me reflect on why I choose to be louder and prouder. The man’s interactions with Faustina, her friends, and her family shifted their perceptions. Their views on reanimated people changed when they actually got to know him—when their preconceived notions were confronted by reality. I kept thinking about how I choose to be louder and prouder every time the political establishment tries to erase or marginalize people like me because I want those around me to understand that the policies they support affect real people—people they know, work with, and interact with daily. Chicano Frankenstein masterfully crafts an allegory in which the 'stitchers' could stand in for immigrants, trans individuals, or any marginalized group targeted by those in power. The novel is timely, pointed, and deeply affecting, lingering in my mind long after I turned the final page—especially with its haunting, prescient ending.
As a final note, though it doesn’t impact the plot, I couldn’t help but appreciate the shoutout to Steve Kornacki and his election night big board.
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Like the original Frankenstein, this book uses a scifi premise to explore some of society's current fears. It's quite thought provoking, and written in a tone that could feel like your amongst friends for much of it, but still allows for the tension of the story.
the allegory is heavy-handed and almost to the point of feeling uninspired and lazy. interesting concept of modern tech being able to extend/recycle life by producing frankenstein people.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Great story that answers the question "What would happen if we brought drad people back to life?" Set in California in a time that mirrors ours, Olivas explores what it means to be human but also illustrates what our current political and economic climate would handle it. Too realistic for me, but a valuable read nonetheless.
dark
funny
sad
fast-paced
Liked it more than I thought I would. Interesting take on a Frankenstein type horror story, though it hits closer to reality than you'd think for such an out there topic (being able to reanimate dead people by the millions and they live among us, working jobs, dating living people, etc.).
I uh… maybe should’ve read the blurb on this one, but instead I picked it based on the title and cover and the fact that it was available from the library. It is VERY topical in a way that’s a bit painful right now. If this were a parallel universe, one might think it’s too heavy-handed, but instead I think Olivas actually held back in some ways.
I thought the themes about identity and finding meaning for oneself were extremely relatable, even as someone from a different diaspora as the author. I want to have hope for the man and his future, though given the current reality, that is challenging…
I thought the themes about identity and finding meaning for oneself were extremely relatable, even as someone from a different diaspora as the author. I want to have hope for the man and his future, though given the current reality, that is challenging…
funny
sad
medium-paced
3.06 / 5
I love the premise to this but there isn’t much here beyond it. The plot offers great thematic conflict but little narrative conflict. The political satire was a lot of fun and I loved the way the so-called “stitchers” were fill-in’s for the immigrant experience. This works incredibly well and Olivias does a solid job world building in a relatively short amount of time. But there isn’t much that happens in the story that is all that compelling. Still, I found this to often be simultaneously sweet and sadly relevant. I liked this fine, but wish I loved it.
I love the premise to this but there isn’t much here beyond it. The plot offers great thematic conflict but little narrative conflict. The political satire was a lot of fun and I loved the way the so-called “stitchers” were fill-in’s for the immigrant experience. This works incredibly well and Olivias does a solid job world building in a relatively short amount of time. But there isn’t much that happens in the story that is all that compelling. Still, I found this to often be simultaneously sweet and sadly relevant. I liked this fine, but wish I loved it.
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated