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P.S. THIS CONTAINS MILD SPOILERS 😅
Cleopatra and Frankenstine by CoCo Mellors
I started this book blindly, I had seen the cover on Lemon8 and loved it. Obviously I added it to my tbr and then soon after bought it on my kindle and omg do I wish this book was free on KIndle Unlimited because I’m kind of annoyed that I paid for it LOL (just me being dramatic about liking some parts but not the book as a whole). Now see I completely understand why Elenor was so crucial to Franks story but we did not need to know that much about her life. She’s boring, her dad died, she’s the reason Frank wanted to be better, all of the important things about her that make Frank fall for her could have easily fit into one maybe two chapters if you’re pushing it. But I didn’t need so many pages about her. Another thing is this book needs a small self harming warning ⚠️ fr, I mean the scene isn’t too graphic but the way Frank describes his experience and emotions with Cleo’s incident definitely hit the heart strings if you or anyone you know has been in a self harming situation. AND the way Cleo “processes” her mental situation with an installation for her art show for everyone to see and relive disgusted me and I completely understand the constant shift in Franks words with and about her. Other than that I hope Santiago and Dominique live the happiest and most fulfilled life together 🫶.
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Suicide, Transphobia, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
The characters' depth and existences were so beautifully crafted and the fact that probably none of them are good people to their core, made me enjoy every single time they were brought up - every character struggles, but every single one of them finds love, companionship, and support along the way as well.
I can't say anything else other than if you allow yourself to be consumed by not only Frank and Cleo's story, but by everyone's else, you will wish for the book to never end.
Graphic: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Blood, Dementia, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Suicide attempt, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Sexual content, Suicide, Death of parent
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Gaslighting
Minor: Animal death, Drug abuse, Misogyny
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicide attempt, Alcohol
Moderate: Terminal illness, Death of parent, Toxic friendship
Minor: Transphobia
First of all, it just wasn't what I expected. I thought this would be an in-depth exploration of a single relationship, but it dealt in fact with an ensemble of characters, all connected, some of them getting their own POVs. Some of the POVs were really good (Eleonor - although it almost felt like an entirely different book with its own writing style), some of them were fine (Zoe and Andres), and some felt like an unnecessary short story (Santiago). And some were criminally undertreated (justice for Quentin!)
Because of this divide, some themes weren't explored with the proper sensitivity and depth, as I felt that they deserved and that the author was capable of (i.e. transgender, obesity and sexual addiction).
Ultimately, the book was at its strongest when dealing with the titular characters.
Also the plot seemed a bit self-indulgent and immature at times, like they were just gliding from fancy dinners to parties to drugs in hotel rooms. I realize it's a reflection of the character's nature and mental state, but it almost got tedious reading about the woes of rich beautiful people in lavish New York settings.
However I will say, for the most part the writing was beautiful throughout. There were some touching quotes and insightful remarks on human nature and interaction. But there were also points made that seemed tacky, juvenile or repetative.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Animal death
Graphic: Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Suicide attempt, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death of parent
Minor: Eating disorder