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4.04 AVERAGE
4.04 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An intriguing story I’m thrilled was a book club pick, Our Hideous Progeny is a fresh take on Frankenstein. It’s a story laced with grief and anguish, but also what it means to be a human at our core. I never would’ve picked this book up on my own, but it is clever and lovely while also standing strong in the gothic genre. Fiercely feminist, quietly queer, and scientifically spooky, this reflection on creation brought new life to the story of Frankenstein. (Pun intended)
TLDR: I support women’s wrongs. I wish the creature had bitten more men.
TLDR: I support women’s wrongs. I wish the creature had bitten more men.
adventurous
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-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
This novel is, honestly, a bit of a mess and if you make it to the end and read the author's note (and keep in mind it's a debut novel by a young writer) it will be easy to imagine how that came about, as this started an amusing idea the author had as a college student that later was developed for a class paper and then later into a novel.
Good intentions and interesting, genuine insights about the experience of oppression, devaluation and marginalization are everywhere in this, but what this lacks is pretty marring. First, let's get one thing clear: the original Frankenstein is a feminist text, and so the idea of this novel being a "feminist spin/retelling" is just admitting one's ignorance of the original text. Moreover, any real tackling of the themes of the original text simply aren't here in this novel, only superficial gestures toward them as the author carried on with their original kernel for the story and other themes they introduce from a more contemporary lens. So in that regards, I found this novel a bit disappointing.
There are also issues of unevenness with pacing and how different themes are developed, and the problem, at least for me, with how the novel's resolution with the "monster" feels a tad gimmicky and convenient for a novel that otherwise is very earnest in its dealing of patriarchy, the marginalization and oppression of women and ableism. Adding to this, the author attempted to have a queer subplot that is likewise developed very unevenly and not very satisfactorily. Other minor elements feel a bit forced and false, like some details with how the author fudged some fictionized aspects of science history to make their MC look smart and clever that struck a sour note with me as someone familiar with that history. Authors would do well to never underestimate their readers.
All in all, this was a promising novel in its premise but an unsatisfying one in its execution.
Good intentions and interesting, genuine insights about the experience of oppression, devaluation and marginalization are everywhere in this, but what this lacks is pretty marring. First, let's get one thing clear: the original Frankenstein is a feminist text, and so the idea of this novel being a "feminist spin/retelling" is just admitting one's ignorance of the original text. Moreover, any real tackling of the themes of the original text simply aren't here in this novel, only superficial gestures toward them as the author carried on with their original kernel for the story and other themes they introduce from a more contemporary lens. So in that regards, I found this novel a bit disappointing.
There are also issues of unevenness with pacing and how different themes are developed, and the problem, at least for me, with how the novel's resolution with the "monster" feels a tad gimmicky and convenient for a novel that otherwise is very earnest in its dealing of patriarchy, the marginalization and oppression of women and ableism. Adding to this, the author attempted to have a queer subplot that is likewise developed very unevenly and not very satisfactorily. Other minor elements feel a bit forced and false, like some details with how the author fudged some fictionized aspects of science history to make their MC look smart and clever that struck a sour note with me as someone familiar with that history. Authors would do well to never underestimate their readers.
All in all, this was a promising novel in its premise but an unsatisfying one in its execution.
I taught Frankenstein every year of my nine years teaching high school English, so it is a story I know exceedingly well. The way the author picked up the threads of the novel as well as Mary Shelley’s biography to give a feminist update to the tale, told through an imagined niece of Victor who stumbles upon his letters to Walton is just awe-inspiring. I cannot convey how satisfying and compelling this reimagining is. There were a few times I wanted to stop because the character of Clark was so loathsome, not to mention Henry (which was a familiar feeling given how infuriating Victor was in the original), but I am beyond glad I kept with it. One of the best endings I’ve read in ages. And I was full on crying at the author’s afterword. The perfect spooky season book for anyone who loves science, animals, and to see women get their due.
fantastic, one of the best books I’ve read all year!! contains an absolute delightful mixture of beautiful language, a Victorian English setting, queerness, science and paleontology, and a plesiosaur (one of my favorite dinosaurs as a child). this is such a well crafted story and is an absolute joy to read!!
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
medium-paced
as a certified frankenstein hoe, this book was written for me specifically