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A review by smavy
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
This book could have gone so wrong but about 20% in, it just changed and became something else entirely — in the very best way. The book reminds me of Jennifer Egan’s A Visit From The Goon Squad (which I re-read just before starting my this one). Different character viewpoints and narratives centered and woven around the relationship between Cleo and Frank. Set mostly in NYC.
I like that not everything was wrapped up neatly, and not everyone got a happy ending. The author could have easily fallen into the trap of cliches and caricature (and she comes close) but somehow just narrowly avoids it.
My favorite narrative voice was Eleanor. Her sections were some of the best writing in this book. The story had just started to turn (for the better) for me when she showed up and from there, I could not put it down.
Very impressive debut.
I like that not everything was wrapped up neatly, and not everyone got a happy ending. The author could have easily fallen into the trap of cliches and caricature (and she comes close) but somehow just narrowly avoids it.
My favorite narrative voice was Eleanor. Her sections were some of the best writing in this book. The story had just started to turn (for the better) for me when she showed up and from there, I could not put it down.
Very impressive debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Death, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Self harm, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Abandonment, Animal death, and Toxic friendship