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alicceau 's review for:
Cleopatra and Frankenstein
by Coco Mellors
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A reflective account of all stages of a relationship, and how each one triggers the formations of others.
I found the first half of this quite slow and difficult to relate to the characters. The majority of them would make impulsive and detrimental decisions. As they learnt through these mistakes, I found the pace a little quicker and easier to read through.
The turning point that kept me going with this book was the introduction of Eleanor and Santiago. I felt the constant narration for Cleo and Frank just led me feeling no further in the narrative as I had for a previous chapter. Eleanor and Santiago had this drive, this light, to the pages that made me realise that these fractured characters had some chance at redemption. The novel as a whole felt like a sullied mix of greys, blues and greens showcasing the grief and worrying spills of a failing marriage. Characters like Eleanor and Santiago were imperative catalysts to the novel that cut through these murky tones. I would've given up reading if they hadn't been added to the story.
I found the first half of this quite slow and difficult to relate to the characters. The majority of them would make impulsive and detrimental decisions. As they learnt through these mistakes, I found the pace a little quicker and easier to read through.
The turning point that kept me going with this book was the introduction of Eleanor and Santiago. I felt the constant narration for Cleo and Frank just led me feeling no further in the narrative as I had for a previous chapter. Eleanor and Santiago had this drive, this light, to the pages that made me realise that these fractured characters had some chance at redemption. The novel as a whole felt like a sullied mix of greys, blues and greens showcasing the grief and worrying spills of a failing marriage. Characters like Eleanor and Santiago were imperative catalysts to the novel that cut through these murky tones. I would've given up reading if they hadn't been added to the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Drug abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol