A review by emilyrowanstudio
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

emotional funny hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

Around 75% of this book I found wonderful, charming and astute. But there were some characters, and chapters, I really didn't care for. I totally relate to the reviewers who've said they stopped reading because they thought the characters were horrible. I nearly stopped a few chapters in once the supporting characters were introduced. They all seemed so unhappy for Cleo and Frank when they got together, and why still remains a mystery. Some of them are redeemed later on in their individual chapters when you find out why they are the way they are, and some aren't. I can't be sure what their inclusion brought to the book, however I LOVED our main characters Cleo and Frank. A chapter later in the book which is in near entirety an argument between them is *chefs kiss*. Eleanor's chapters, and her characterisation, is *chefs kiss*. I think she was my favourite character.
I can't relate to the reviewers who say this is poorly written. Genuinely, I can't see where they're coming from. There are some metaphors and single lines in this book that i've made a note of because I don't want them to ever leave my brain.

I'm glad I persevered, because the 75% I enjoyed I really loved. I'm looking forward to reading what Coco Mellors writes next.

N.B. A lotta lotta content warnings - particularly all areas of mental illness, addiction, drug use - so probably check those out if you're thinking of picking this up 👍🏻
N.B.B. I did not see the Sally Rooney comparisons AT ALL. Can we please stop doing this, it's so lazy 🙃
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