A review by renettereads
Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill

dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Set in the 1850s, when women have no place in the sciences, we find Mary– Victor Frankenstein’s great niece – eager to prove her worth in the palaeontological field. With her husband in ill repute by the time she stumbled upon her great uncle’s notes, Mary and Henry set about recreating the process by challenging a fellow scientist’s anatomical research.

Though this book is definitely slower-paced than what I usually enjoy, I was drawn in by the promise of seeing this great aquatic beast (is it Nessie?) come to life. But actually more enjoyable than watching Mary work was witnessing her growth. 

This novel definitely takes on feminist issues, and even Mary’s internal battles stem from how women are perceived. I loved seeing her fight back against perceptions and seeing her come into her own.  

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