A review by yukirarin
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White

challenging dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

2.75

Mixed feelings about this book. I like how we as the readers are able to pick apart how abusive the relationship between Elizabeth and Victor is long before Elizabeth ever realises it. Elizabeth herself also kind of feels trapped in societal expectations of her and has learnt to work these expectations of herself to her advantage, reflecting how I sometimes feel as a woman living in the 21st century, especially in a male dominated workplace. She comes across as unlikeable but also very aware of her social position, how precarious her standing is.

However, while I did enjoy a lot of aspects of this book, I'm a little disappointed that I felt that the monster was never really fleshed out enough. He was around for awhile, but not enough for us to become attached or know much about his personality. The ending of this book also came across as rushed, like the author didn't really know what to do now that she's deviated this far from the original work.
Having the entire ending be just because "everyone else is away so now I'm going to take advantage while you're alone" feels like a big cop out. In the end we don't even get to have a satisfying fight with all our characters for an ending.


Overall an okay retelling, not my favourite book ever, just okay.
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