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A review by bookish_apothecary
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
dark
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5
I was drawn to this book due to the vibrant cover and horror tag. However, this one leans more toward historical sci-fi with minimal horror elements. It didn’t inspire any feelings of fear in me. Regardless, the story was intriguing.
The world-building was exceptional, the author’s descriptions bringing the hacienda to life in my mind. I could see myself wandering the halls and tending to the hybrids beyond the wall. But I couldn’t see the hybrids themselves. We spend very little time with the hybrids and more time talking about them. I did really enjoy learning about the Mayan culture and the history of the Yucatán peninsula.
Montgomery’s character was the most fleshed out, his past giving him layers beyond being a heartbroken drunk. Carlotta’s, on the other hand, felt like a missed opportunity. She was the doctor’s obedient daughter, unconditionally faithful and loyal. Until she’s not. There was potential here for a spectacular character arc that just fell flat. I wish we’d seen her start to have her own dreams and goals outside of what was expected. The pacing also seemed off. The first 2/3 felt slow and aimless, but the last third was fast-paced and unputdownable.
The story focuses on the ethics of creating sentient part animal, part human creatures for labor who can feel pain and emotions. It wants you to ponder who the real monsters are, the grotesque hybrids created for the sole purpose of being exploited? Or the clever human who created them to further his scientific research? Is it the haggard drunk who’s loyal till the end? Or the charming man who sees what he wants and will cross any line to obtain it? It also calls into question the role of religion, showcasing another example of how detrimental it can be when it’s wielded as a tool to control others and bend their will.
[eARC provided by NetGalley]
The world-building was exceptional, the author’s descriptions bringing the hacienda to life in my mind. I could see myself wandering the halls and tending to the hybrids beyond the wall. But I couldn’t see the hybrids themselves. We spend very little time with the hybrids and more time talking about them. I did really enjoy learning about the Mayan culture and the history of the Yucatán peninsula.
Montgomery’s character was the most fleshed out, his past giving him layers beyond being a heartbroken drunk. Carlotta’s, on the other hand, felt like a missed opportunity. She was the doctor’s obedient daughter, unconditionally faithful and loyal. Until she’s not. There was potential here for a spectacular character arc that just fell flat. I wish we’d seen her start to have her own dreams and goals outside of what was expected. The pacing also seemed off. The first 2/3 felt slow and aimless, but the last third was fast-paced and unputdownable.
The story focuses on the ethics of creating sentient part animal, part human creatures for labor who can feel pain and emotions. It wants you to ponder who the real monsters are, the grotesque hybrids created for the sole purpose of being exploited? Or the clever human who created them to further his scientific research? Is it the haggard drunk who’s loyal till the end? Or the charming man who sees what he wants and will cross any line to obtain it? It also calls into question the role of religion, showcasing another example of how detrimental it can be when it’s wielded as a tool to control others and bend their will.
[eARC provided by NetGalley]
Content Warnings
Moderate: Slavery, Alcoholism, Racism, and Physical abuse