A review by rory_coleman
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I had originally given this a 4 but my book club discussion made me realize I had a lot more negative to say about it than I’d thought. I think that because I was coming off of some heavy non-fiction this was a departure from that and therefore a breath of fresh air. But in the end, that fresh air WAS NOT fresh, the themes were heavy, and almost every character is hate-worthy. 

I laughed out loud at sections (which is really rare for me) and had a very soft spot for the chef, so I can’t give it lower than this rating. I appreciated how complex the characters were and in scenes of conflict I really felt like I was there with them, I could hear their voices and see their faces and feel their energy. So that’s gotta count for something! But not enough to redeem the initial rating I’d given.

I agree with other reviewers who are wondering what the point of this story was. It made New York sound like a dump, the art installation at the end made me furious and nauseated, the fact that Everyone is so Charmed by Beautiful Stunning Cleo got so old so fast (especially after seeing the author might have been writing those descriptions about herself 🥴) and why some characters are redeemed and others aren’t had little rhyme or reason. Anyway, it was fast and entertaining!
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