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katbancroft 's review for:
The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
by Kiersten White
Disturbingly, unapologetically dark and I loved every second of it. Kiersten White stayed true to the themes of “Frankenstein” while spinning its characters and twisting its plot points in horrifically clever ways. I devoured the refreshingly original layer of complexity she added to characters who are only Victor’s props in “Frankenstein”; this is particularly evident in Elizabeth, whose cold conniving defies her angelic portrayal in the original text. White had a difficult line to walk with Elizabeth — maintaining sympathy for a character who, in this re-telling, is often selfish and manipulative — but she did it with significant nuance and compelling character growth. And in doing so, she raised complicated questions about the extent to which people influence each other and the amount of complicity a person is justified in having before they’re just as guilty as the perpetrator.
The writing was sharp as scalpel blades, though there were occasional spots that I didn’t agree with certain paragraph transitions or sentence structures. In at least one place, I thought it was a little too convenient that Victor didn’t press Elizabeth to answer the question she evaded. And the ending, while overall satisfying, cut off a bit abruptly. I would have liked a little more explanation on that final scene.
Overall, deliciously dark and cunningly crafted. I’ll definitely be recommending this.
The writing was sharp as scalpel blades, though there were occasional spots that I didn’t agree with certain paragraph transitions or sentence structures. In at least one place, I thought it was a little too convenient that Victor didn’t press Elizabeth to answer the question she evaded. And the ending, while overall satisfying, cut off a bit abruptly. I would have liked a little more explanation on that final scene.
Overall, deliciously dark and cunningly crafted. I’ll definitely be recommending this.