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blyttgh 's review for:
Cleopatra and Frankenstein
by Coco Mellors
1/9/25 4.75/5 stars. The less whimsical, more alcohol and drug dependent version of Greta and Valdin. This was such a decadent brutally honest hodgepodge of shit. Shit meaning that it’s messy and pungent and leaves a lasting impression.
Talking to his mother bewildered him. He wished he loved her a little more or hated her a little less, something to tip the scale. Instead, he lived in the fraught balance between the two, each increasing the intensity of the other: the more he longed for her, the more disappointed he felt by her; the more disappointed he felt, the more he longed.
Talking to his mother bewildered him. He wished he loved her a little more or hated her a little less, something to tip the scale. Instead, he lived in the fraught balance between the two, each increasing the intensity of the other: the more he longed for her, the more disappointed he felt by her; the more disappointed he felt, the more he longed.
166
Oh wow!
Yes. It’s an appropriate nickname for me. I am often amazed by things.
That’s a good thing. I am often underwhelmed by things.
You’re too young to be underwhelmed.
Being underwhelmed is a part of being young. My generation has higher expectations than yours.
You want to know what the key to a happy life is, Zoe?
There’s just one?
Just one that matters. No expectations. No preferences. If you prefer one outcome over another in life, you will likely be disappointed. I prefer nothing and am always surprised.
So, you’re saying that if you were given two options right now, one that I kiss you and the other that I punch you in the face, you’d have no preference?
I would try not to, no.
But in your heart of hearts you’d prefer the kiss, surely?
Perhaps you kiss me and I get a cold sore. Perhaps you punch me and bring me a new perspective on pain. If I have no preference, the outcome shows me what is beneficial or harmful in my life. I don’t impose that value.
284-285
Who knows what you will be? You are still becoming.
291
Eleanor’s not like either of us.
How is she different?
You really don’t mind talking about her?
I’m curious.
She grew up feeling safe and fiercely loved.
That sounds nice.
And you and I didn’t get that, not because we didn’t deserve it, we just got dealt something else. But the people did get that love, they grew up to be different from us. More secure. Maybe they’re not as shiny or successful as you and I feel we have to be. But it’s not because they’re not interesting. They just don’t feel they have to do the rap dance, you know? They don’t have to prove themselves all the time to be loved. Because they always were.
365
Wherever you are going, it is waiting for you.
366
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Suicide attempt