A review by lauren_shilling
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

emotional reflective sad 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

5.0

I barely know how to talk about this book. It's actually been a few days since I finished it at the time of writing this review, and I honestly cannot stress how often I have thought about this book since finishing it. The characters were so well-rounded and felt so real. This doesn't only go for the two main characters, Frank and Cleo, but also the side characters as well, such as Quentin, Eleanor, and Zoe. Every single person and character felt real and were so interesting to follow and learn about over the course of the book. I loved how we got at least one chapter in the point of view of everyone who impacted or was impacted by the plot of the book and really got to see what was going on for them. It was really well done and gave the story a very well-rounded and all-encompassing feel to it. Like I said, I barely know how to talk about this book, except for stating the fact that it is one of my favorite books of the year, it was beautifully written, and I was completely swept up in every single moment. Chapter 13, in my opinion, was so beautifully crafted and written and put together. Every word felt deliberate, every piece of dialogue felt perfect, and I will never get over the emotions that the author made me feel in that chapter.  I would highly recommend this book, but please check the trigger warnings! Overall not a super dark book, but a very, very heavy one, and there are definitely some topics to look out for!
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