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A review by meaghanslibrary
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I’m confused how to rate this book. I’m maybe between a 3.5 and 3.75 because the ending was kind of a “huh, that’s it?” kind of ending to me, but the writing really did have some great quotes. I’ll go 3.76 because I’m feeling generous today but could be lowered.
This book barely has a plot. It is definitely more of character driven studies. My favorite character comes in at what felt like the 75% mark where we get first person narration and chapters almost written like short stories. I found that writing and the quotes in Eleanor’s chapters to be the most engaging. The rest of the book is written in close third-person pov. There is one random chapter following a side character Quentin. And a few chapters that follow a side character Zoe, but otherwise the book mainly follows Cleo with some more sprinkles of Frank.
I did think the writing was very beautiful but this book took quite a while for me to read. It felt like it dragged in parts. I do generally prefer more plot driven books to character driven books. I probably will read another book by this author.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Blood, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, and Dementia