This Monstrous Thing

by Mackenzi Lee

[bookishzelda]

This Monstrous Thing was one of those books that I’m not sure what I was expecting. I have not read the original Frankenstein even though I’ve seen plenty of movies and even old time radio shows of the story. So I have the basic knowledge but wow was this book addictive. It wasn’t necessarily gruesome or even mad but it had that perfect creepy because it’s dark factor. This reminded me of some of my favorite old movies it had such a great feel to it. What a perfect way to reimagine Frankenstein and of course the fact that it’s got that Steampunk spirit. Well that’s always a sell for me.

I loved the way that Victor Frankenstein and his monster are incorporated in a way of both being fact and fiction. We get a little more insight to Mary Shelley herself and she is woven into the fabric perfectly. Who is the real creator of the monster.

This book is so creative and so well written. I was completely engaged from beginning to end. It takes the idea that we are all monsters really and draws on that. Showing how human nature can sometimes not be the most kind thing. This story also tells of brothers and growing up and trying to hold on to something whose time has run out. I almost felt a sort of symbolinence by the broken clock tower and when Alasdair destroys the little clocks. It’s when the clock is about to start ticking again (time start moving again) that stuff really hits the fan.

Definitely not a love story but I liked how there was that underlying romantic element of Alasdair and how he has created something in his mind that’s not reality. He knows it but he doesn’t want to admit it. I like how much he cares and loves his parents and brother.

The book to me was an amazing retelling. Sometimes it’s harder to write a review for something you absolutely love because I’m not always sure how to capture that feeling I’m left with. I would say if you are a Frankenstein fan read it. If you are not a Frankenstein fan necessarily (like me) read it. It’s eerie and dark but also intriguing and engaging.