This Monstrous Thing
by Mackenzi Lee
What is it about:
In 1818 Geneva, men built with clockwork parts live hidden away from society, cared for only by illegal mechanics called Shadow Boys. Two years ago, Shadow Boy Alasdair Finch’s life shattered to bits.
His brother, Oliver—dead.
His sweetheart, Mary—gone.
His chance to break free of Geneva—lost.
Heart-broken and desperate, Alasdair does the unthinkable: He brings Oliver back from the dead.
But putting back together a broken life is more difficult than mending bones and adding clockwork pieces. Oliver returns more monster than man, and Alasdair’s horror further damages the already troubled relationship.
Then comes the publication of Frankenstein and the city intensifies its search for Shadow Boys, aiming to discover the real life doctor and his monster. Alasdair finds refuge with his idol, the brilliant Dr. Geisler, who may offer him a way to escape the dangerous present and his guilt-ridden past, but at a horrible price only Oliver can pay...
What did I think of it:
*Spoilers Ahead*
So this is a retelling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, with a steampunk twist.
This could have been a nice retelling, but for one thing: the inclusion of Mary Shelley as a character. I was enjoying the book until more and more about the character Mary was revealed.
Picture someone writing an amazing story, that starts a new genre and is still loved many years after it was first published. Picture someone using this beloved classic to write their own version. Picture them using the original author of the story as a character in their retelling.
Got that? I for one picture a woman who did something amazing, and deserves praise and thanks from the borrowing author.
None of that in This Monstrous Thing. Mary is a girl who wants adventure, and acts big while she is secretly scared of real adventure. She uses Alasdair to feel good about herself, writes a book about him resurrecting his brother, while she knows he wants to keep it secret - therefor betraying his trust - and she is a coward who runs off when she is needed...
Seriously?!
That's how you treat the author who's story you are using for your retelling? I couldn't care for this story anymore once it was clear Mary was painted as a story stealing coward. I think she should have been left out if this is the way she was used.
You bet this book was immediately donated to the charity book shop after I finished it.
Why should you read it:
Don't! Read the original instead.
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