In Coco Mellors' audacious debut novel, Cleopatra and Frankenstein, the iconic Egyptian queen and the infamous literary monster collide in a mesmerizing and thought-provoking tale. Mellors weaves together historical fiction, horror, and elements of queer romance to create a unique and unforgettable narrative that challenges our preconceived notions of identity, love, and the limits of the human experience.
4.5 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Lending | : | Enabled |
| File size | : | 5017 KB |
| Print length | : | 378 pages |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
Book cover of Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
A Captivating Blend of the Ancient and the Modern
Mellors' novel begins in ancient Egypt, where a young Cleopatra is haunted by visions of a strange and terrifying creature. She seeks solace in the enigmatic High Priestess of Isis, who tells her of a prophecy that she will meet a man who will both love and destroy her. Intrigued and frightened, Cleopatra embarks on a quest to find this mysterious figure.
Centuries later, in the cold halls of a Victorian mansion, Dr. Victor Frankenstein creates his infamous creature. A being made of disparate body parts, the creature is an outcast, despised by society and his own creator. Yet, beneath his grotesque exterior lies a heart filled with longing and a desire for companionship.
Mellors' novel brings these two characters together in a way that is both unexpected and utterly compelling. Cleopatra, a powerful and independent woman, finds herself drawn to the creature's vulnerability and intelligence. The creature, in turn, is captivated by Cleopatra's beauty and strength. Their relationship blossoms into a forbidden love that defies social norms and threatens to destroy them both.
Exploring Identity, Love, and the Human Condition
Cleopatra and Frankenstein is not just a thrilling and imaginative story; it is also a profound exploration of what it means to be human. Mellors delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for connection. Her characters are outsiders, struggling to find their place in a world that rejects them.
Cleopatra, as a powerful woman in a male-dominated society, grapples with the constraints imposed upon her. The creature, as an unnatural being, is an outcast from both human and monster society. Yet, despite their differences, they find solace and understanding in each other.
Mellors' novel also explores the complexities of love. Cleopatra and the creature's relationship is passionate, forbidden, and ultimately doomed. It is a love that defies convention and tests the boundaries of what is considered acceptable. Through their love, they challenge societal norms and expose the hypocrisy of those who judge them.
A Triumph of Storytelling and Imagination
Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a literary triumph that showcases Coco Mellors' extraordinary talents as a storyteller. Her writing is rich and evocative, her characters are unforgettable, and her plot is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. She has created a novel that is both entertaining and deeply moving, a work that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have finished its final pages.
Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, horror, or simply great storytelling, Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a must-read. It is a novel that will stay with you, haunt you, and ultimately make you question what it means to be human.
About the Author
Coco Mellors is a writer, editor, and teacher. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Paris Review, and other publications. Cleopatra and Frankenstein is her debut novel.
