This Monstrous Thing
by Mackenzi Lee
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: September 22nd 2015
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…
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.
This playlist was hard! I just really wanted to get the right vibe.
She loves Diet Coke, sweater weather, and historical fiction. On a perfect day, she can be found enjoying all three. She currently calls Boston home.
