The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein
There are so many books out there that are retellings of classic stories. Sometimes I feel that the same stories are simply done over and over again...it can become monotonous. Other times they can be a breath of fresh air blown into a story. This book is one of those times.
I've read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein once or twice in my time as a student and English teacher. If you are unfamiliar with the book (vs. the many adaptations of Frankenstein in film, etc.), it is the story of Victor Frankenstein, a student who becomes obsessed with the secret of life and in his studies discovers the ability to reanimate dead matter. He brings to life a monster from old body parts and is horrified by his creation. The monster eventually leads to the deaths of many of his friends and family members. The monster visits him and threatens the life of Victor's beloved Elizabeth (an adopted sister/cousin of sorts who he is supposed to marry). Victor then spends the rest of his life trying to track down the monster.
Or so the story goes... The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White is narrated by Elizabeth Levanza, the companion of Victor and details her involvement in the story that we have all come to know and love. For the most part in the original story, Elizabeth is a silent minor character who never gets to share her side of things. Fortunately, with Elizabeth as the narrator, the story of Victor and his monster become all that much clearer.
Having been adopted by the Frankenstein family, Elizabeth craves the love and attention of Victor and his parents. Many of her actions during their childhood and even the events surrounding the monster, are all based on this desperation to cling to what she has in this life--Victor. She starts covering up Victor's crimes and eventually realizes how dark and sinister he has become.
In the original, everyone knows that the monster is the true victim. Well, in this version, the monster AND Elizabeth really are the victims of Victor's desperation, insanity, and betrayal. I absolute loved it!
I recommend this for anyone who loves Frankenstein, historical ficiton, classic science fiction, and clever women.
This is the first book that I've read by Kiersten White but she has a lot of YA fiction (Paranormalcy series, The Conqueror's Saga, and upcoming The Guinevere Deception which I'm so excited about I've already pre-ordered! I look forward to reading more by her.
I've read Mary Shelley's Frankenstein once or twice in my time as a student and English teacher. If you are unfamiliar with the book (vs. the many adaptations of Frankenstein in film, etc.), it is the story of Victor Frankenstein, a student who becomes obsessed with the secret of life and in his studies discovers the ability to reanimate dead matter. He brings to life a monster from old body parts and is horrified by his creation. The monster eventually leads to the deaths of many of his friends and family members. The monster visits him and threatens the life of Victor's beloved Elizabeth (an adopted sister/cousin of sorts who he is supposed to marry). Victor then spends the rest of his life trying to track down the monster.
Having been adopted by the Frankenstein family, Elizabeth craves the love and attention of Victor and his parents. Many of her actions during their childhood and even the events surrounding the monster, are all based on this desperation to cling to what she has in this life--Victor. She starts covering up Victor's crimes and eventually realizes how dark and sinister he has become.
In the original, everyone knows that the monster is the true victim. Well, in this version, the monster AND Elizabeth really are the victims of Victor's desperation, insanity, and betrayal. I absolute loved it!
I recommend this for anyone who loves Frankenstein, historical ficiton, classic science fiction, and clever women.
This is the first book that I've read by Kiersten White but she has a lot of YA fiction (Paranormalcy series, The Conqueror's Saga, and upcoming The Guinevere Deception which I'm so excited about I've already pre-ordered! I look forward to reading more by her.
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