Cleopatra and Frankenstein – Honest review
Before we begin, rest assured that my review is spoiler-free.
I recently delved into the pages of ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’ a novel by Coco Mellors. This book was highly recommended by a friend, making it a truly valuable reading experience.
Picture this: Cleopatra and Frankenstein, two iconic names hailing from entirely different realities, somehow find themselves intertwined in the same narrative.
Coco Mellors skillfully weaves an exhilarating tale where Cleopatra awakens in modern times, bringing with her a considerable amount of historical baggage in the form of her age-old adversary, Frankenstein. The journey that unfolds is a captivating blend of history and science fiction, taking us on a wild and utterly unpredictable ride.
Trigger warning for Cleopatra and Frankenstein:
Some of the difficult topics that are presented in this book are: Suicide, depression, alcoholism, drugs and infidelity.
You may want to read reviews or summaries of the book to confirm whether it contains content that might be distressing for you.
Coco Mellors writing style: How is it?
Coco Mellors serves up words like a fresh batch of cookies – sweet, easy to gobble down, and just a bit unexpected. Her tone balances the absurd with the heartfelt, keeping you curious about what’s coming next.
Coco isn’t afraid to toss in metaphors and imagery that paint vivid mental pictures, making the reading experience feel like you’re watching a film play out. Sometimes, the story takes unexpected detours that might make you raise an eyebrow, but it’s all part of the quirky charm.
I must say that, although I didn’t fall in love with the story at the beginning, I really liked Coco’s writing style.
What about the characters of the book?
I have to confess that Cleo and her bunch of friends were a bit hard to get with. People complaining about their 1st world problems? (like “having a British passport and not the American visa to finish my art studies”). Hmm, okay? Maybe it’s just me not being compassionate enough, I guess.
But it’s also true that as the story rolled on, I got interested and wanted to know more about the characters. And I realized at some point that they were not the usual heroes you root for from the start, but their imperfections somehow make them feel more real.
Special mention to Eleanor, that was for sure my favourite character, and the one that saved this book.
Is Cleopatra and Frankenstein a romance book?
The main focus of the book is not romance, but you’ll have your dose of bittersweet romance, yes.
The themes of time, identity, and friendship blend in seamlessly, causing a powerful mix of emotions – confusion, laughter, and even a touch of sympathy. And hey, it’s more than just an oddball adventure; it made me think about the absurdity of life and how even the most unlikely connections can teach us a thing or two. Is it not romantic?
Follow me on Instagram @rougesunsets for more visual content 🌸
