Elizabeth's Frankenstein

I remember when I was in high school I was involved with a theater production of Frankenstein.  I played a merchant, who comes into contact with the creature.  While I did not have any lines, the role certainly made me interested in the way humans treat others just because they are different.  I have not read Mary Shelley’s original story, but I have seen the film by Kenneth Branagh that left me intrigued by the classic.  

For this week’s book review, we will be looking at the tale from a different perspective.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White

I am came across this title after watching a video blog by jessethereader.  Again, I enjoyed listening to his brief summary of the book, and since it was about a week before Halloween, I thought it would be good book to read. 

This retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein gives a different perspective.  The story tells the life of Elizabeth Lavenza, who was raised poorly, but is taken in by the family Frankenstein.  She is basically brought in protect the eldest son, Victor, from causing harm to himself and others.  At the age of seventeen, Elizabeth goes on a journey to bring Victor home, wanting to protect him from the judgement of his family and citizens of Geneva.  However, when she does get to Victor, she is able to see how much darkness has consumed him.  She again has to protect him not knowing the consequences.

While this story was a little slow in the beginning, I really did enjoy how much the author’s interpretation to the original tale.  There are of moments of love, betrayal, mystery, and tragedy that left me riveted to the end.  I highly recommend in reading this book on a dark, rainy day and for anyone who wants to read a tale filled with horror.

Please feel free to comment below for any recommendations of books to read or your thoughts on this book.