The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

What Ive always found intriguing about the original was the lack of female perspective despite its 18-year-old author, who inserted so much of her parents, her lover, and their close friend into her works. She definitely wrote what she knew, giving personality traits to characters from her circle of family and friends. Not only was she extremely well-read and traveled, but there was tremendous inspiration in that villa in Geneva, all of which she soaked up to write Frankenstein. Although there has been debate over authorship, I believe the project was wholly her own with edits and inspiration from Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron.

For this retelling, Kiersten White did a tremendous job of bulking up the characters of Elizabeth Lavenza and Justine Moritz as well as the addition of Mary Delgado, who provided a little bit of diversity, but would play a very important role – no spoilers! As we can clearly see, Justine may have been Elizabeths purist love – a connection that she chose rather than the relationship she had to have with Victor to ensure her safety and livelihood. It is drilled quite emphatically about the power differences between men and women and yes, there was a ton of misogyny here, but it was the 1800s, what do you expect? Elizabeth can be seen as quite manipulative, but for the time, her looks and feminine wiles were her only tools and weapons and she used them quite well. She charged forward with a clear mission to find Victor, the mystery of his Creation, and a clear solution. Even though I knew what was to come, it kept my interest and when it finally diverged from the original, I was glued and didnt put it down. The ending is what earned that final star!

I also enjoyed that it took the majority of the book before the Creation was fully revealed – White did wonders with him and the ending was very satisfying. And by placing the perspective from Elizabeth, we got to see the full extent of madness that had been developing in Victor Frankenstein, who she knew from childhood forward, as well as providing a much more emotional motive. It doesnt excuse Victors behavior and experimentation but he really was doomed from the start.

I also really appreciated Elizabeths growth and development throughout the story. Even though there were times that she seemed cold, particularly about children and motherhood, Elizabeth was clearly made for independent life of study and travel, something her creator would enjoy later in life post-Shelley. Of course, we with hindsight, can see into Victors childhood behavior to know that something was quite not right with him. There were more than a few times I wanted to yell at Elizabeth for how she protected and coddled him – but in her mind, he was her golden ticket, really her only lifeline.They had a very flawed, dark, and codependent relationship with much enabling from Elizabeth before she realized her own flaws and how she contributed to the destruction and chaos around her. I also liked how she finally did Henry right – for much of the book, he is the villain, deemed unfaithful, selfish having abandoned her and Victor. Oh how life would have been different if she had only accepted his proposal!

It was a little slower going for me, but that was no fault of the writer. Its been awhile since Ive read the original, so my brain was busy remembering it, while also making connections between traits and similarities to Mary, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron. All in all, I really enjoyed this, would happily re-read this again (and annotate), and plan to pick up more from this author.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White | Book Review

THE STORY | Elizabeth Lavenzas childhood is one of hunger and mistreatment. Until the day she meets Victor Frankenstein. From this day forward, Elizabeth is taken into the Frankenstein household and raised as the sole companion of the eldest Frankenstein child, Victor.

Victor is a strange boy. His experiments and unusual proclivities leave his parents unsure what to do with him. Elizabeth becomes the only one hell listen too. As she grows, she realizes her place in this household is on thin ice, a realization she desperately wants to remedy. This is why she works to make herself indispensable in the home, and eventually, as Victors wife

REVIEW | I dont mind telling you this isnt my typical read. Still, when the cover art debuted and the release date came just prior to All Hallows Eve, I decided this might be a good, atmospheric autumnal read. Turns out this is true. Though The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein is far from a favorite read, its entertaining.

As is true of any famous literary masterpiece, I have not read Frankenstein. However, this re-imagines the story in honor of the novel’s 200th anniversary. Written by a young girl named Mary Shelley, this is, in all likelihood, the iconic first supernatural story. Everything that comes in its wake (vampires, zombies, etc.) is likely in some form or another inspired by the imagination of this young girl. If theres one thing that can be said about this characters story, its that Frankenstein IS an imaginative narrative.

Though darker than the normal YA novel in my reading rotation, Elizabeth Frankenstein (fortunately) isnt what Id call a spooky novel. It has a few moments of tense possibilities, but nothing is ever “too” dark or creepy. This is something Im particularly grateful for. The dark and depressing genre is not my cup of tea. This is also an interesting story because its one that really features no clear-cut hero. For me, as a reader, this is far from an ideal read since Im the kind of reader who respects and roots for all those who wear the badge of hero.

I like the layers the characters have even if I cannot always root for them. Even though this book is dark in a gruesome (descriptive) sense, there is darkness in these pages. Multiple deaths later, it seems like the kind of book that makes the reader wonder who will be alive by the final page. Once we reach this plateau, the end deflates a bit before a short epilogue leaves us wondering, Whats next?

As someone whos most fond of happy endings, this isnt my ideal. However, when you understand this genre and nature of the book, the story really cannot end any other way. If youre a reader who likes a supernatural story that isnt dark, youd enjoy The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein. Its atmospheric and a little bit creepy (because of the theme) without plunging a reader into darkness.

Content: there is some disturbing discussions about death (and more than one death), and bringing someone back to life. There may also be a few minor profanities and innuendo.

THE DARK DESCENT OF ELIZABETH FRANKENSTEIN was a unique retelling of the Frankenstein family through the eyes of an orphan, Elizabeth. Sold by her “caregiver”, she was brought to the estate as a “friend” for young Victor. Realizing that her survival meant becoming who others wanted her to be, Elizabeth quickly learned what roles to play.

“I was safe, and that was better than happy.”

The concept of watching a dysfunctional Frankenstein family as young Victor grows up, through Elizabeth’s mind, made for an intriguing read.

“. . . You are mine, Elizabeth Lavenza, and nothing will take you from me. Not even death.”

I really enjoyed the characterization of each individual. By a quarter of the way through, I felt I “knew” them all, as so many minute details were given. Elizabeth was the most complicated, as we see how she views herself, her usefulness, and yet still maintains a spark of her own compassionate nature–usually carefully veiled.

“Sometimes we are strangers, even to ourselves.”

The environment changed as Victor began traveling, but again, we see this through Elizabeth’s eyes, which have an entirely different perspective.

As Victor’s true nature begins to reveal itself, Elizabeth is torn between her role as “his”, and what she believes is right. This made for a unique and exciting story, especially form a psychological standpoint.

“Death touches us all in different ways.”

Overall, an exciting and unique approach to the Frankenstein saga. I really enjoyed this author’s style, and will be reading more from her in the future.

Recommended.

TW: mutilation, murder

I wasn’t sure what I was going to make of this one, having never read Frankenstein, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it! The characterisation is well done I feel and Elizabeth is never presented as someone dim or unable to fight for herself. In fact, throughout the entire book it shows how she can adapt to her circumstances and become what people need her to be in that moment. She is also very brave and loyal but ultimately is out to save herself. She is never presented as someone who has gone along with things unknowingly, although it’s clear she doesn’t have a whole picture of events.

It is most definitely dark and disturbing in places, especially as Elizabeth becomes more aware of what Victor is getting up to and what he means to do to her. I’d say it’s definitely a chilling read but it never feels gory or over the top spooky. I’m not normally one for historical-based reads but this one was definitely up my alley and one I would recommend! It also makes me want to read Frankenstein so I may have to get around to that sometime.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. I really really really enjoyed this retelling of Frankenstein from the perspective of Elizabeth. It was not a faithful retelling- it changes some pretty fundamental plot points and characterisation (Aka Victor is less the ambitious student whose ambition and pride gets out of hand and more of a Damien (The Omen) character) but it didnt bother me. If you consider this as a work in its own right then I think its a really interesting and engaging novel. It asks really interesting questions about the precarious position of women and about the results of such dependence on a sense of self. What I loved especially was the emphasis the book placed on female relationships. The original story is hardly densely populated with female characters, but in this White portrays female friendship as incredibly important and necessary for personal freedom. The characterisation of Elizabeth is complex and well done, changing as the novel goes on. At first I thought the flashbacks were a little trite but they were okay. Dont read this if you want a verbatim retelling of Frankenstein. Do read it if you want a story about the dangers women face in a world ruled by powerful and flawed men and the sacrifices that must be made to survive in it.

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