I haven’t read H. G. Wells’ The Island of Doctor Moreau but after knowing that The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a reimagined version of it, I’m quite intrigued to read the original story. Set in the nineteenth century Mexico, the book revolves around our protagonist Carlota Moreau, the doctor’s only daughter. It’s 1870 and Yucatan Peninsula is sweltering hot but Carlota doesn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. While the doctor works on hybrids, creating creatures who are a mix of human and all kinds of animals, Carlota grows up in isolation amidst the beauty of Mexico. She has hybrid friends, who fill in the gap of having no siblings. Then enters Montgomery Laughton, a man of hunting and administrative experience to look after the Hacienda.

Over the years, Carlota grows into a stunning woman. She loves her little secret world until the Hacienda’s owner’s son Eduardo falls in love with her. Their love is dangerous from the very start and things go awry quite quickly. While Eduardo tries to woo Carlota, Laughton tries to control his emotions towards her. But amidst the love triangle, we see the doctor’s obsession in creating a perfect hybrid to supply to Hernando Lizalde, Eduardo’s father.

I love how Silvia throws light on the Mexican War and historical background of that time. The characters are eclectic and are well thought out. The narrative shifts between Laughton and Carlota, both well written. This book has a feminist angle to it and watching Carlota’s growth arch is an absolute delight. There’s an undertone of suspense to the story and the end ties up the story just right.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is an interesting and unique read, one that I’ll remember for a while. And I highly recommend it.

Thank you for the copy @hachette_india ❤️