A modern reimagining of Frankenstein told in two timelines. One, in the 1800s as Mary Shelley writes her famous novel. The other in modern day England as transgender Dr. Ry Shelley falls in love with the eccentric and brilliant Victor Stein.
At times steamy and explicit, and other times stifling and proper, this novel is fascinating and unique. It blurs the line between fantasy and reality as novel characters turn up in real life and history repeats itself or timelines converge or universes overlap or some other explanation for the strange occurrences that take place. Whatever the true explanation, this book is a smart read that will have you chuckling and scratching your head and pondering artificial intelligence and bringing the dead back to life.

If you liked A MAN CALLED OVE you might enjoy this story of a 79 year old man who unexpectedly finds himself in charge of his 11 year old great nephew who’s mother is (wrongfully?) imprisoned and who’s father is dead of an apparent overdose. As the child’s only available kin, he has little choice in the matter and somewhat begrudgingly takes him along on his trip to France to learn more about his family history and visit places from his childhood one last time.
It’s a sweet book and the characters are darling. The sub plot of addiction and the justice system is a perfect balance to the main plot. I love the way the characters interact with one another. Despite having almost nothing in common with his 11 year old great nephew, 79 year old Noah treats him with dignity and respect and understanding that he’s grieving his father and missing his mother. It’s refreshing and sweet.