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dockbbrooks's review against another edition
5.0
I devoured this book. Beautiful, rich, and haunting.
nicnova's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
maryleong's review against another edition
5.0
What does it mean to be human, or to be a monster? Silvia Moreno-Garcia deftly explores the realms in between, where the titular Dr. Moreau's research creates hybrid creatures intended as labourers in 1800s Yucatan. This novel effectively tackles themes of colonialism, classism, and colorism through a historical sci-fi lens.
Delicate but fierce, Dr. Moreau's daughter, Carlota was a sickly child. Even in adulthood, she remains firmly under her father's thumb, where she is pressured to marry for money in order to assure the family's survival – but more importantly, to continue Dr. Moreau's research. Carlota's journey of self-discovery and struggle for autonomy is beautifully heart-wrenching, and wove in nicely with the broader themes of the novel.
This was a gorgeous, atmospheric read, highly recommended for anyone who enjoyed Isabel Cañas' The Hacienda.
Delicate but fierce, Dr. Moreau's daughter, Carlota was a sickly child. Even in adulthood, she remains firmly under her father's thumb, where she is pressured to marry for money in order to assure the family's survival – but more importantly, to continue Dr. Moreau's research. Carlota's journey of self-discovery and struggle for autonomy is beautifully heart-wrenching, and wove in nicely with the broader themes of the novel.
This was a gorgeous, atmospheric read, highly recommended for anyone who enjoyed Isabel Cañas' The Hacienda.
charliebooklist's review against another edition
4.0
Historical Latino fiction with scifi, so cool!!!
hannahinlibraryland's review against another edition
2.0
a massive disappointment compared to Mexican Gothic. There isn't a single character in this book that is likeable. Carlota is an insufferable brat, Montgomery a drunk, Dr. Moreau is insane and careless.
obsidian_blue's review against another edition
1.0
No
I just didn't like this. I tried so hard to press through and did finish. But I had a lot of stop and starts on this one. I feel bad but this was endless and not very good. I started skimming in self defense. Loved her prior works and this was just a drag and I was bored throughout. Should have DNFed. I do like that she plays with Gothic elements in her works, but a good quarter of this book could have been cut, and nothing would have been lost.
I just didn't like this. I tried so hard to press through and did finish. But I had a lot of stop and starts on this one. I feel bad but this was endless and not very good. I started skimming in self defense. Loved her prior works and this was just a drag and I was bored throughout. Should have DNFed. I do like that she plays with Gothic elements in her works, but a good quarter of this book could have been cut, and nothing would have been lost.
hannahdain's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A bit of a slow read for me but I enjoyed this book! Compared to Mexican Gothic, I thought this book was a much quicker pace and had more happening in it. Even though I didn’t always reach for it, when I did, I really enjoyed it.
larswrites's review against another edition
4.0
I will happily read all of Moreno-Garcia's reimaginings of classic literature
eklektikam's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5