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jenniferdbh's review against another edition
4.0
Somehow hadn’t read any Winterson for more than 2 decades!
sftballgrl823's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting read. The story was decent, amazing research was done, and the satire on point.
However, the ending was slightly wanting and I am not sure what the rape scene had to do with it and, to me, it took away from Ry's character and made other actions not make sense.
However, the ending was slightly wanting and I am not sure what the rape scene had to do with it and, to me, it took away from Ry's character and made other actions not make sense.
andrewmaher's review against another edition
4.0
Like many others the book appears/suggests/is told in a problematic sense of anti-trans perception, however the main character stands as a confident person, all external characters even the love interest are...cruel, there is an unnecessary scene near the end of the book that involves assault, there is adventure before and after and the event isn't resolved, Victor could of been told and used the assailants head as part of an experiment?. Anyway. Overall decent ish read, wouldn't read again, interesting concept and did enjoy the throwback and reimaginings of historical/fictional events, but readers beware that it may contain triggering language/suggestions/events.
penly4522's review against another edition
3.0
Not quite 4 stars because Victor was really an unsavory character. The contemporary female and trans characters kinda stood around and listened to the men who didn't deserve to be heard or respected at all and were not treated well.
But with all the AI talk it is timely and the parallels with Frankenstein were very interesting. I like Winterson's writing and in that way this didn't disappoint me.
But with all the AI talk it is timely and the parallels with Frankenstein were very interesting. I like Winterson's writing and in that way this didn't disappoint me.
jtaylor97's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
swadeavl's review against another edition
4.0
This book is split into two separate stories,
Mary Shelley's Story - 5/5
The writing had me ebbing in and out of the historical narrative and I fell in love with Mary and her mind. I adored the blending of history and fiction, the line faint and disconnected. I related to creating a monster through writing, fighting for writing and love, and notably, the feeling of your creation living outside of you. I look forward to each section.
Rys's Story 3/5
Rhys as a character is good. The exploration of binary is compelling and their relationship with Victor fascinated me. HOWEVER, the pure satire didn't land well with me (I'm looking at you Ron) and combine that with the RANDOM ACT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE made this section unlikable and frustrating. But once again, the writing was spectacular.
Mary Shelley's Story - 5/5
The writing had me ebbing in and out of the historical narrative and I fell in love with Mary and her mind. I adored the blending of history and fiction, the line faint and disconnected. I related to creating a monster through writing, fighting for writing and love, and notably, the feeling of your creation living outside of you. I look forward to each section.
Rys's Story 3/5
Rhys as a character is good. The exploration of binary is compelling and their relationship with Victor fascinated me. HOWEVER, the pure satire didn't land well with me (I'm looking at you Ron) and combine that with the RANDOM ACT OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE made this section unlikable and frustrating. But once again, the writing was spectacular.
sfrobb's review against another edition
2.0
jeanette winterson... what in the world was this??? genuinely.
gayliott's review against another edition
To be honest as trans masc person I'm very disappointed in the characterisation or Ry.
Also check the trigger warnings
Also check the trigger warnings
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
gusthemagnificent's review against another edition
2.0
The two stars is for the Mary Shelley timeline. But the near-future timeline and the transphobic thread throughout? Yeah, no.