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suzysai's review against another edition
4.0
So strange, but undeniably a powerful piece of writing. This book is hard to describe, and even more difficult to recommend. I enjoyed the sultry, dark setting of the Appalachian mountains, as well as the varying points of view of the characters. I just finished reading, so I haven't yet had the chance to chew over some plot points, but I am left still thinking about it, and that is always a good thing. This book brings up issues with death/dying, different definitions of love, and even the role of magic and superstition in the modern world.
djlang's review against another edition
4.0
The writing is lyrical and enchanting. The reader is pulled along with the story.
bupdaddy's review
5.0
Frankenstein, at its core, is a psychological study of the doctor, and, as Holman has it, of the monster as well. Frankenstein in depression era Appalachian Virginia, Frankenstein in 1970's eastern Virginia, Frankenstein in New York. Humans creating monsters, monsters being destroyed, humans refusing responsibility for their creations.
She blends her interwoven stories with perfect voices (interestingly, one for each geographic/time setting, more than a different voice for each character).
I think I'll be considering this one for a while. There's a lot to discover in this, even after finishing.
She blends her interwoven stories with perfect voices (interestingly, one for each geographic/time setting, more than a different voice for each character).
I think I'll be considering this one for a while. There's a lot to discover in this, even after finishing.
ja3m3's review against another edition
1.0
My mother always said, "If you can't say anything nice..."
miajmu's review against another edition
1.0
I really liked the 1940's story, but I hated the rest. Just not for me.
moirastone's review against another edition
2.0
There is a stronger book inside this book; a better editor could have pared away what is the overwritten and conventional and left the raw mystery and lust. The fathers in this book are so mercurial as to be more wishful thinking than real men, and the dialogue is more often the author's than any character's. Oddly, I nonetheless very much enjoyed this. Mountain lore is powerful bait for this city dweller, I guess.
m4marya's review against another edition
3.0
Beautifully written, but the story did not engage me. I struggled with staying interested in the characters while loving the flow of the language.
disabledbookdragon's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
babs_jellymuck's review against another edition
2.0
Not a fan of any of these characters and as a result not particularly interested in hearing of the messed up lives they create through bad communication, selfishness and destructive behavior.
Also, I found the male narrator's voice pretty annoying- like he was constantly running out of breath and talking painfully slow. It was somewhat appropriate for his characters, I'll admit, but ultimately was a distraction for me. Also difficult to listen to in the car, as he frequently drops his voice lower than I can hear over the engine. (My car is old so this might not be a problem for most people)
Also, I found the male narrator's voice pretty annoying- like he was constantly running out of breath and talking painfully slow. It was somewhat appropriate for his characters, I'll admit, but ultimately was a distraction for me. Also difficult to listen to in the car, as he frequently drops his voice lower than I can hear over the engine. (My car is old so this might not be a problem for most people)