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A review by danielles_reads
Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill
dark
slow-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
2.75
I was SO excited to read this, as I've heard so many great things! But sadly, it turned out pretty meh.
My main complaint is that it is just SO LONG! A LOT of time is spent on describing the minutiae of the science of the experiment, including the various logistics, like gathering animal test subjects, mixing chemicals, etc. etc. And I just really don't care. It's funny because I often felt like this book really nailed the mid-1800s vibe and tone, including the looooong and meandering plot of popular 19th century classics! It reminded me of how I felt reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall—like ok, this is pretty good, but it's exhausting. But I have a lot less patience for modern novels full of padding compared to classics.
I did really like Mary, even if she felt like a feminist caricature sometimes. Her feelings of loneliness and insecurity at her "weird" interests really got to me though, which helped strengthen her character. I was so happy when she started becoming close to Maisie, and finally had a friend. Her relationship with the Jamsetjees was great too.
I found myself really surprised by Henry's character arc though. I know it's true that some men in real life transform into a monster after getting married, but it was so jarring to see that in fiction with no transition. Henry seemed to genuinely care about Mary's interests when they were courting, but then he became a complete monster (though I will say he sometimes had good points about the creature). I feel like his character would have been a lot better if he was more nuanced—like if he wasstill a gambling addict and obsessed with getting his scientific revenge, while still actually caring the bare minimum about Mary's feelings?? I was also really annoyed that the beginning of the book really made it seem like he died, but he did not? And him being put on trial for Mary's crime still does feel unfair to me, not matter how justified the crime was or how much of an asshole he was. Like what exactly is Mary's plan for the rest of her life since Henry is still alive??
Honestly the best part of this book wasMary shooting Finley Clark right between the eyes. I'm okay with one evil male character, because that's real life, and after a whole book of aggravation, it was SO satisfying to see his comeuppance.
Though I am surprised this is labeled as lgbtqia+ on StoryGraph, and seemingly advertised as such, because it is such a minor part of the narrative. I thought Mary's falling out with Catherine was really sad because they were so cute, but it never really went anywhere. Mary never actually makes a move on any other female character and only had a slight hint of sapphic longing. I kept hoping forMary and Maisie to at least admit their feelings for each other , but nope. Go girl, give us nothing.
One thing that was majorly lacking in this book is actual reflection and philosophy of the making of the creature. For one, it was really weird to me that Mary finds the papers of her uncle that warned about the dangers of making a creature, and then goes, wow, this is brilliant, I have to do this myself! And Henry doesn't have any qualms about it either. Like what??? It's like someone reading a dystopian sci-fi novel and wanting to recreate the technology that caused or worsened the dystopia, just because they had a personal connection to it. And then there were obvious parallels with the creature and Mary'smiscarriage , though she kept denying it to herself for some reason. Like yes, not all women are maternal, but it's okay to be a woman and maternal!! Especially considering the best possible ending to this book would be letting the creature go free. I loved that. (Though I saw a few reviews mentioning that since this story took place in Inverness, it should have been the origin story of the Loch Ness monster, and WOW, what a missed opportunity! That would've been so cool)
I really liked the premise, and some of the characters, but in the end, I felt pretty let down by the slow pace and lack of deep introspection (especially compared to the original Frankenstein). Honestly, I think I would have DNFed this if it weren't the last book I was reading for a readathon. One good thing though is that it kinda makes me want to reread Frankenstein...
My main complaint is that it is just SO LONG! A LOT of time is spent on describing the minutiae of the science of the experiment, including the various logistics, like gathering animal test subjects, mixing chemicals, etc. etc. And I just really don't care. It's funny because I often felt like this book really nailed the mid-1800s vibe and tone, including the looooong and meandering plot of popular 19th century classics! It reminded me of how I felt reading The Tenant of Wildfell Hall—like ok, this is pretty good, but it's exhausting. But I have a lot less patience for modern novels full of padding compared to classics.
I did really like Mary, even if she felt like a feminist caricature sometimes. Her feelings of loneliness and insecurity at her "weird" interests really got to me though, which helped strengthen her character. I was so happy when she started becoming close to Maisie, and finally had a friend. Her relationship with the Jamsetjees was great too.
I found myself really surprised by Henry's character arc though. I know it's true that some men in real life transform into a monster after getting married, but it was so jarring to see that in fiction with no transition. Henry seemed to genuinely care about Mary's interests when they were courting, but then he became a complete monster (though I will say he sometimes had good points about the creature). I feel like his character would have been a lot better if he was more nuanced—like if he was
Honestly the best part of this book was
Though I am surprised this is labeled as lgbtqia+ on StoryGraph, and seemingly advertised as such, because it is such a minor part of the narrative. I thought Mary's falling out with Catherine was really sad because they were so cute, but it never really went anywhere. Mary never actually makes a move on any other female character and only had a slight hint of sapphic longing. I kept hoping for
One thing that was majorly lacking in this book is actual reflection and philosophy of the making of the creature. For one, it was really weird to me that Mary finds the papers of her uncle that warned about the dangers of making a creature, and then goes, wow, this is brilliant, I have to do this myself! And Henry doesn't have any qualms about it either. Like what??? It's like someone reading a dystopian sci-fi novel and wanting to recreate the technology that caused or worsened the dystopia, just because they had a personal connection to it. And then there were obvious parallels with the creature and Mary's
I really liked the premise, and some of the characters, but in the end, I felt pretty let down by the slow pace and lack of deep introspection (especially compared to the original Frankenstein). Honestly, I think I would have DNFed this if it weren't the last book I was reading for a readathon. One good thing though is that it kinda makes me want to reread Frankenstein...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Child death and Miscarriage