A review by stoneysmh
Valperga: or The Life and Adventures of Castruccio, Prince of Lucca by Mary Shelley

5.0

Mary Shelley has such beautiful prose that her books are worth reading for it alone. Valperga is no exception. Written here are sentences that will astonish even the most seasoned readers of classic literature. Accompanying the incredible style is a rich story with wonderfully developed characters. The magnificence of the characterization in this book comes from the fact that much of the plot happens in the thoughts and emotions of the characters, rather than the external world. This may be due to my nature as a therapist, but my favorite chapters are those where one person will put forth their view of humanity, how it came to be, and how it now affects them mentally and emotionally. Seeing other characters react to this too is such a delight. It is a shame that Mary Shelley is most commonly known simply for being the author of Frankenstein. Her other works deserve just as much attention due to their beauty of word and thoughtfulness in themes.