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A review by btg
Our Hideous Progeny by C.E. McGill
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Our Hideous Progeny effortlessly toes the line between artistic classic literature and truly a joy to read. Perfect for fans of Gothic, historical, character focused literature with LGBTQ+ representation exploring themes of being a woman in academia, love for one's creation, and how a life lived in pain can still be a life well lived.
Mary is a curious scientist with little patience for unjust social structures, coming to us at the beginning of the book after a year in mourning of her stillborn child. Henry, her husband, is a gambling addict with daddy issues who, frankly, personifies male privilege and has even less patience or awareness of politics than his wife, much to their detriment. Due to the death of Henry's father, the two travel back to his childhood home for the will reading and to meet Henry's sister, Maisie, who is chronically ill (in an excellent portrayal). It is here our story begins, as eventually financial difficulties, He ry's actions, the discovery of letters from Victor Frankenstein inspire Mary and Henry to attempt to bring back a pleisaur to life and restore their professional reputations.
I expected the book to be very dark as a Frankenstein retelling, and I'm delighted to say that while appropriate for spooky season, it is quite hopeful in time. The relationship between Maisie and Mary is quite cute and healthfully portrayed (which is helpful with balance, as Henry is truly a jerk).
Enjoy Our Hideous Progeny if you'd like to dip your toe into Gothic literature but still want happier endings and romance. This will not please readers looking for action packed or grimdark work --it's ultimately a book about living and hope, even as it's difficult to hold it.
Mary is a curious scientist with little patience for unjust social structures, coming to us at the beginning of the book after a year in mourning of her stillborn child. Henry, her husband, is a gambling addict with daddy issues who, frankly, personifies male privilege and has even less patience or awareness of politics than his wife, much to their detriment. Due to the death of Henry's father, the two travel back to his childhood home for the will reading and to meet Henry's sister, Maisie, who is chronically ill (in an excellent portrayal). It is here our story begins, as eventually financial difficulties, He ry's actions, the discovery of letters from Victor Frankenstein inspire Mary and Henry to attempt to bring back a pleisaur to life and restore their professional reputations.
I expected the book to be very dark as a Frankenstein retelling, and I'm delighted to say that while appropriate for spooky season, it is quite hopeful in time. The relationship between Maisie and Mary is quite cute and healthfully portrayed (which is helpful with balance, as Henry is truly a jerk).
Enjoy Our Hideous Progeny if you'd like to dip your toe into Gothic literature but still want happier endings and romance. This will not please readers looking for action packed or grimdark work --it's ultimately a book about living and hope, even as it's difficult to hold it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness and Sexism
Moderate: Child death, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship