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Pride and Prometheus
Pride and Prejudice meets Frankenstein as Mary Bennet falls for the enigmatic Victor Frankenstein and befriends his monstrous Creature in this clever fusion of two popular classics.
Threatened with destruction unless he fashions a wife for his Creature, Victor Frankenstein travels to England where he meets Mary and Kitty Bennet, the remaining unmarried sisters of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. As Mary and Victor become increasingly attracted to each other, the Creature looks on impatiently, waiting for his bride. But where will Victor find a female body from which to create the monster’s mate?
Meanwhile, the awkward Mary hopes that Victor will save her from approaching spinsterhood while wondering what dark secret he is keeping from her.
Pride and Prometheus fuses the gothic horror of Mary Shelley with the Regency romance of Jane Austen in an exciting novel that combines two age-old stories in a fresh and startling way.
Threatened with destruction unless he fashions a wife for his Creature, Victor Frankenstein travels to England where he meets Mary and Kitty Bennet, the remaining unmarried sisters of the Bennet family from Pride and Prejudice. As Mary and Victor become increasingly attracted to each other, the Creature looks on impatiently, waiting for his bride. But where will Victor find a female body from which to create the monster’s mate?
Meanwhile, the awkward Mary hopes that Victor will save her from approaching spinsterhood while wondering what dark secret he is keeping from her.
Pride and Prometheus fuses the gothic horror of Mary Shelley with the Regency romance of Jane Austen in an exciting novel that combines two age-old stories in a fresh and startling way.
371 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
33 people are currently reading
1655 people want to read
About the author
John Kessel
180 books97 followersJohn (Joseph Vincent) Kessel co-directs the creative writing program at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. A winner of the Nebula, Locus, Sturgeon, and Tiptree Awards, his books include Good News From Outer Space, Corrupting Dr. Nice, The Pure Product, and The Baum Plan for Financial Independence and Other Stories. His story collection Meeting in Infinity was a New York Times Notable Book. Most recently, with James Patrick Kelly he has edited the anthologies Feeling Very Strange, Rewired, The Secret History of Science Fiction and Kafkaesque. Born in Buffalo, NY, Kessel has a PhD in American Literature, has been an NEA Fellow, and for twenty years has been one of the organizers of the Sycamore Hill Writers Workshop.
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February 12, 2018
4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2018/02/12/...
Admittedly, I’m not so big a fan of Jane Austen or Austen-inspired fiction that I would normally pick up any book with a title that begins with “Pride and…”, but there was just something irresistible about John Kessel’s novel that called to me. Of course, the added element of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein didn’t hurt. Still, although it may draw inspiration from one of two of the most beloved novels of classic literature, it would be a disservice to simply label Pride and Prometheus as just your average literary mashup. Not only has the author succeeded in capturing the tone, spirit, and style of these two works, he’s managed to create a perfect fusion of its deeper themes as well.
Expanding upon Kessel’s 2008 Nebula Award winning novelette of the same name, the story begins with the chance meeting between an English high society woman and a young scientist from Switzerland. Mary Bennet, one of the sisters of Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice, is persuaded to attend a ball by her mother, who is desperate to find marriage prospects for her two remaining unwed daughters. It is there that Mary first encounters the quiet and pensive Victor Frankenstein, who is in town with his friend Henry Clerval. Drawn to his intelligence and his shared love of the sciences and natural philosophy, Mary immediately strikes up a rapport with Frankenstein, but is disappointed when the scientist ends up standing her up for a dance, having slipped out of the party earlier without letting anyone know.
The reason for Victor Frankenstein’s reticence and hasty departure is soon made apparent with the introduction of the Creature, a monster whom the scientist had brought to life and then cast out, appalled by what he had done. But now the Creature stalks him, driven by Victor’s promise that he would fashion a bride for him. He has followed his maker to England, growing impatient. Victor knows that until he has delivered on his promise, any new relationship would be impossible because no one around him would be safe.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the writing. Kessel’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, emulating the style and manner of the original novels that inspired this tale, both of which were written in the early 19th century. As such, the language might take some getting used to, but gradually the story will ease you into the rhythm of the alternating viewpoints between Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature (who has dubbed himself Adam). I was also surprised to find that not only were the elements from both Regency Romance and Gothic Horror represented equally, they were blended perfectly. Granted, I was initially skeptical of the novel’s premise and the ambitious idea of throwing these two disparate genres together, but John Kessel managed to knock it out of the park.
As for the story and characters, my feelings are a lot more complicated—but in the good way. For the most part, Kessel stays true to the personalities of Mary, Victor, and Adam, expanding upon them in a way that feels different without abandoning the essence of what makes them who they are. His version of Mary is especially sympathetic. As the middle Bennet sister, she is plain and bookish, much like Austen’s version. However, in Pride and Prometheus, she is a much deeper and contemplative character, and her love of the natural sciences (manifested as an interest in fossils) is genuine. Beneath her social awkwardness is also a caring and spiritual heart, even if she is sometimes driven by self-interest. Just as complex are the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature, but because their tale closely mirrors that of Shelley’s original, I didn’t find them nearly as fascinating. Still, close to the end was a scene that filled me with so much anger and then with so much sorrow that I was almost driven to tears. All I’ll say about it is that, beyond the three main characters, there are a few others who I’ll never look at quite the same way again after reading this novel.
All in all, I adored everything about Pride and Prometheus, from the utterly engrossing struggles of its characters to the emotional themes about obsession and attachment. The book is also artfully written, and I think Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein fans will be impressed with how well Kessel has captured the original novels’ forms and styles, even if it might make it more challenging for some readers to get into the writing. If you’re familiar with both classics, there will still be plenty of surprises, many of which I loved but couldn’t elaborate on in this review because I badly want prospective readers to discover these plot developments for themselves. This book endeared itself to me and then broke my heart, but all I could think about after finishing this was how I wanted more. Truly a treasure of a novel.
Admittedly, I’m not so big a fan of Jane Austen or Austen-inspired fiction that I would normally pick up any book with a title that begins with “Pride and…”, but there was just something irresistible about John Kessel’s novel that called to me. Of course, the added element of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein didn’t hurt. Still, although it may draw inspiration from one of two of the most beloved novels of classic literature, it would be a disservice to simply label Pride and Prometheus as just your average literary mashup. Not only has the author succeeded in capturing the tone, spirit, and style of these two works, he’s managed to create a perfect fusion of its deeper themes as well.
Expanding upon Kessel’s 2008 Nebula Award winning novelette of the same name, the story begins with the chance meeting between an English high society woman and a young scientist from Switzerland. Mary Bennet, one of the sisters of Elizabeth Bennet of Pride and Prejudice, is persuaded to attend a ball by her mother, who is desperate to find marriage prospects for her two remaining unwed daughters. It is there that Mary first encounters the quiet and pensive Victor Frankenstein, who is in town with his friend Henry Clerval. Drawn to his intelligence and his shared love of the sciences and natural philosophy, Mary immediately strikes up a rapport with Frankenstein, but is disappointed when the scientist ends up standing her up for a dance, having slipped out of the party earlier without letting anyone know.
The reason for Victor Frankenstein’s reticence and hasty departure is soon made apparent with the introduction of the Creature, a monster whom the scientist had brought to life and then cast out, appalled by what he had done. But now the Creature stalks him, driven by Victor’s promise that he would fashion a bride for him. He has followed his maker to England, growing impatient. Victor knows that until he has delivered on his promise, any new relationship would be impossible because no one around him would be safe.
The first thing that jumped out at me was the writing. Kessel’s writing is absolutely gorgeous, emulating the style and manner of the original novels that inspired this tale, both of which were written in the early 19th century. As such, the language might take some getting used to, but gradually the story will ease you into the rhythm of the alternating viewpoints between Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature (who has dubbed himself Adam). I was also surprised to find that not only were the elements from both Regency Romance and Gothic Horror represented equally, they were blended perfectly. Granted, I was initially skeptical of the novel’s premise and the ambitious idea of throwing these two disparate genres together, but John Kessel managed to knock it out of the park.
As for the story and characters, my feelings are a lot more complicated—but in the good way. For the most part, Kessel stays true to the personalities of Mary, Victor, and Adam, expanding upon them in a way that feels different without abandoning the essence of what makes them who they are. His version of Mary is especially sympathetic. As the middle Bennet sister, she is plain and bookish, much like Austen’s version. However, in Pride and Prometheus, she is a much deeper and contemplative character, and her love of the natural sciences (manifested as an interest in fossils) is genuine. Beneath her social awkwardness is also a caring and spiritual heart, even if she is sometimes driven by self-interest. Just as complex are the characters of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature, but because their tale closely mirrors that of Shelley’s original, I didn’t find them nearly as fascinating. Still, close to the end was a scene that filled me with so much anger and then with so much sorrow that I was almost driven to tears. All I’ll say about it is that, beyond the three main characters, there are a few others who I’ll never look at quite the same way again after reading this novel.
All in all, I adored everything about Pride and Prometheus, from the utterly engrossing struggles of its characters to the emotional themes about obsession and attachment. The book is also artfully written, and I think Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein fans will be impressed with how well Kessel has captured the original novels’ forms and styles, even if it might make it more challenging for some readers to get into the writing. If you’re familiar with both classics, there will still be plenty of surprises, many of which I loved but couldn’t elaborate on in this review because I badly want prospective readers to discover these plot developments for themselves. This book endeared itself to me and then broke my heart, but all I could think about after finishing this was how I wanted more. Truly a treasure of a novel.
February 10, 2018
One glimpse of the blurb telling me that this was a mash-up of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and I had to read it. Two powerhouse classics with vastly different settings and atmosphere had me so curious about how the author would pull it off.
I confess to a little trepidation, as well. Both are powerful stories with different themes so I was crossing my fingers that one would not suffer at the expense to the other.
Well, never fear, the author had a different approach. This ended up being more of a P&P sequel blended with the Frankenstein story. I think a person who has read or watched the movie adaption for Pride & Prejudice and Frankenstein would get more out of this, but I think someone only slightly familiar would get by just fine. Instead of the main Austen heroine, the author plucked out a secondary character from P&P to become his female lead across from the male leads of Frankenstein. A story swirling around Mary Bennet and Victor Frankenstein and his monster actually had even greater appeal. Mary suited the tragic heroine role more than any other of Austen's Bennet sisters.
The atmosphere of this story is not light. The tone is toward the romantic tragedy side with a bittersweet flavor. Mary is a middle-aged spinster who is the odd-(wo)man out in her family. She's changed and grown and become a better person though very much the Mary people will recognize, but everyone in her life is so busy about their own affairs that this goes unnoticed. She's ripe for something new in her life- an adventure. The plight of Victor Frankenstein and his monster bring that.
Victor is nearly at the breaking point. He didn't set out to play God and pay the price, but he did and now he has a monster threatening to kill after having already killed if he doesn't provide the creature with a wife like him. Victor encounters the rare Mary Bennet and her family and spies his opportunity. Meanwhile, his creature watches with impatience and loneliness. He is angry at Victor's rejection and leaving him to fend for himself in a world that is disgusted by him and reviles him.
The pace is mostly slower with a few spikes of excitement. It's not true horror, but more gothic in air. Much of the story is more embedded in the Frankenstein tale and, as I did when I read that the first time, I sympathized with the creature more than his creator.
I really only had one niggle and that was that I found the ending abrupt. This was probably on me because I was reeling from the last revelation that came just before that and perhaps wanted something more or different. That said, the ending was consistent with the story itself.
So, all in all, I thought this was a moving story- more thought-provoking than anything else- and definitely one I was glad to have read. I think it will have niche audience appeal toward those who enjoy the classics particularly those of a brooding, darker tragic tone.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
I confess to a little trepidation, as well. Both are powerful stories with different themes so I was crossing my fingers that one would not suffer at the expense to the other.
Well, never fear, the author had a different approach. This ended up being more of a P&P sequel blended with the Frankenstein story. I think a person who has read or watched the movie adaption for Pride & Prejudice and Frankenstein would get more out of this, but I think someone only slightly familiar would get by just fine. Instead of the main Austen heroine, the author plucked out a secondary character from P&P to become his female lead across from the male leads of Frankenstein. A story swirling around Mary Bennet and Victor Frankenstein and his monster actually had even greater appeal. Mary suited the tragic heroine role more than any other of Austen's Bennet sisters.
The atmosphere of this story is not light. The tone is toward the romantic tragedy side with a bittersweet flavor. Mary is a middle-aged spinster who is the odd-(wo)man out in her family. She's changed and grown and become a better person though very much the Mary people will recognize, but everyone in her life is so busy about their own affairs that this goes unnoticed. She's ripe for something new in her life- an adventure. The plight of Victor Frankenstein and his monster bring that.
Victor is nearly at the breaking point. He didn't set out to play God and pay the price, but he did and now he has a monster threatening to kill after having already killed if he doesn't provide the creature with a wife like him. Victor encounters the rare Mary Bennet and her family and spies his opportunity. Meanwhile, his creature watches with impatience and loneliness. He is angry at Victor's rejection and leaving him to fend for himself in a world that is disgusted by him and reviles him.
The pace is mostly slower with a few spikes of excitement. It's not true horror, but more gothic in air. Much of the story is more embedded in the Frankenstein tale and, as I did when I read that the first time, I sympathized with the creature more than his creator.
I really only had one niggle and that was that I found the ending abrupt. This was probably on me because I was reeling from the last revelation that came just before that and perhaps wanted something more or different. That said, the ending was consistent with the story itself.
So, all in all, I thought this was a moving story- more thought-provoking than anything else- and definitely one I was glad to have read. I think it will have niche audience appeal toward those who enjoy the classics particularly those of a brooding, darker tragic tone.
I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2018
This idea had such a potential! It could have been great! But....
I'm putting this whole review in spoilers brackets, because I can't properly complain without spoiling the plot (or rather lack of thereof).
The book is well written and the idea is great, but the execution is very very disappointing.
I've read better fanfic than this.
I'm putting this whole review in spoilers brackets, because I can't properly complain without spoiling the plot (or rather lack of thereof).
The book is well written and the idea is great, but the execution is very very disappointing.
I've read better fanfic than this.
February 24, 2018
I have to give a lot of credit, in a way, to an author who decides to write a sequel to a classic novel (much less two). It's a gutsy thing to do, and risky, which I think is why I keep trying them – although, honestly, I'm hard-pressed to think of one that has actually been really good. You have to imagine Mr. Kessel telling people he was putting out a sequel to not only Frankenstein but – brace yourself – Pride and Prejudice …. It's crazy. It's crazy enough that it might work: mad gambles have pretty often turned out to be very enjoyable, in my experience.
I think the best thing about this book was the mention, while Mary Bennet is in Lyme, of A young woman who had stopped there the day before with a party of visitors from Uppercross had fallen from the Cobb. Witnesses of the accident said she had lain as if dead. She was being attended to in the home of Captain Harville, only recently settled in Lyme." It was quick and not much attention was drawn to it, and I loved it.
I have to say I didn't out and out love much else. I liked the way Mary and her growth to just-about-spinsterhood was charted (poor Mary); I liked how Kitty had grown bitter and reckless faced with the same fate. I appreciated the author's undeniable knowledge of both the books he was following up; he knows his Bennets (and Musgroves), and he knows his Frankenstein, and I never bickered with the way any of Shelley or Austen's characters were handled. Victor Frankenstein is self-involved – as Kerry Greenwood once said, "self-centred as a gyroscope", and absolutely clueless about what anyone else in the world, from his fiancée to Mary to his monster, might think or feel about anything. He also has a certain superficial charm that makes it easy to forget what a weasel he is.
And I liked that the frightening thing about the Monster wasn't that he was green with bolts in his neck and looked like Boris Karloff or Herman Munster. "I have studied my reflection in still water. There is no obvious flaw in my countenance." His problem is that death lingers about him. He unsettles people because he's not … quite … normal. He is too still, maybe, too alien. Something this book points out is that he was created only three years ago – he's a three year old in a giant adult body, and has been through more trauma in that short life than a lot of adults. He's not normal. He can't be.
So I had no argument with the approach, the premise of melding what happened to Mary Bennet after the events of P&P and Victor Frankenstein and his Monster after their book. The writing carried the day and made it very readable, if not perfect.
My unhappiness with the book was simply the place where Kitty and Mary are when the book opens, and – not to be spoilery – where the book takes them and Frankenstein, maker and monster. "At least Lizzy and Jane had taken an interest in Kitty; they had brought her into their homes for months at a time, and put her in the way of any number of eligible men, while they were content to let Mary live at Longbourn, the sole object upon which their mother might inflict her nerves. As far as Jane and Lizzy were concerned, Mary might retire into spinsterhood without a sigh." That's disappointing. Mary, here, has changed and grown from the stupid-smart girl of the book, and it's depressing that it all came too late for her, and that her family doesn't even notice. She has broadened her outlook – and at least this actually gave her something to talk about with her father. However, " He warned her of the sad fate of the female bookworm: 'Beware, Mary,' he said impishly. 'Too much learning makes a woman monstrous.'" Undoubtedly. She has finally begun to understand things like the fact that "The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing."
Also depressing is the fate of another secondary Austen character, someone I always rather liked, and who deserved better. And then there's Mr. Collins, who is thriving in his absolute obtuseness.
But most depressing at all is the book's headlong rush in exactly the direction I thought, with dread, that it might. Remember how Kitty coughed all through Pride and Prejudice? So does the author. And thus the story takes a turn to "an impossibility so out of keeping with the world of Bingley and Darcy" that the world Austen created quails away.
The believability of the whole thing stumbles around the same time. Again, trying not to be spoilery, suffice to say that Mary undertakes a two hundred mile journey under conditions which would be quite frankly physically impossible for – well, for any woman of the period, and darned unlikely for most women anytime. Sanitation, sustenance, safety, access to adequate clothing and footwear … it's all lacking, and I found it ridiculously improbable.
I suppose I should be grateful that the book did not do one thing I feared it might (), but what happened instead was just … disheartening. There is no clichéd happy ending, for which I was relieved … but there's no real happy ending at all, and that's surprisingly hard.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
I think the best thing about this book was the mention, while Mary Bennet is in Lyme, of A young woman who had stopped there the day before with a party of visitors from Uppercross had fallen from the Cobb. Witnesses of the accident said she had lain as if dead. She was being attended to in the home of Captain Harville, only recently settled in Lyme." It was quick and not much attention was drawn to it, and I loved it.
I have to say I didn't out and out love much else. I liked the way Mary and her growth to just-about-spinsterhood was charted (poor Mary); I liked how Kitty had grown bitter and reckless faced with the same fate. I appreciated the author's undeniable knowledge of both the books he was following up; he knows his Bennets (and Musgroves), and he knows his Frankenstein, and I never bickered with the way any of Shelley or Austen's characters were handled. Victor Frankenstein is self-involved – as Kerry Greenwood once said, "self-centred as a gyroscope", and absolutely clueless about what anyone else in the world, from his fiancée to Mary to his monster, might think or feel about anything. He also has a certain superficial charm that makes it easy to forget what a weasel he is.
And I liked that the frightening thing about the Monster wasn't that he was green with bolts in his neck and looked like Boris Karloff or Herman Munster. "I have studied my reflection in still water. There is no obvious flaw in my countenance." His problem is that death lingers about him. He unsettles people because he's not … quite … normal. He is too still, maybe, too alien. Something this book points out is that he was created only three years ago – he's a three year old in a giant adult body, and has been through more trauma in that short life than a lot of adults. He's not normal. He can't be.
So I had no argument with the approach, the premise of melding what happened to Mary Bennet after the events of P&P and Victor Frankenstein and his Monster after their book. The writing carried the day and made it very readable, if not perfect.
My unhappiness with the book was simply the place where Kitty and Mary are when the book opens, and – not to be spoilery – where the book takes them and Frankenstein, maker and monster. "At least Lizzy and Jane had taken an interest in Kitty; they had brought her into their homes for months at a time, and put her in the way of any number of eligible men, while they were content to let Mary live at Longbourn, the sole object upon which their mother might inflict her nerves. As far as Jane and Lizzy were concerned, Mary might retire into spinsterhood without a sigh." That's disappointing. Mary, here, has changed and grown from the stupid-smart girl of the book, and it's depressing that it all came too late for her, and that her family doesn't even notice. She has broadened her outlook – and at least this actually gave her something to talk about with her father. However, " He warned her of the sad fate of the female bookworm: 'Beware, Mary,' he said impishly. 'Too much learning makes a woman monstrous.'" Undoubtedly. She has finally begun to understand things like the fact that "The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing."
Also depressing is the fate of another secondary Austen character, someone I always rather liked, and who deserved better. And then there's Mr. Collins, who is thriving in his absolute obtuseness.
But most depressing at all is the book's headlong rush in exactly the direction I thought, with dread, that it might. Remember how Kitty coughed all through Pride and Prejudice? So does the author. And thus the story takes a turn to "an impossibility so out of keeping with the world of Bingley and Darcy" that the world Austen created quails away.
The believability of the whole thing stumbles around the same time. Again, trying not to be spoilery, suffice to say that Mary undertakes a two hundred mile journey under conditions which would be quite frankly physically impossible for – well, for any woman of the period, and darned unlikely for most women anytime. Sanitation, sustenance, safety, access to adequate clothing and footwear … it's all lacking, and I found it ridiculously improbable.
I suppose I should be grateful that the book did not do one thing I feared it might (), but what happened instead was just … disheartening. There is no clichéd happy ending, for which I was relieved … but there's no real happy ending at all, and that's surprisingly hard.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
March 25, 2018
I was left disappointed in this book although it was well-written and entertaining. It was Frankenstein heavy which isn't a bad thing. My main problem with it was why even bring in the P & P aspect. Mary Bennet could have been anyone and the story would have been the same. It bothered me that our beloved Mary was used for her name and P & P connections. There was no balance between both novels, it was pure Frankenstein to my eyes. I do love Frankenstein but the disappointment of Mary's role, coming at it from a P & P lover's point-of-view, left me with a feeling of waste.
Also, the tidy ending was not worth it.
Also, the tidy ending was not worth it.
January 11, 2020
Honestly, to be a fly on the dining room wall of author John Kessel when in between passing the potatoes he announced to his family that his next book would be an amalgamation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. What a mischievous rogue he is. I was intrigued to discover if he could pull it off.
The story begins thirteen years after the close of Pride and Prejudice. Mrs. Bennet and her two middle daughters, Mary and Kitty, both well on their way to spinsterhood, are on holiday in Lyme Regis—that famous Dorset seaside village renowned for its large stone Cobb seawall and its deposits of ancient fossils. Mary has matured quite a bit since her sanctimonious and mortifying youth. Her interests have shifted from the pious study of doctrinal extracts and observations of thread-bare morality to a more scientific vein of natural philosophy. Her mother is still determined to see her last two daughters advantageously married and is delighted when Mary beings an acquaintance with a fellow fossil hunter, Mr. Woodleigh, who she met at the local Assembly Rooms.
Kitty, on the other hand, is bored to tears with their small social circle in Lyme and dreams of dancing in London again. On their way to meet Woodleigh for dinner, the Bennets learn that a young woman has fallen from the Cobb and seriously injured herself. Never one to suffer fools, Mrs. Bennet is quick to point out that, “No well-bred young lady should trust a man to catch her if she goes leaping from public landmarks.” Put off by Mrs. Bennet’s judgments, Mr. Woodleigh soon announces his departure. Realizing that no offer of marriage for Mary is forthcoming, Mrs. Bennet caves to Kitty’s pleas to leave, and the party soon departs for London.
Across the channel on the Continent, a Creature is in pursuit of his creator. Stowing away on a cattle boat, he crosses the ocean and arrives in London without any knowledge of the language or customs, connections or the means to find the one man who has promised to create a companion for him.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters are also in London attending the first ball of the Season where she directs her daughters attention toward rich, eligible young men with the precision of Wellington aiming “his cannon against Napoleon’s marshals in the Peninsula” Also, in attendance is the Rev. Mr. Collins, (the Odious One), a recent widow in pursuit of a reluctant Kitty Bennet, and, the reserved and brooding Mr. Victor Frankenstein, newly arrived from Switzerland. Mary is introduced to this handsome, younger man and soon they realize that they may be the only two people in the room who have a common interest in science. When Frankenstein also indecorously shares the story of the murder of his younger brother to a relative stranger, Mary is in turns drawn to, and cautious of, this enigmatic man.
Frankenstein soon discovers that the Creature has followed him to London. To avoid meeting him, he promptly departs for Scotland with his friend Henry Clerval. He knows that he must acquire the knowledge to create the monster’s mate before another member of his family dies.
Kitty’s cough develops into a troubling concern, prompting the women to return to Longbourn so she can recuperate. While at home, Mary has a serious conversation with her father who warns her of the sad fate of the female bookworm. “Beware, Mary,” he said impishly. “Too much learning makes a woman monstrous.” (foreshadowing?) While Mary realizes she is bound for spinsterhood, she knows that there is still hope for her younger, and still beautiful sister Kitty. Looking out for her, she encourages her father to let them go to Pemberley, the home of their elder sister Elizabeth in Derbyshire. He agrees, and soon she and Kitty are off in pursuit of husbands, or in the case of Mary, watching out for her impetuous younger sister.
Fate again intercedes, bringing Mary and Mr. Frankenstein together. Along the road to Scotland, he and Mr. Clerval arrive in Matlock, an ancient Roman town not far from Pemberley. Meeting at a local library and museum over a fossil unearthed in a local lead mine, they discuss Darwin’s theories of evolution and how the hand of God is everywhere. They walk with Kitty, Mr. Clerval, and Georgiana Golding nee Darcy, along the Derwent River to view the sheer cliffs along the banks. Mary observes the scenery and philosophizes on her place in the world. “These rocks, this river, will long survive us. We are here for a breath, and then we are gone. And through it all we are alone.” Frankenstein is amazed by Mary, who he thought was just another aging spinster. I, on the other hand, am remembering the, “What are men to rocks and mountains,” line in Pride and Prejudice.
Back at Pemberley, Mary asks Elizabeth if Messrs. Frankenstein and Clerval might be invited to be their guests while they are still in the area. She agrees and the gentlemen soon arrive for a short stay. At dinner, the local vicar, who was in his cups, shares a story of him interrupting grave robbers in his own churchyard. Many in attendance are shocked, not believing that such atrocities could happen in their community. (more foreshadowing?) Mr. Frankenstein is silent. The next day as Kitty and Mary are deep in conversation while walking the estate grounds, they are caught in a downpour, profoundly affecting both Kitty’s health and Mary’s trust in Frankenstein.
"A Flash of lightning lit the forest, and Mary saw, beneath the trees not ten feet from them, the giant figure of a man. The lightning illuminated a face like a grotesque mask: long, thick, tangled black hair. Pale skin, milky, dead eyes beneath heavy brows. Worst of all, an expression hideous in its cold, inexpressible hunger. It was all the matter of a split second; then the light fell to shadow."(p 127)
The Creature has followed Frankenstein north and is lurking in the woods.
From its ominous opening line, “At the age of nineteen, Miss Mary Bennet had believed three things that were not true,” this Austen fan was optimistic that Kessel had taken his task of reverently setting the style and tone seriously. Combining two divergent novels—a romantic comedy and a Gothic horror—and creating a believable story from their union is an unfathomable accomplishment. As the story developed and the pages flew by, my confidence grew in Kessel’s skill as a storyteller, and as a writer.
The narrative alternates from the point of view of Mary, the Creature, and Frankenstein. Mary’s voice is in the third person, the form that Austen chose to use in her novels, and the Creature and Frankenstein’s are in the first person. At times the shift in voice by the three main characters was jolting, but I suspect that this was chosen for effect. In the first half of the novel, Austen fans will be frequently rewarded with witty, laugh out loud dialogue and enough Easter eggs from the original to keep them comfortably in situ. Kessel totally captures the characterization of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. With Mary, he has brought her out of that awkward, self-righteous persona that she was trapped in as the middle sister nobody wanted around. She is thoughtful, measured, and brave throughout Pride and Prometheus. A true heroine, surpassing even her sister Lizzy Darcy nee Bennet’s capabilities.
In the second half of the novel, Mary Shelley fans will be rewarded with a dark story deftly told. There are some twists in the plot that will really shock the tender-hearted Austen fan and delight those who are #TeamShelley. Readers from Scotland need to be forewarned about the portrayal of Scottish hospitality, and those firmly in the Austen camp may be miffed that they do not get their Austenesque happily ever after for Mary. Kessel chose a denouement for his heroine that many will not anticipate yet was satisfying for me. The Creature and its creator land in the same icy circumstances that Shelley devised.
If you are in an adventurous mood and would like to experience lush, atmospheric, and compelling storytelling at its finest, I can highly recommend Pride and Prometheus. There are few writers who have the skill or talent to pull this type of mash-up off without making it a burlesque comedy a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The struggles of its characters, its themes, and its brilliant prose are nonpareil.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com
The story begins thirteen years after the close of Pride and Prejudice. Mrs. Bennet and her two middle daughters, Mary and Kitty, both well on their way to spinsterhood, are on holiday in Lyme Regis—that famous Dorset seaside village renowned for its large stone Cobb seawall and its deposits of ancient fossils. Mary has matured quite a bit since her sanctimonious and mortifying youth. Her interests have shifted from the pious study of doctrinal extracts and observations of thread-bare morality to a more scientific vein of natural philosophy. Her mother is still determined to see her last two daughters advantageously married and is delighted when Mary beings an acquaintance with a fellow fossil hunter, Mr. Woodleigh, who she met at the local Assembly Rooms.
Kitty, on the other hand, is bored to tears with their small social circle in Lyme and dreams of dancing in London again. On their way to meet Woodleigh for dinner, the Bennets learn that a young woman has fallen from the Cobb and seriously injured herself. Never one to suffer fools, Mrs. Bennet is quick to point out that, “No well-bred young lady should trust a man to catch her if she goes leaping from public landmarks.” Put off by Mrs. Bennet’s judgments, Mr. Woodleigh soon announces his departure. Realizing that no offer of marriage for Mary is forthcoming, Mrs. Bennet caves to Kitty’s pleas to leave, and the party soon departs for London.
Across the channel on the Continent, a Creature is in pursuit of his creator. Stowing away on a cattle boat, he crosses the ocean and arrives in London without any knowledge of the language or customs, connections or the means to find the one man who has promised to create a companion for him.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Bennet and her daughters are also in London attending the first ball of the Season where she directs her daughters attention toward rich, eligible young men with the precision of Wellington aiming “his cannon against Napoleon’s marshals in the Peninsula” Also, in attendance is the Rev. Mr. Collins, (the Odious One), a recent widow in pursuit of a reluctant Kitty Bennet, and, the reserved and brooding Mr. Victor Frankenstein, newly arrived from Switzerland. Mary is introduced to this handsome, younger man and soon they realize that they may be the only two people in the room who have a common interest in science. When Frankenstein also indecorously shares the story of the murder of his younger brother to a relative stranger, Mary is in turns drawn to, and cautious of, this enigmatic man.
Frankenstein soon discovers that the Creature has followed him to London. To avoid meeting him, he promptly departs for Scotland with his friend Henry Clerval. He knows that he must acquire the knowledge to create the monster’s mate before another member of his family dies.
Kitty’s cough develops into a troubling concern, prompting the women to return to Longbourn so she can recuperate. While at home, Mary has a serious conversation with her father who warns her of the sad fate of the female bookworm. “Beware, Mary,” he said impishly. “Too much learning makes a woman monstrous.” (foreshadowing?) While Mary realizes she is bound for spinsterhood, she knows that there is still hope for her younger, and still beautiful sister Kitty. Looking out for her, she encourages her father to let them go to Pemberley, the home of their elder sister Elizabeth in Derbyshire. He agrees, and soon she and Kitty are off in pursuit of husbands, or in the case of Mary, watching out for her impetuous younger sister.
Fate again intercedes, bringing Mary and Mr. Frankenstein together. Along the road to Scotland, he and Mr. Clerval arrive in Matlock, an ancient Roman town not far from Pemberley. Meeting at a local library and museum over a fossil unearthed in a local lead mine, they discuss Darwin’s theories of evolution and how the hand of God is everywhere. They walk with Kitty, Mr. Clerval, and Georgiana Golding nee Darcy, along the Derwent River to view the sheer cliffs along the banks. Mary observes the scenery and philosophizes on her place in the world. “These rocks, this river, will long survive us. We are here for a breath, and then we are gone. And through it all we are alone.” Frankenstein is amazed by Mary, who he thought was just another aging spinster. I, on the other hand, am remembering the, “What are men to rocks and mountains,” line in Pride and Prejudice.
Back at Pemberley, Mary asks Elizabeth if Messrs. Frankenstein and Clerval might be invited to be their guests while they are still in the area. She agrees and the gentlemen soon arrive for a short stay. At dinner, the local vicar, who was in his cups, shares a story of him interrupting grave robbers in his own churchyard. Many in attendance are shocked, not believing that such atrocities could happen in their community. (more foreshadowing?) Mr. Frankenstein is silent. The next day as Kitty and Mary are deep in conversation while walking the estate grounds, they are caught in a downpour, profoundly affecting both Kitty’s health and Mary’s trust in Frankenstein.
"A Flash of lightning lit the forest, and Mary saw, beneath the trees not ten feet from them, the giant figure of a man. The lightning illuminated a face like a grotesque mask: long, thick, tangled black hair. Pale skin, milky, dead eyes beneath heavy brows. Worst of all, an expression hideous in its cold, inexpressible hunger. It was all the matter of a split second; then the light fell to shadow."(p 127)
The Creature has followed Frankenstein north and is lurking in the woods.
From its ominous opening line, “At the age of nineteen, Miss Mary Bennet had believed three things that were not true,” this Austen fan was optimistic that Kessel had taken his task of reverently setting the style and tone seriously. Combining two divergent novels—a romantic comedy and a Gothic horror—and creating a believable story from their union is an unfathomable accomplishment. As the story developed and the pages flew by, my confidence grew in Kessel’s skill as a storyteller, and as a writer.
The narrative alternates from the point of view of Mary, the Creature, and Frankenstein. Mary’s voice is in the third person, the form that Austen chose to use in her novels, and the Creature and Frankenstein’s are in the first person. At times the shift in voice by the three main characters was jolting, but I suspect that this was chosen for effect. In the first half of the novel, Austen fans will be frequently rewarded with witty, laugh out loud dialogue and enough Easter eggs from the original to keep them comfortably in situ. Kessel totally captures the characterization of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet. With Mary, he has brought her out of that awkward, self-righteous persona that she was trapped in as the middle sister nobody wanted around. She is thoughtful, measured, and brave throughout Pride and Prometheus. A true heroine, surpassing even her sister Lizzy Darcy nee Bennet’s capabilities.
In the second half of the novel, Mary Shelley fans will be rewarded with a dark story deftly told. There are some twists in the plot that will really shock the tender-hearted Austen fan and delight those who are #TeamShelley. Readers from Scotland need to be forewarned about the portrayal of Scottish hospitality, and those firmly in the Austen camp may be miffed that they do not get their Austenesque happily ever after for Mary. Kessel chose a denouement for his heroine that many will not anticipate yet was satisfying for me. The Creature and its creator land in the same icy circumstances that Shelley devised.
If you are in an adventurous mood and would like to experience lush, atmospheric, and compelling storytelling at its finest, I can highly recommend Pride and Prometheus. There are few writers who have the skill or talent to pull this type of mash-up off without making it a burlesque comedy a la Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. The struggles of its characters, its themes, and its brilliant prose are nonpareil.
Laurel Ann, Austenprose.com
February 24, 2018
Elizabeth is of course the Bennet sister I have always wanted to resemble; Mary is the one I have feared resembling. I have always been intrigued by fiction that posits a way for her to have some sort of happy ending. This exploration pairs her with Victor Frankenstein.
Kessel's portrait of Mary struck me as realistic but empathetic: time has made her less of a prig, but she's still foolish and naive in many ways. The Creature is also sympathetically portrayed, though his monstrous actions not condoned. Victor is still a dick.
Here is my issue with this book, which became more and more apparent as it reached its climactic third: it could really stand to learn a thing or two from (good) fanfic. The best fic is, as those of us who dabble in some aspect of that community call it, transformative fiction. Pride and Prometheus, on the other hand...well, the author actually spells out why this book ultimately failed to work for me, which I will drop behind spoiler tags along with the rest of this:
I've talked myself down another star in the rating while writing this (well, half, if Goodreads gave me that option), which is perhaps unfair. The prose is smooth and the author is aiming for some psychological insight into both classic literature and human nature. His conclusions are simply not of particular interest to me.
Kessel's portrait of Mary struck me as realistic but empathetic: time has made her less of a prig, but she's still foolish and naive in many ways. The Creature is also sympathetically portrayed, though his monstrous actions not condoned. Victor is still a dick.
Here is my issue with this book, which became more and more apparent as it reached its climactic third: it could really stand to learn a thing or two from (good) fanfic. The best fic is, as those of us who dabble in some aspect of that community call it, transformative fiction. Pride and Prometheus, on the other hand...well, the author actually spells out why this book ultimately failed to work for me, which I will drop behind spoiler tags along with the rest of this:
I've talked myself down another star in the rating while writing this (well, half, if Goodreads gave me that option), which is perhaps unfair. The prose is smooth and the author is aiming for some psychological insight into both classic literature and human nature. His conclusions are simply not of particular interest to me.
March 7, 2018
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
PRIDE AND PROMETHEUS is not only a clever, thought-provoking mash-up between two beloved stories -Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice - it expertly captures the tone and themes of each book. The writing is a beautiful mix of gothic and romantic with the story showing us what happens next through the perspectives of characters whose perspectives we never really saw in the original stories. While I prefer a happy ending in stories, I loved the ending which is more tragic for some than others though in keeping with being a good genre mash-up it does has a slight glimmer of hope to balance out the tragedy.
Mary Bennet was always a character I felt sorry for in Pride and Prejudice. She doesn't fit in with the rest of her family, being more interested in intellectual pursuits rather than balls and gossip. That's why I loved seeing her having an adventure and success of her own in this story. She comes off as incredibly sympathetic, compassionate, and determined. Through Mary, Victor and the Creature the story allows you to delve deeper in to what makes each character tick and see a new perspective on their related internal struggles with obsession and attachment.
One tiny issue I had with this story was the constant changes in POV without any warning. I kept having to question who was speaking and there was a bit of repetition due to the different POVs of the same event. The story summary is also misleading as there really isn't a romance, It leans more towards Frankenstein and tragedy than Pride and Prejudice's happily ever after. Those small things aside, I loved PRIDE AND PROMETHEUS. It took two already powerful, beloved stories and made an incredibly moving, thought-provoking and dark tale.
PRIDE AND PROMETHEUS is not only a clever, thought-provoking mash-up between two beloved stories -Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice - it expertly captures the tone and themes of each book. The writing is a beautiful mix of gothic and romantic with the story showing us what happens next through the perspectives of characters whose perspectives we never really saw in the original stories. While I prefer a happy ending in stories, I loved the ending which is more tragic for some than others though in keeping with being a good genre mash-up it does has a slight glimmer of hope to balance out the tragedy.
Mary Bennet was always a character I felt sorry for in Pride and Prejudice. She doesn't fit in with the rest of her family, being more interested in intellectual pursuits rather than balls and gossip. That's why I loved seeing her having an adventure and success of her own in this story. She comes off as incredibly sympathetic, compassionate, and determined. Through Mary, Victor and the Creature the story allows you to delve deeper in to what makes each character tick and see a new perspective on their related internal struggles with obsession and attachment.
One tiny issue I had with this story was the constant changes in POV without any warning. I kept having to question who was speaking and there was a bit of repetition due to the different POVs of the same event. The story summary is also misleading as there really isn't a romance, It leans more towards Frankenstein and tragedy than Pride and Prejudice's happily ever after. Those small things aside, I loved PRIDE AND PROMETHEUS. It took two already powerful, beloved stories and made an incredibly moving, thought-provoking and dark tale.
August 1, 2018
Mary Bennet Meets Victor Frankenstein
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel, Science Fiction
TIME FRAME: Begins 13 years after the close of Pride and Prejudice
MAIN CHARACTERS: Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, Henry Clerval, the Creature
SYNOPSIS:
A retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice blended together as one. Pride and Prometheus picks up with the Bennet family (which consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their two unmarried daughters, Mary and Kitty) traveling to various locations such as Lyme and London. It appears Mrs. Bennet is still determined to marry off her remaining daughters! In London, Mary crosses paths with a brooding and brilliant young man by the name of Victor Frankenstein. Because of her own interest in natural sciences and the intellectual conversations they share, Mary finds herself drawn to Mr. Frankenstein. But what happens when she fully knows and understands the true extent of his work and mission…
SHAMEFUL CONFESSION: I’ve never read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein! So I went into this read with only rough understanding of Frankenstein from plot synopses I read online.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Intriguing Premise: I was on the fence about reading this book, both because I haven’t read Frankenstein and because I don’t usually gravitate towards science-fiction/paranormal reads. But I was intrigued that this story – unlike other paranormal mash-ups that add zombies and vampires – blended two literary classics together. Also, the fact that it focuses primarily on Mary Bennet was a big draw for me. I always love seeing Mary become the heroine of her own tale.
- Mary Bennet: It has been thirteen years since the Netherfield Ball and still Mary marks it as a turning point in her life. I admired so much of Mary’s character in this story – her self-awareness, her modified behavior, her interest in fossils, her romantic ideals, and her devotion to Kitty. Even after spending so long as an unmarried, dependent daughter, I appreciated how Mary still weighed her options and questioned what kind of relationship/future she wants for herself. I also loved Mary’s strength and courage which continue to grow and develop as this story progresses.
- And Kitty Too!: Not only do we see a spotlight on Mary in this story, but we see more of Kitty as well, and their relationship together. While Kitty has not made as admirable a transformation as Mary (she is still a bit self-absorbed and heedless), I appreciated the developments in her story and enjoyed seeing her closer relationship with Mary. Although, part of me finds some of her actions almost a little bit of a stretch.
- Multiple Point-of-Views: I love that this story was told from three perspectives all together – Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature. I enjoyed seeing the internal thoughts and feelings of each character, and I appreciated how the multiple angles of the story led to a better understanding of each character’s different view of the world. I especially enjoyed seeing the Creature’s point-of-view. While Victor Frankenstein vows his creation is an evil, murderous abomination, I felt differently about him. His despair, loneliness, and pain garnered my sympathy and compassion.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Not Quite the Ending I Was Hoping For: SPOILER ALERT! While I appreciated how the ending tied up and fit neatly within the framework of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I was left feeling a little dispirited for our main characters. I wished it all turned out better or happier. However, I can understand wanting to remain true to the events and plot of Frankenstein, but Mary Bennet deserves more in my opinion! 😉 After some hints of the possibility of a relationship, my romantic heart was hoping for another ending. (I would have preferred a more Austen-y resolution!)
CONCLUSION:
While not as romantic a tale as Austenesque readers might wish, Pride and Prometheus is still a stimulating and satisfying adventure that will be sure to delight fans of Frankenstein, gothic fiction, and Mary Bennet! I greatly enjoyed John Kessel’s thoughtfully composed and creative homage to these two literary classics. And it is because of Mr. Kessel’s writing that I am now itching to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for myself!
Austenesque Reviews
Source: Review Copy from Publisher
TYPE OF AUSTENESQUE NOVEL: Pride and Prejudice Sequel, Science Fiction
TIME FRAME: Begins 13 years after the close of Pride and Prejudice
MAIN CHARACTERS: Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, Henry Clerval, the Creature
SYNOPSIS:
A retelling of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and a continuation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice blended together as one. Pride and Prometheus picks up with the Bennet family (which consists of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their two unmarried daughters, Mary and Kitty) traveling to various locations such as Lyme and London. It appears Mrs. Bennet is still determined to marry off her remaining daughters! In London, Mary crosses paths with a brooding and brilliant young man by the name of Victor Frankenstein. Because of her own interest in natural sciences and the intellectual conversations they share, Mary finds herself drawn to Mr. Frankenstein. But what happens when she fully knows and understands the true extent of his work and mission…
SHAMEFUL CONFESSION: I’ve never read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein! So I went into this read with only rough understanding of Frankenstein from plot synopses I read online.
WHAT I LOVED:
- Intriguing Premise: I was on the fence about reading this book, both because I haven’t read Frankenstein and because I don’t usually gravitate towards science-fiction/paranormal reads. But I was intrigued that this story – unlike other paranormal mash-ups that add zombies and vampires – blended two literary classics together. Also, the fact that it focuses primarily on Mary Bennet was a big draw for me. I always love seeing Mary become the heroine of her own tale.
- Mary Bennet: It has been thirteen years since the Netherfield Ball and still Mary marks it as a turning point in her life. I admired so much of Mary’s character in this story – her self-awareness, her modified behavior, her interest in fossils, her romantic ideals, and her devotion to Kitty. Even after spending so long as an unmarried, dependent daughter, I appreciated how Mary still weighed her options and questioned what kind of relationship/future she wants for herself. I also loved Mary’s strength and courage which continue to grow and develop as this story progresses.
- And Kitty Too!: Not only do we see a spotlight on Mary in this story, but we see more of Kitty as well, and their relationship together. While Kitty has not made as admirable a transformation as Mary (she is still a bit self-absorbed and heedless), I appreciated the developments in her story and enjoyed seeing her closer relationship with Mary. Although, part of me finds some of her actions almost a little bit of a stretch.
- Multiple Point-of-Views: I love that this story was told from three perspectives all together – Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature. I enjoyed seeing the internal thoughts and feelings of each character, and I appreciated how the multiple angles of the story led to a better understanding of each character’s different view of the world. I especially enjoyed seeing the Creature’s point-of-view. While Victor Frankenstein vows his creation is an evil, murderous abomination, I felt differently about him. His despair, loneliness, and pain garnered my sympathy and compassion.
WHAT I WASN’T TOO FOND OF:
Not Quite the Ending I Was Hoping For: SPOILER ALERT! While I appreciated how the ending tied up and fit neatly within the framework of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, I was left feeling a little dispirited for our main characters. I wished it all turned out better or happier. However, I can understand wanting to remain true to the events and plot of Frankenstein, but Mary Bennet deserves more in my opinion! 😉 After some hints of the possibility of a relationship, my romantic heart was hoping for another ending. (I would have preferred a more Austen-y resolution!)
CONCLUSION:
While not as romantic a tale as Austenesque readers might wish, Pride and Prometheus is still a stimulating and satisfying adventure that will be sure to delight fans of Frankenstein, gothic fiction, and Mary Bennet! I greatly enjoyed John Kessel’s thoughtfully composed and creative homage to these two literary classics. And it is because of Mr. Kessel’s writing that I am now itching to read Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein for myself!
Austenesque Reviews
January 7, 2025
Somehow this book feels completely believable. Like of course Mary Bennet meets Victor Frankenstein at a ball 10 years after the events of Pride and Prejudice. And of course she gets entangled in the drama with the Creature. Makes total sense!
I was really into the first 85% where it felt like a redemption story for all the characters (even Mrs Bennet!), focusing on how compassion and kindness can repair broken relationships. But yeah, the end went somewhere I didn’t expect (but maybe should have) and left me disappointed.
I was really into the first 85% where it felt like a redemption story for all the characters (even Mrs Bennet!), focusing on how compassion and kindness can repair broken relationships. But yeah, the end went somewhere I didn’t expect (but maybe should have) and left me disappointed.
May 17, 2019
Sure Adam kills people but Victor DESTROYS people
February 24, 2025
A++ Cover!!!
Elevator pitch. Pride and Prejudice meets Frankenstein.
But really there is a large gap of ambiguity in Frankenstein. John Kessel noticed that, and noticed that it takes place shortly after P&P, and thus the idea of this book was born.
This is not the most earth shattering book you will read, but it’s deeply thoughtful. Kessel shows that he knows both texts very very well, and he expands on the themes that are within both.
He also plays with one of the fundamental questions and issues in Mary Shelly’s original novel. Frankenstein’s monster is a monster because he was created by a man and not by a man and a woman. He has no mother or wife figure in his life. This book really looks at that deeply, without corrupting anything about the original.
Great book and I highly recommend it. It reads like a secret history novel (Tim Powers) or reads a little bit like an Into the Woods type of mashup, but it’s excellent. Kessel also knows the language of the time and writes like a current writer would have. This creates a feeling of verisimilitude that makes the book work very well.
Elevator pitch. Pride and Prejudice meets Frankenstein.
But really there is a large gap of ambiguity in Frankenstein. John Kessel noticed that, and noticed that it takes place shortly after P&P, and thus the idea of this book was born.
This is not the most earth shattering book you will read, but it’s deeply thoughtful. Kessel shows that he knows both texts very very well, and he expands on the themes that are within both.
He also plays with one of the fundamental questions and issues in Mary Shelly’s original novel. Frankenstein’s monster is a monster because he was created by a man and not by a man and a woman. He has no mother or wife figure in his life. This book really looks at that deeply, without corrupting anything about the original.
Great book and I highly recommend it. It reads like a secret history novel (Tim Powers) or reads a little bit like an Into the Woods type of mashup, but it’s excellent. Kessel also knows the language of the time and writes like a current writer would have. This creates a feeling of verisimilitude that makes the book work very well.
February 27, 2018
This review and others posted over at
my blog.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Arriving in time for the 200th anniversary of Shelley’s Frankenstein, this mash-up of classics follows Mary Bennet (of Pride and Prejudice fame) as she meets the mysterious Victor Frankenstein at a party. After running into him a few times, she learns his dark secret and meets the monster he’s created. Giving man and monster the benefit of the doubt, Mary hopes the haunted doctor could become more than a casual friend. But the creation of the monster’s bride could test even the long-suffering Mary’s kindness.
I’m game for almost any Austen adaptation or spin-off and I was intrigued by the combination of classics. I went into this book with middling expectations and was rewarded accordingly.
This book started off with lots of promise. Mary and Kitty, often forgotten not only in the original, but in adaptations as well, are finally getting the limelight. I am constantly on the lookout for Mary-centric books, or books that at least make Mary out to be more than a general embarrassment to the family, simply because she’s intelligent, pious and socially awkward (justice for Mary!) I’ve never understood why she can’t be smart, conservative and also a compelling character, rather than an annoying one. Kitty is typically Lydia’s idiot sidekick, following her orders and parroting her actions in an attempt to appeal to the opposite sex.
Mary is a character I want to like. I don’t hate her in the original, but she’s not meant to be endearing (at least, I don’t think she is…) and it’s easy to see why she adds to Lizzy and Jane’s continual embarrassment – though she does so much less often than other family members (cough-Mrs.Bennet-cough). Here, Kessel gives Mary an awareness of her youthful faults that I’ve never encountered before. She realizes she was silly and understands the embarrassment she caused her family with her actions. Approaching spinsterhood, she looks back with regret, but it’s clear she’s matured. However, her family still writes her off and she’s mostly left to care for her parents, who don’t find her all that interesting. This made her very compelling! Kitty is also getting older and bitter at her lack of marriage prospects, especially when she thinks about the offer she passed up. Again, compelling!
However, Mary’s character changes abruptly after meeting Victor. It’s clear she’s interested in him and that’s fine. What’s bothersome is how, as the story progresses, Mary becomes so clearly smitten with Victor that she loses some redeeming qualities. Suddenly she’s making stupid decisions, yet her calm, rational demeanor remains. Had she shown some signs of obsessive thoughts or feelings, maybe her decisions would make sense. But instead I kept scratching my head and wondering aloud at her choices and even her lack of anger at scenes that should have sent someone so intelligent into fits of sadness and anger.
It’s hard to explain without diving head-first into spoiler territory, so I’ll just say that her character development took a nose dive.
There’s also a TON of traveling in this book – I half expected Mary to come across some hobbits on their way to Mount Doom. It was boring and unnecessary. The hardships of her travels really had no lasting effects on her character or the story and could have been summed up in a few pages, rather than several chapters. For instance, after entering an unfamiliar town, Mary is dirty and destitute looking, so she’s accused of lying, locked in a basement overnight, prayed over in the morning and set free once more. The encounter didn’t alter her journey or her character by much and mostly served to get me wondering why someone would bother to lock her up at all if they could have just prayed over her and sent her on her way immediately. Or why not keep her locked up? Maybe report her to the local constabulary? This was all a pointless distraction from the main story.
Or maybe I felt all the travel was pointless because I was pissed at the decline in Mary’s character development and her sudden lack of common sense.
The point of view changes for each chapter puzzled me somewhat as well. Mary’s chapters were told in the third person, but Frankenstein and the monster had first-person perspectives. As a result, Mary’s chapters did stand out, though they had a little less depth when it came to her thoughts. On the flip side, both men felt so similar that I sometimes couldn’t figure out who was speaking until they referred
The ending was lackluster and devoid of emotion. At that point, I wasn’t surprised, but I’d still hoped for a strong finish.
This wasn’t the Mary book I was looking for (justice for Mary, dammit!) It’s not a terrible adaptation and maybe fans of Frankenstein will get more out of it than I did (shhh, I’ve not read that yet). You may also enjoy this if you’re not looking for justice for Mary – maybe as someone who’s never read Pride and Prejudice, or isn’t a diehard fan, this would be more appealing.
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Arriving in time for the 200th anniversary of Shelley’s Frankenstein, this mash-up of classics follows Mary Bennet (of Pride and Prejudice fame) as she meets the mysterious Victor Frankenstein at a party. After running into him a few times, she learns his dark secret and meets the monster he’s created. Giving man and monster the benefit of the doubt, Mary hopes the haunted doctor could become more than a casual friend. But the creation of the monster’s bride could test even the long-suffering Mary’s kindness.
I’m game for almost any Austen adaptation or spin-off and I was intrigued by the combination of classics. I went into this book with middling expectations and was rewarded accordingly.
This book started off with lots of promise. Mary and Kitty, often forgotten not only in the original, but in adaptations as well, are finally getting the limelight. I am constantly on the lookout for Mary-centric books, or books that at least make Mary out to be more than a general embarrassment to the family, simply because she’s intelligent, pious and socially awkward (justice for Mary!) I’ve never understood why she can’t be smart, conservative and also a compelling character, rather than an annoying one. Kitty is typically Lydia’s idiot sidekick, following her orders and parroting her actions in an attempt to appeal to the opposite sex.
Mary is a character I want to like. I don’t hate her in the original, but she’s not meant to be endearing (at least, I don’t think she is…) and it’s easy to see why she adds to Lizzy and Jane’s continual embarrassment – though she does so much less often than other family members (cough-Mrs.Bennet-cough). Here, Kessel gives Mary an awareness of her youthful faults that I’ve never encountered before. She realizes she was silly and understands the embarrassment she caused her family with her actions. Approaching spinsterhood, she looks back with regret, but it’s clear she’s matured. However, her family still writes her off and she’s mostly left to care for her parents, who don’t find her all that interesting. This made her very compelling! Kitty is also getting older and bitter at her lack of marriage prospects, especially when she thinks about the offer she passed up. Again, compelling!
However, Mary’s character changes abruptly after meeting Victor. It’s clear she’s interested in him and that’s fine. What’s bothersome is how, as the story progresses, Mary becomes so clearly smitten with Victor that she loses some redeeming qualities. Suddenly she’s making stupid decisions, yet her calm, rational demeanor remains. Had she shown some signs of obsessive thoughts or feelings, maybe her decisions would make sense. But instead I kept scratching my head and wondering aloud at her choices and even her lack of anger at scenes that should have sent someone so intelligent into fits of sadness and anger.
It’s hard to explain without diving head-first into spoiler territory, so I’ll just say that her character development took a nose dive.
There’s also a TON of traveling in this book – I half expected Mary to come across some hobbits on their way to Mount Doom. It was boring and unnecessary. The hardships of her travels really had no lasting effects on her character or the story and could have been summed up in a few pages, rather than several chapters. For instance, after entering an unfamiliar town, Mary is dirty and destitute looking, so she’s accused of lying, locked in a basement overnight, prayed over in the morning and set free once more. The encounter didn’t alter her journey or her character by much and mostly served to get me wondering why someone would bother to lock her up at all if they could have just prayed over her and sent her on her way immediately. Or why not keep her locked up? Maybe report her to the local constabulary? This was all a pointless distraction from the main story.
Or maybe I felt all the travel was pointless because I was pissed at the decline in Mary’s character development and her sudden lack of common sense.
The point of view changes for each chapter puzzled me somewhat as well. Mary’s chapters were told in the third person, but Frankenstein and the monster had first-person perspectives. As a result, Mary’s chapters did stand out, though they had a little less depth when it came to her thoughts. On the flip side, both men felt so similar that I sometimes couldn’t figure out who was speaking until they referred
The ending was lackluster and devoid of emotion. At that point, I wasn’t surprised, but I’d still hoped for a strong finish.
This wasn’t the Mary book I was looking for (justice for Mary, dammit!) It’s not a terrible adaptation and maybe fans of Frankenstein will get more out of it than I did (shhh, I’ve not read that yet). You may also enjoy this if you’re not looking for justice for Mary – maybe as someone who’s never read Pride and Prejudice, or isn’t a diehard fan, this would be more appealing.
October 26, 2024
Pride and Prometheus reimagines Shelly’s Frankenstein, including Jane Austen’s Mary and Kitty Bennet. Each chapter is written in the style of the appropriate writer and alternates between Mary, Frankenstein, and the creature's POV.
“Which is worse, to be alone, or to be wretchedly mismatched?"
-John Kessel
“Which is worse, to be alone, or to be wretchedly mismatched?"
-John Kessel
July 27, 2020
When I was reading this book's first half or so, I was confused by some of the lower-starred reviews. This is fantastic, I thought! Mr. Bennet saying to Mary Bennet that too much learning makes a woman monstrous! Only for Mary to be confronted by an actual monster in the form of the Creature! Great stuff!
However, this light tone completely ebbs away about a third of the way through the book. After...
Unlike some readers, I'm not terribly bothered by the fact that the original Frankenstein narrative isn't changed. But after a certain point, it's less Pride and Prometheus, and more "a pious middle-aged woman who has been rejected by society as a marital prospect witnesses the events as a third party observer." At the level of a sentence-to use Deborah Yaffe's brilliant phrase to underline the need for fan fiction to well, be good prose fiction-this book is admirably written. There are some interesting observations about how the Creature is forcing a woman to marry him, similar to how women are forced into marriage. But the Pride and Prejudice quality is lost because of the horror of the events, which are narrated so the reader can fully appreciate their physical and emotional weight, without any distanced irony or humor. Furthermore, because Mary is actually observing the events directly, it's much harder on a literary level to feel distanced pity and horror for the Creature, versus in the actual novel where the murders are recounted second or third hand. That Mary Shelley, she knew what she was doing when she was inventing science fiction.
In short, this ends up being a Frankenstein in which we get to know the Creature too well to really sympathize with him, and Mary Bennet is just not psychologically complex enough a character to make up for the fact that the reader knows what is going to happen. She does undergo an emotional change, which is nice, but because the perspectives alternate throughout the book, the arc of her internal journey isn't clear enough to feel fully satisfying.
Despite my criticism, I would recommend the novel despite these reservations, but be aware that the Shelley aspects eventually swallow up the Austen aspects.
However, this light tone completely ebbs away about a third of the way through the book. After...
Unlike some readers, I'm not terribly bothered by the fact that the original Frankenstein narrative isn't changed. But after a certain point, it's less Pride and Prometheus, and more "a pious middle-aged woman who has been rejected by society as a marital prospect witnesses the events as a third party observer." At the level of a sentence-to use Deborah Yaffe's brilliant phrase to underline the need for fan fiction to well, be good prose fiction-this book is admirably written. There are some interesting observations about how the Creature is forcing a woman to marry him, similar to how women are forced into marriage. But the Pride and Prejudice quality is lost because of the horror of the events, which are narrated so the reader can fully appreciate their physical and emotional weight, without any distanced irony or humor. Furthermore, because Mary is actually observing the events directly, it's much harder on a literary level to feel distanced pity and horror for the Creature, versus in the actual novel where the murders are recounted second or third hand. That Mary Shelley, she knew what she was doing when she was inventing science fiction.
In short, this ends up being a Frankenstein in which we get to know the Creature too well to really sympathize with him, and Mary Bennet is just not psychologically complex enough a character to make up for the fact that the reader knows what is going to happen. She does undergo an emotional change, which is nice, but because the perspectives alternate throughout the book, the arc of her internal journey isn't clear enough to feel fully satisfying.
Despite my criticism, I would recommend the novel despite these reservations, but be aware that the Shelley aspects eventually swallow up the Austen aspects.
February 20, 2019
2/20/19:
Edited to 4 stars because the more I thought about this book, the more I realized just how much I enjoyed it, the interweaving of two separate books and a big what if to become Kessel's take on a retelling of sorts.
Being unsure of what was in store for me, I was enjoying that Kessel starts us off with Mary Bennet, that ridiculously serious woman, who is the brunt of most jokes among her own family and fans alike. She is neither beautiful, smart or accomplished and I hate to admit this but normal. I always thought that Austen, if she had wanted to do, could have done more with her as a character but she is the one least mentioned and for that she is a great choice of writers to re-invent and Kessel does it beautifully. He explored her in a way that was realistic of not just the time as the book starts 12 years after P&P but within her scope of character.
Kessel did something very similar with the Shelley's characters as well and while Frankenstein was still a very selfish man, his creation gets the same exploration as the chapters from his perspective were not just within character but also showed another side of him that worked and the idea of these character possibly meeting didn't seem like such a farce.
The book surpassed what my expectation was; it's not just a retelling, nor is is a satire like some others, and it's not a romance like the cover and blurb might indicate. Kessel gave me a thoughtful and somber view into some famous characters and adding depth in his artistic licensing of them.
Edited to 4 stars because the more I thought about this book, the more I realized just how much I enjoyed it, the interweaving of two separate books and a big what if to become Kessel's take on a retelling of sorts.
Being unsure of what was in store for me, I was enjoying that Kessel starts us off with Mary Bennet, that ridiculously serious woman, who is the brunt of most jokes among her own family and fans alike. She is neither beautiful, smart or accomplished and I hate to admit this but normal. I always thought that Austen, if she had wanted to do, could have done more with her as a character but she is the one least mentioned and for that she is a great choice of writers to re-invent and Kessel does it beautifully. He explored her in a way that was realistic of not just the time as the book starts 12 years after P&P but within her scope of character.
Kessel did something very similar with the Shelley's characters as well and while Frankenstein was still a very selfish man, his creation gets the same exploration as the chapters from his perspective were not just within character but also showed another side of him that worked and the idea of these character possibly meeting didn't seem like such a farce.
The book surpassed what my expectation was; it's not just a retelling, nor is is a satire like some others, and it's not a romance like the cover and blurb might indicate. Kessel gave me a thoughtful and somber view into some famous characters and adding depth in his artistic licensing of them.
April 19, 2021
This is an incredible book. Full of mid-nineteenth century struggles. On the surface it’s a mashup of Pride and Prejudice and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, books I’ve studied, read, re-read and loved.
In this novel, twelve years after the events of Pride and Prejudice, Mary Bennet is 32 and unmarried and Kitty Bennet is almost 30 and likewise unmarried. Mrs Bennet is still trying to match her daughters with suitable husbands. So they go to London for balls and parties.
Mary Bennet is still very plain but has matured in her understanding of humans and morality. She shows a keen interest in fossil and natural sciences. Kitty is still beautiful and loves dancing and parties. In London, Mary meets Victor Frankenstein, they converse easily, each finding the other attractive and interesting. And then events move forward in a riveting way...
Unconventional. This novel is told in the third person from Mary’s point of view and in the first person from Victor Frankenstein’s point of view, and first person from the Creature’s (self-named Adam) perspective. It’s an absorbing story of Pride, prejudice, and ...
If I say more, I’ll give it away. It’s a bittersweet novel in the very best way. I loved seeing Mary Bennet have her adventures and to thrive at the end. Most satisfactory
In this novel, twelve years after the events of Pride and Prejudice, Mary Bennet is 32 and unmarried and Kitty Bennet is almost 30 and likewise unmarried. Mrs Bennet is still trying to match her daughters with suitable husbands. So they go to London for balls and parties.
Mary Bennet is still very plain but has matured in her understanding of humans and morality. She shows a keen interest in fossil and natural sciences. Kitty is still beautiful and loves dancing and parties. In London, Mary meets Victor Frankenstein, they converse easily, each finding the other attractive and interesting. And then events move forward in a riveting way...
Unconventional. This novel is told in the third person from Mary’s point of view and in the first person from Victor Frankenstein’s point of view, and first person from the Creature’s (self-named Adam) perspective. It’s an absorbing story of Pride, prejudice, and ...
If I say more, I’ll give it away. It’s a bittersweet novel in the very best way. I loved seeing Mary Bennet have her adventures and to thrive at the end. Most satisfactory
October 31, 2021
In this Pride & Prejudice sequel thirteen years have passed, and Mary and Catherine Bennet are still living at Longbourn. But Kitty has not given up hope of marriage and to that end they attend a ball in town where Mary meets Victor Frankenstein. As their story unfolds we have the tale from the point of view of Mary Bennet, Victor Frankenstein, and the Creature.
A very enjoyable and satisfying well-written story even if the ending was not what I hoped for.
A very enjoyable and satisfying well-written story even if the ending was not what I hoped for.
May 8, 2022
I ended up really enjoying this mashup of
Frankenstein
and
Pride & Prejudice
.
FRC
FRC
May 16, 2018
What if Mary Bennett, Elizabeth Bennett’s younger sister from Pride and Prejudice, encountered Victor Frankenstein at a social event in London? What if, upon meeting Victor, the serious and studious Mary became quite taken with the withdrawn, troubled, and also quite brilliant, Frankenstein? What would happen? This is the question entertainingly explored by John Kessel in his new novel Pride and Prometheus.
Mary Bennett and her younger sister, Kitty, are both beginning to realize that their chances of finding a suitable husband are dwindling rapidly. While Mary prefers to spend time with her books and studies, their mother continues to insist that both young women keep availing themselves of every opportunity open to them to meet a suitor, and that means attending every party or ball to which they are invited while visiting London. On a particularly dark and stormy night, at yet another social gathering, Mary encounters a handsome young man named Victor Frankenstein. He is quiet but intelligent and seems interested in talking with Mary as an equal about her intellectual pursuits. Mary feels drawn to him, even though she senses there is something wrong that he isn’t telling her. What is this secret that he is hiding? Is it possible that, even with his secrets, Victor Frankenstein may be the man to save Mary from a future of spinsterhood?
In Pride and Prometheus, award-winning author John Kessel takes two well-known and loved stories and blends them expertly. The title, Pride and Prometheus, tells readers everything they need to know because the book is exactly what it appears to be: a continuation of the lives of the characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice into the time frame of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, allowing the characters to meet, interact and influence each other’s narratives. The story is split between three perspectives: those of Mary Bennett, Victor Frankenstein, and his creation. The characters from Pride and Prejudice will seem familiar to readers of Austen as they embark on this new adventure, while readers of Shelley’s Frankenstein will find new perspectives and explanations about events detailed in the original novel.
Readers of either or both of the original novels will find interesting twists and turns to familiar plots provided by Kessel’s crafty integration of the two stories. The result is incredibly entertaining, while also maintaining a thoughtful, introspective quality about the world and culture of 19th century Europe, and the issues raised in Shelley’s groundbreaking work. Pride and Prometheus is contemplative, compelling and delightful, and it is a must read for fans of Austen and Shelley.
Reviewed by Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library
Mary Bennett and her younger sister, Kitty, are both beginning to realize that their chances of finding a suitable husband are dwindling rapidly. While Mary prefers to spend time with her books and studies, their mother continues to insist that both young women keep availing themselves of every opportunity open to them to meet a suitor, and that means attending every party or ball to which they are invited while visiting London. On a particularly dark and stormy night, at yet another social gathering, Mary encounters a handsome young man named Victor Frankenstein. He is quiet but intelligent and seems interested in talking with Mary as an equal about her intellectual pursuits. Mary feels drawn to him, even though she senses there is something wrong that he isn’t telling her. What is this secret that he is hiding? Is it possible that, even with his secrets, Victor Frankenstein may be the man to save Mary from a future of spinsterhood?
In Pride and Prometheus, award-winning author John Kessel takes two well-known and loved stories and blends them expertly. The title, Pride and Prometheus, tells readers everything they need to know because the book is exactly what it appears to be: a continuation of the lives of the characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice into the time frame of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, allowing the characters to meet, interact and influence each other’s narratives. The story is split between three perspectives: those of Mary Bennett, Victor Frankenstein, and his creation. The characters from Pride and Prejudice will seem familiar to readers of Austen as they embark on this new adventure, while readers of Shelley’s Frankenstein will find new perspectives and explanations about events detailed in the original novel.
Readers of either or both of the original novels will find interesting twists and turns to familiar plots provided by Kessel’s crafty integration of the two stories. The result is incredibly entertaining, while also maintaining a thoughtful, introspective quality about the world and culture of 19th century Europe, and the issues raised in Shelley’s groundbreaking work. Pride and Prometheus is contemplative, compelling and delightful, and it is a must read for fans of Austen and Shelley.
Reviewed by Daryl M., Librarian, West Valley Regional Branch Library
May 8, 2018
I'm not sure what I was expecting from this odd but brilliant mash-up, but I will say it met most of my expectations. It managed to be true to both source materials and have its own voice as well. I would definitely recommend it.
February 2, 2024
Three and a half stars
This is a sequel both to Frankenstein as well as Pride and Prejudice. It captures the tone and historical period admirably and draws all the characters realistically. The story itself is not light and deals with tragedy and loss but is also compassionate to its various viewpoints.
This is a sequel both to Frankenstein as well as Pride and Prejudice. It captures the tone and historical period admirably and draws all the characters realistically. The story itself is not light and deals with tragedy and loss but is also compassionate to its various viewpoints.
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July 12, 2024Enjoyed it . Not ready for rating
March 9, 2018
I enjoyed this. There was clearly a good deal of thought behind it, and it was respectfully done.
The alternating POVs and switching back and forth from first person to third was jarring at first, but I got used to it once I was immersed in the story. The Mary Bennet chapters were my favorites. I liked how the author imagined Mary might be in her thirties, her regrets and her personal growth.
I’ve read Pride and Prejudice a lot more recently than I’ve read Frankenstein, but I think it’s fair to say Kessel did a fine job marrying the two.
The alternating POVs and switching back and forth from first person to third was jarring at first, but I got used to it once I was immersed in the story. The Mary Bennet chapters were my favorites. I liked how the author imagined Mary might be in her thirties, her regrets and her personal growth.
I’ve read Pride and Prejudice a lot more recently than I’ve read Frankenstein, but I think it’s fair to say Kessel did a fine job marrying the two.
March 17, 2020
This book was a terrible letdown.
The premise had me unbelievably excited. A crossover of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein, involving Mary Bennet and Frankenstein, is such a FUN, fascinating idea--with a lot riding on it, since Mary Shelley and Jane Austen are two of the most brilliant female writers of all time. When I excitedly picked it up at the library, I noticed it was written by a male writer, and this gave me pause. Both Shelley and Austen have a lot to say about women's roles in society and toxic masculinity and I wondered if a male writer could do them justice. I felt strongly that a female writer should've tackled this imagining, but I was willing to give Kessel a shot.
Unfortunately, my early instincts were right.
The trick with combining two stories is that the two stories need to DO something to each other. They need to create a new animal, so to speak. When you build dynamic relationships between Mary Bennet and Frankenstein's monster and Frankenstein himself, and then they fizzle out and do literally nothing to shift the endings of the story, you've created something of a pointless narrative. There were additions I enjoyed--references to Mary in a queer relationship with a woman at the end of the story, references to an erotic relationship between Frankenstein and Clerval (which I always suspected). But Kessel seemed to have a habit of going up to the precipice of interesting ideas and then just backing away from them really quickly and never returning. I was disappointed and disheartened that the resolution of Frankenstein and his monster remained exactly the same, especially considering the fact that if his monster had had a friend like Mary, his character would have turned out vastly different.
My deepest regret is that this concept could have been so dark and fun but it is relegated to a mediocre story by a male writer who should have written something else.
The premise had me unbelievably excited. A crossover of Pride and Prejudice and Frankenstein, involving Mary Bennet and Frankenstein, is such a FUN, fascinating idea--with a lot riding on it, since Mary Shelley and Jane Austen are two of the most brilliant female writers of all time. When I excitedly picked it up at the library, I noticed it was written by a male writer, and this gave me pause. Both Shelley and Austen have a lot to say about women's roles in society and toxic masculinity and I wondered if a male writer could do them justice. I felt strongly that a female writer should've tackled this imagining, but I was willing to give Kessel a shot.
Unfortunately, my early instincts were right.
The trick with combining two stories is that the two stories need to DO something to each other. They need to create a new animal, so to speak. When you build dynamic relationships between Mary Bennet and Frankenstein's monster and Frankenstein himself, and then they fizzle out and do literally nothing to shift the endings of the story, you've created something of a pointless narrative. There were additions I enjoyed--references to Mary in a queer relationship with a woman at the end of the story, references to an erotic relationship between Frankenstein and Clerval (which I always suspected). But Kessel seemed to have a habit of going up to the precipice of interesting ideas and then just backing away from them really quickly and never returning. I was disappointed and disheartened that the resolution of Frankenstein and his monster remained exactly the same, especially considering the fact that if his monster had had a friend like Mary, his character would have turned out vastly different.
My deepest regret is that this concept could have been so dark and fun but it is relegated to a mediocre story by a male writer who should have written something else.
February 7, 2018
(Disclaimer: I received this free book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
I have always been fascinated with these two stories in different ways. Frankenstein was the first time I ever read about a 'cyborg'. I always felt bad for Mary from Pride and Prejudice. The plot was wonderful, not only because it was a retelling, but it retained the original backbones of the stories, while bringing a pretty strong grasp of what ways it would deviate. Kessel brings a more explicitly feminist lens to this book by including discussions of agency, responsibility, and interacts with the Creature in a more substantial way.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
I have always been fascinated with these two stories in different ways. Frankenstein was the first time I ever read about a 'cyborg'. I always felt bad for Mary from Pride and Prejudice. The plot was wonderful, not only because it was a retelling, but it retained the original backbones of the stories, while bringing a pretty strong grasp of what ways it would deviate. Kessel brings a more explicitly feminist lens to this book by including discussions of agency, responsibility, and interacts with the Creature in a more substantial way.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
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November 8, 2018Lately there seems to be several books taking liberty with characters from classic novels…some with zombies, some with sea creatures, you get the picture. Now we have a mash-up of Frankenstein with Pride and Prejudice, and I admit having enjoyed it! Many know the happy endings for Elizabeth and Jane Bennett, and the marriage of Lydia to Mr. Wickham, but whatever became of Kitty and Mary? In Kessel’s tale, Mary seems to be settling toward her station in life as spinster, indulging in her interest of science and nature- particularly her love of fossils. Her path crosses with Victor Frankenstein one evening at a ball (naturally). He’s under pressure to provide a bride for his creature…but where will the female body come from this time? – Sara Z.
May 5, 2018
Simply masterful. Kessel manages to very aptly channel the narrative voices of Mary Shelley and Jane Austen into a phenomenal imaginative leap. Calling this novel a mashup does it incredible disservice, and knowing beforehand the stories of Pride and Prejudice and of Frankenstein does nothing to diminish the tension that ratchets ever higher as our three protagonists hurtle toward inevitability in Scotland. One of Kessel’s best.
September 21, 2017
Really, really well done! If you are a fan of Pride and Prejudice and/or Mary Shelley's Frankenstein you will take great pleasure in this novel that combines the two so that Mary Bennett becomes the prime character in pursuit of Victor Frankenstein's love and regard. Throughout one must question what makes a person human and what defines a monster. Can't wait for this to publish!
June 16, 2018
At first glance this probably looks like another high concept mashup of classics, but it has little in common with Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It's perhaps closer to a recombined sequel, acknowledging and incorporating the vastly different styles of Shelley and Austen. It's also much more, allowing an examination of self and gender and power and privilege against a familiar backdrop.
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