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Following Frankenstein
A brilliantly-conceived and hugely imaginative ‘sequel’ to Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, Following Frankenstein is a hugely exciting and beautifully-written historical adventure, perfect for 9-12 year olds.
Sometimes I was jealous of the monster of Frankenstein. I grew up believing my father cared more for him than he did for me. And was I wrong?
Maggie Walton’s father has dedicated his life to a single pursuit: hunting down the monster created by Victor Frankenstein. It has cost Maggie and her family everything – and now her father is staking everything on one last voyage to the Arctic, with Maggie secretly in tow, where he hopes to find the monster at last.
But there they make a shocking discovery: Frankenstein’s monster has a son…
A breath-taking, epic adventure, spanning the icy wastes of the Arctic Tundra to the vaudeville circus of New York, from the award-winning author of No Ballet Shoes in Syria and Another Twist in the Tale.
Sometimes I was jealous of the monster of Frankenstein. I grew up believing my father cared more for him than he did for me. And was I wrong?
Maggie Walton’s father has dedicated his life to a single pursuit: hunting down the monster created by Victor Frankenstein. It has cost Maggie and her family everything – and now her father is staking everything on one last voyage to the Arctic, with Maggie secretly in tow, where he hopes to find the monster at last.
But there they make a shocking discovery: Frankenstein’s monster has a son…
A breath-taking, epic adventure, spanning the icy wastes of the Arctic Tundra to the vaudeville circus of New York, from the award-winning author of No Ballet Shoes in Syria and Another Twist in the Tale.
272 pages, Paperback
First published October 7, 2021
4 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Bruton
17 books49 followersI live just outside Bath with my husband, Jonny, and my two children (plus two toy monkeys, six goldfish and we’re hoping to get some chickens!). I teach English two days a week at a local secondary school. I also write articles for newspapers and magazines. Oh, and I write novels too!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 7, 2021
Frankenstein has always had a special place in my reading experience, so as soon as I saw the title I was hooked.
Maggie Walton is the daughter of a man obsessed with Frankenstein’s creation, a man who has brought the family to nothing in his pursuit of the infamous monster. Maggie and her pet mouse, Victor, have grown up with stories of the search for Frankenstein’s creation. So, when her father decides to try one last time to find him, Maggie decides to stow away.
Her journey involves characters from many literary tales. Each plays their part in guiding Maggie to a journey that could not be believed in her wildest imaginings. A journey that involves the son of Frankenstein’s creation.
This was a story that took us through numerous landscapes, and which had - at its heart - the message to look beyond superficial differences and to value people for who they are. For a Frankenstein fan it was a real treat, but I think it could inspire new readers to dip their toes into Shelley’s world.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication.
Maggie Walton is the daughter of a man obsessed with Frankenstein’s creation, a man who has brought the family to nothing in his pursuit of the infamous monster. Maggie and her pet mouse, Victor, have grown up with stories of the search for Frankenstein’s creation. So, when her father decides to try one last time to find him, Maggie decides to stow away.
Her journey involves characters from many literary tales. Each plays their part in guiding Maggie to a journey that could not be believed in her wildest imaginings. A journey that involves the son of Frankenstein’s creation.
This was a story that took us through numerous landscapes, and which had - at its heart - the message to look beyond superficial differences and to value people for who they are. For a Frankenstein fan it was a real treat, but I think it could inspire new readers to dip their toes into Shelley’s world.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for allowing me to read this before publication.
August 8, 2021
This was not for me, at all. I’m a huge fan of Frankenstein and I have been since I read it for A-level, but I can’t see how a kid in the 9-12 range, which this is aimed at, could enjoy this book. The author mashes up several classic fiction characters from distinctly adult books - what 9 year old would be familiar enough with Moby Dick or The Last of the Mohicans to enjoy the references? Certainly not me, and I’m someone who loved 1984 at the age of 11. And as an adult, the mix of fictional and historical anachronisms (which the author lampshades in the acknowledgements) annoyed me, and I found the overt moral of ‘not judging others’ and ‘being kind’ to be enormously preachy, to the point where I couldn’t enjoy the adventure because I knew there was going to be a ton of moralising any second. I just didn’t enjoy this at all.
October 21, 2022
I've read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley more than any other book. Doing a literature degree with a significant focus on Romantic literature meant that I studied the book every single year of my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I love it. I don't think I could ever get sick of the story of a scientist trying to play God and realising how out of his depth he really is. I've read it so many times that I had to take a break from it. That hasn't stopped me from picking up books that were inspired by Shelley's novel. Not all of them work, but some are well worth a read.
Catherine Bruton's middle-grade novel doesn't rewrite the original story but asks what happened next. Maggie Walton is the daughter of Robert Walton, the explorer who listens to Victor Frankenstein's story in Mary Shelley's book. Since meeting the famed scientist, Walton has become obsessed with finding the monster and it has cost him his family. When her father announces that he is chasing the monster once more, Maggie stows away on the boat. What will she find on her journey and will she be able to get her father back?
It's clear that Catherine Bruton is a fan of Frankenstein and plenty of other classic tales. Following Frankenstein is littered with references and in-jokes for fans. Among the literature mentioned are Moby Dick and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It also takes us from London to the Arctic and then to New York. We also find ourselves in a circus freak show and on the Underground Railroad. It's safe to say that there's a lot going on here. Perhaps too much. The main story just gets lost and I found myself getting bored. We never got to grips with anything that Bruton introduces because she moves on so quickly.
The pacing of this book is so strange. It starts off really slowly but then races through to the end. If I'd read this as a child, I wouldn't have finished it. The opening just wouldn't have grabbed my attention and I wouldn't have wasted my time. Even as an adult I had to push myself to finish it. This is so stuffed with historical, literary and even pop culture references that the main story becomes really flimsy. There's a lack of characterisation here. I just didn't really care about the characters that much. Considering the original novel did such a good job of making the unlovable seem so loveable, it's a huge shame.
However, I guess there is some fun here. Maggie has a cute mouse sidekick and there are some interesting characters. Maybe a younger reader would prefer this frenetic pace? Certainly, the narrative keeps moving forward in a way that could suggest excitement. I just don't think this reads like a children's book. It's stuffed so full of references that younger readers won't get, which leaves them with very little to enjoy. It's not the kind of book I would have enjoyed at that age.
Catherine Bruton's middle-grade novel doesn't rewrite the original story but asks what happened next. Maggie Walton is the daughter of Robert Walton, the explorer who listens to Victor Frankenstein's story in Mary Shelley's book. Since meeting the famed scientist, Walton has become obsessed with finding the monster and it has cost him his family. When her father announces that he is chasing the monster once more, Maggie stows away on the boat. What will she find on her journey and will she be able to get her father back?
It's clear that Catherine Bruton is a fan of Frankenstein and plenty of other classic tales. Following Frankenstein is littered with references and in-jokes for fans. Among the literature mentioned are Moby Dick and The Rime of the Ancient Mariner. It also takes us from London to the Arctic and then to New York. We also find ourselves in a circus freak show and on the Underground Railroad. It's safe to say that there's a lot going on here. Perhaps too much. The main story just gets lost and I found myself getting bored. We never got to grips with anything that Bruton introduces because she moves on so quickly.
The pacing of this book is so strange. It starts off really slowly but then races through to the end. If I'd read this as a child, I wouldn't have finished it. The opening just wouldn't have grabbed my attention and I wouldn't have wasted my time. Even as an adult I had to push myself to finish it. This is so stuffed with historical, literary and even pop culture references that the main story becomes really flimsy. There's a lack of characterisation here. I just didn't really care about the characters that much. Considering the original novel did such a good job of making the unlovable seem so loveable, it's a huge shame.
However, I guess there is some fun here. Maggie has a cute mouse sidekick and there are some interesting characters. Maybe a younger reader would prefer this frenetic pace? Certainly, the narrative keeps moving forward in a way that could suggest excitement. I just don't think this reads like a children's book. It's stuffed so full of references that younger readers won't get, which leaves them with very little to enjoy. It's not the kind of book I would have enjoyed at that age.
dnf
May 17, 2022DNF @ page 120
I really don't like DNFing books and generally try to finish it even if I'm not enjoying it. But with this one, I just wasn't invested at all and the thought of reading another 150 pages of it was NOT appealing.
I really tried to like this, but it was all so LACKLUSTER. The characters, the writing, the plot- it was all really bland. It skipped over long periods of time often with very little description and this really irritated me. The writing was also FAR too simple, with basically no descriptions which made it very boring to read.
I really can't see how the author who wrote this and the author who wrote No Ballet Shoes in Syria and Another Twist in the Tale is the same person. Both of those books were really sweet and fun, but this one just didn't work for me. :(
Overall, it had a great idea but a bad execution. Even though I don't like DNFing books, I'm not interested enough to continue reading. So disappointed this didn't work out. :(
I really don't like DNFing books and generally try to finish it even if I'm not enjoying it. But with this one, I just wasn't invested at all and the thought of reading another 150 pages of it was NOT appealing.
I really tried to like this, but it was all so LACKLUSTER. The characters, the writing, the plot- it was all really bland. It skipped over long periods of time often with very little description and this really irritated me. The writing was also FAR too simple, with basically no descriptions which made it very boring to read.
I really can't see how the author who wrote this and the author who wrote No Ballet Shoes in Syria and Another Twist in the Tale is the same person. Both of those books were really sweet and fun, but this one just didn't work for me. :(
Overall, it had a great idea but a bad execution. Even though I don't like DNFing books, I'm not interested enough to continue reading. So disappointed this didn't work out. :(
November 18, 2021
I’ve hit a bit of a slump with my reading and so I’ve decided to read a few middle grade novels to get back on track. When I taught in Year 6, I loved reading children’s fiction and our English curriculum was, and still is, based around whole class texts. I’ve missed reading middle grade novels and so I was delighted to get a copy of Following Frankenstein through #netgalley from @nosycrow to read and review.
The story follows young Maggie, who has just lost her beloved Aunt and whose father has been ruined by years of searching for the creature of Frankenstein, after a fateful encounter with the scientist and his creature in the Arctic. He’s lost his reputation and his fortune and Maggie feels further away her father than she ever has. At her Aunt’s funeral, Maggie’s father is approached by a stranger, Count Florenzo - a man of science, or so he seems - who wishes to fund a new expedition to find the creature of Frankenstein. Of course Maggie’s father is fuelled by promises of riches beyond his wildest dreams and agrees to take part in the expedition. Maggie knows there is only one thing for it - she has to follow him. But where will it lead? What will they discover and who will they find?
I really enjoyed reading this story and couldn’t put it down. The opening line had me hooked and I wanted to find out what happened. I loved that this was a sequel to Frankenstein and how the story intertwined lots of different story ideas. It made me think of The Greatest Showman in parts. It’s a story that celebrates friendships and standing up for what you believe in and how we must all be inclusive and celebrate differences. The authors note acknowledgment at the end of the book was a very interesting read too. Her passion for the novel really comes across and it was interesting to read how she was inspired to write it. She explains that this story is one about neurodiversity and disability and one that she hopes 'celebrates diversity, challenges discrimination- and encourages young readers to do the same'.
The story follows young Maggie, who has just lost her beloved Aunt and whose father has been ruined by years of searching for the creature of Frankenstein, after a fateful encounter with the scientist and his creature in the Arctic. He’s lost his reputation and his fortune and Maggie feels further away her father than she ever has. At her Aunt’s funeral, Maggie’s father is approached by a stranger, Count Florenzo - a man of science, or so he seems - who wishes to fund a new expedition to find the creature of Frankenstein. Of course Maggie’s father is fuelled by promises of riches beyond his wildest dreams and agrees to take part in the expedition. Maggie knows there is only one thing for it - she has to follow him. But where will it lead? What will they discover and who will they find?
I really enjoyed reading this story and couldn’t put it down. The opening line had me hooked and I wanted to find out what happened. I loved that this was a sequel to Frankenstein and how the story intertwined lots of different story ideas. It made me think of The Greatest Showman in parts. It’s a story that celebrates friendships and standing up for what you believe in and how we must all be inclusive and celebrate differences. The authors note acknowledgment at the end of the book was a very interesting read too. Her passion for the novel really comes across and it was interesting to read how she was inspired to write it. She explains that this story is one about neurodiversity and disability and one that she hopes 'celebrates diversity, challenges discrimination- and encourages young readers to do the same'.
September 12, 2021
Wow! So I was initially drawn to this book because of the futile ‘Following Frankenstein’ , as a book lover I was intrigued. This story utilises characters from literature in order to tell the story of Frankenstein’s monster’s son and a girl called Maggie, her little mouse Victor and her fathers obsession over finding the monster.
I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did, the literary references are always a bonus but I loved how the author made them her own. We see how Maggie has become incredibly lonely after her fathers obsession with Frankenstein’s monster has led them to the artic. This story talks about so many topics and has so much depth to it, you are rooting for the main characters but also anxious to see the ‘bad guys’ get what they deserve.
This book is gritty and has some heartbreaking moments but also tells the story of those who often seen as ‘monsters’ in such an important way. We see how the story takes a life of its own, featuring circuses, native Americans and references to Moby Dick. Honestly, after reading this book I think I appreciate it even more. A great story that tackles important topics in a beautiful literary way.
I would also like to note that it is not often I read acknowledgments and give them so much attention but they were such an important part of this book and you can tell the author really cares and is passion about the message her story portrays. She thanks young carers, she’d light in disability and neurodiversity and the whole idea of ‘otherness’ and how people are excluded and ostracised for being different. This book may be aimed at 9-12 year olds but I think it’s reach is much further than that. I could see this a great book to study alongside Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, a mirror of her story with the context of today inspiring a new generation to be enamoured with the beautiful and heartbreaking tale.
I honestly didn’t think I would have so much to say about this book, but as I said… I think this book has so many more levels that just the words on the page. A fantastic read and thank you to Netgalley for sharing this book with me for an honest review.
I wasn’t expecting to love this book as much as I did, the literary references are always a bonus but I loved how the author made them her own. We see how Maggie has become incredibly lonely after her fathers obsession with Frankenstein’s monster has led them to the artic. This story talks about so many topics and has so much depth to it, you are rooting for the main characters but also anxious to see the ‘bad guys’ get what they deserve.
This book is gritty and has some heartbreaking moments but also tells the story of those who often seen as ‘monsters’ in such an important way. We see how the story takes a life of its own, featuring circuses, native Americans and references to Moby Dick. Honestly, after reading this book I think I appreciate it even more. A great story that tackles important topics in a beautiful literary way.
I would also like to note that it is not often I read acknowledgments and give them so much attention but they were such an important part of this book and you can tell the author really cares and is passion about the message her story portrays. She thanks young carers, she’d light in disability and neurodiversity and the whole idea of ‘otherness’ and how people are excluded and ostracised for being different. This book may be aimed at 9-12 year olds but I think it’s reach is much further than that. I could see this a great book to study alongside Mary Shelley’s masterpiece, a mirror of her story with the context of today inspiring a new generation to be enamoured with the beautiful and heartbreaking tale.
I honestly didn’t think I would have so much to say about this book, but as I said… I think this book has so many more levels that just the words on the page. A fantastic read and thank you to Netgalley for sharing this book with me for an honest review.
September 2, 2023
Aw man…….
October 15, 2023
It’s not as bad as The Dark Descent Of Elizabeth Frankenstein or Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match, but it’s not good.
The pacing is slow, the timeline is a mess and I didn’t like a single character. And the climax was terrible.
The pacing is slow, the timeline is a mess and I didn’t like a single character. And the climax was terrible.
February 1, 2022
Maggie knows the story of Frankenstein off by heat, and now entertains the poverty stricken dock children, match sellers and strays with it. How does she know this story so well? Her father has been obsessed by Victor Frankenstein’s monster much of Maggie’s life. So much so in fact, he has followed it to the ends of the Earth, spending every last penny and sending their family into poverty themselves.
Maggie believes her father loves the monster more than he loves her, his hunger to find it consuming anything he may have left. When a rich gentleman appears with an offer to fund another expedition to the Arctic where the monster was last seen, Maggie’s father leaps at the chance, despite not have fully recovered from the last failed one.
Despite being boarded with strangers in turn for work while her father is on another hunt, Maggie is determined to go with him on his lengthy voyage. She’s not going to let him out of her sight for another 3 years!
What they find is unexpected, and for Maggie most of all. The Monster is nowhere to be seen, but the locals know where his son is…
Maggie’s father’s obsession does not wane, but the danger cranks up further and further as they continue his quest. Maggie wants her father back, and the monster boy feels the same about his own. But there is another man simmering with an evil revenge. Will the Frankenstein name ever bring peace?
I’ve been a fan of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, for most of my life, and enjoy any spin offs from it, including this one for 9-14 yr olds. The main building blocks of the original story are still there but Frankenstein has gone on to have a son with an English woman. This boy is huge just like his father and immediately misunderstood because of it.
The author wanted to look further into the Frankenstein story, seeing him as different, misunderstood, with much prejudice and malice within it. Circus performers seen and marketed as freaks for everyone’s mirth and exploitation are also involved in Following Frankenstein, as are other characters, seen as not ‘normal’ according to the times.
This story allows at least one of these characters to finally live their lives without scrutiny, judgement, control or misunderstanding, letting them be themselves – as we all should be allowed to be.
Author – Catherine Bruton
Age – 9+
Maggie believes her father loves the monster more than he loves her, his hunger to find it consuming anything he may have left. When a rich gentleman appears with an offer to fund another expedition to the Arctic where the monster was last seen, Maggie’s father leaps at the chance, despite not have fully recovered from the last failed one.
Despite being boarded with strangers in turn for work while her father is on another hunt, Maggie is determined to go with him on his lengthy voyage. She’s not going to let him out of her sight for another 3 years!
What they find is unexpected, and for Maggie most of all. The Monster is nowhere to be seen, but the locals know where his son is…
Maggie’s father’s obsession does not wane, but the danger cranks up further and further as they continue his quest. Maggie wants her father back, and the monster boy feels the same about his own. But there is another man simmering with an evil revenge. Will the Frankenstein name ever bring peace?
I’ve been a fan of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, for most of my life, and enjoy any spin offs from it, including this one for 9-14 yr olds. The main building blocks of the original story are still there but Frankenstein has gone on to have a son with an English woman. This boy is huge just like his father and immediately misunderstood because of it.
The author wanted to look further into the Frankenstein story, seeing him as different, misunderstood, with much prejudice and malice within it. Circus performers seen and marketed as freaks for everyone’s mirth and exploitation are also involved in Following Frankenstein, as are other characters, seen as not ‘normal’ according to the times.
This story allows at least one of these characters to finally live their lives without scrutiny, judgement, control or misunderstanding, letting them be themselves – as we all should be allowed to be.
Author – Catherine Bruton
Age – 9+
September 24, 2021
One of the most gripping openings I have read - the words of the prologue filled me with suspense and a small amount of fear. The seed that something terrible was going to happen was planted and I desperately wanted to read on to find out just what that might be.
Maggie’s father has a dangerous obsession with finding Frankenstein’s monster. Having once seen it he has squandered what money they had in a cursed quest to find it again. When a strange man appears at her Aunt’s graveside Maggie is instantly suspicious.
Her suspicion is well founded and she soon finds her father back on his ill fated quest.
Stowing away in a last ditch attempt to save her father - Maggie meets Ishmael the ships Captain who also claims to have seen the creature. Together he promises they will steer her father back home safely - but is that possible or has he been lost to deeply?
I truly felt for Maggie when they learnt of the monsters child. How many wanted it dead because ‘it had killed its own mother’. The parallel to her own life - losing her mother in childbirth, a father who abandoned her, living in a place where she didn’t truly belong. My heart ached as I read those pages - feeling the pain that Maggie must have felt and her pleas to leave this poor child be.
This book also looks at the slave trade and the Underground Railroad. Depicted respectfully but with the reality still there to allow readers to understand the life that slaves lead.
Throughout the story there are many dangers but equally there are many moments of hope and kindness.
This is a story about acceptance of those who are different from ourselves and finding family.
Maggie and Kata are helped by many unlikely allies throughout the book and despite the moments of horror and pain, ultimately I was left with a feeling of hope and joy.
Trigger warnings: loss of parents, harming others, slavery
Maggie’s father has a dangerous obsession with finding Frankenstein’s monster. Having once seen it he has squandered what money they had in a cursed quest to find it again. When a strange man appears at her Aunt’s graveside Maggie is instantly suspicious.
Her suspicion is well founded and she soon finds her father back on his ill fated quest.
Stowing away in a last ditch attempt to save her father - Maggie meets Ishmael the ships Captain who also claims to have seen the creature. Together he promises they will steer her father back home safely - but is that possible or has he been lost to deeply?
I truly felt for Maggie when they learnt of the monsters child. How many wanted it dead because ‘it had killed its own mother’. The parallel to her own life - losing her mother in childbirth, a father who abandoned her, living in a place where she didn’t truly belong. My heart ached as I read those pages - feeling the pain that Maggie must have felt and her pleas to leave this poor child be.
This book also looks at the slave trade and the Underground Railroad. Depicted respectfully but with the reality still there to allow readers to understand the life that slaves lead.
Throughout the story there are many dangers but equally there are many moments of hope and kindness.
This is a story about acceptance of those who are different from ourselves and finding family.
Maggie and Kata are helped by many unlikely allies throughout the book and despite the moments of horror and pain, ultimately I was left with a feeling of hope and joy.
Trigger warnings: loss of parents, harming others, slavery
October 13, 2021
First, I feel the need to mention the acknowledgements at the end of this book. I must admit, I don’t often read them in books but I really felt the urge once I had finished Following Frankenstein as I just wasn’t ready to let this book go! I am so glad I did. Catherine Bruton’s acknowledgement was very insightful and added more meaning to an already wonderful story.
I think the thing which struck me the most in Following Frankenstein was Bruton’s fantastic use of language, she has a great way with words which allows a reader to clearly imagine characters as well as action. Bruton’s writing will allow your vocabulary to grow as she uses a range of interesting but well-chosen words throughout the book.
The story is told by a girl called Maggie. She lives with her dad, who has been obsessed with Frankenstein’s monster for as long as she can remember; Maggie often wonders if he loves the monster more than he loves her. When the opportunity arises for Maggie’s father to hunt for Frankenstein’s monster, he goes for it but this time Maggie decides she is not being left behind. What follows is an adventure, which Maggie didn’t quite expect, but one she and her dad ultimately really benefit from.
Following Frankenstein is a story about not being accepted by people around you and if you enjoyed watching The Greatest Showman, this story will definitely resonate with you. I also think fans of Katherine Rundell and Emma Carroll will enjoy it. I will certainly be seeking out more of the Catherine Bruton books to add to my class library as well as adding Following Frankenstein.
I think the thing which struck me the most in Following Frankenstein was Bruton’s fantastic use of language, she has a great way with words which allows a reader to clearly imagine characters as well as action. Bruton’s writing will allow your vocabulary to grow as she uses a range of interesting but well-chosen words throughout the book.
The story is told by a girl called Maggie. She lives with her dad, who has been obsessed with Frankenstein’s monster for as long as she can remember; Maggie often wonders if he loves the monster more than he loves her. When the opportunity arises for Maggie’s father to hunt for Frankenstein’s monster, he goes for it but this time Maggie decides she is not being left behind. What follows is an adventure, which Maggie didn’t quite expect, but one she and her dad ultimately really benefit from.
Following Frankenstein is a story about not being accepted by people around you and if you enjoyed watching The Greatest Showman, this story will definitely resonate with you. I also think fans of Katherine Rundell and Emma Carroll will enjoy it. I will certainly be seeking out more of the Catherine Bruton books to add to my class library as well as adding Following Frankenstein.
August 25, 2021
This story is a great sequel to Mary Shelley’s original and focuses on a young girl, Maggie Walton, whose father is obsessed by finding Frankenstein’s monster. His obsession has cost him all his wealth and reduced his family to living to living in rooms near London Docks. A mysterious stranger arrives looking for Robert Walton and employs him to lead a final expedition to the Arctic to find the monster.
Maggie stows away and then becomes part of the ship’s crew. The story then follows their voyage across the arctic ice where they meet a community of Innuit who have met the monster and his child. The child is captured and taken to America to the mysterious stranger. However, the stranger is not what he appeared to be and their fate is very different to that which they imagined.
The author describes her characters and the different landscapes brilliantly and the story is fast paced so you never lose interest. There are several strong themes in the book including what it means to belong somewhere and also the subject of mental illness. The effects of her father’s obsession on Maggie are made really clear.
I loved the acknowledgments at the back of the book and enjoyed finding out more about what inspired Catherine Bruton to write this book. This is another great book from the publishers, Nosy Crow and I’m really grateful to them and Net Galley for allowing me to read this advance copy.
Maggie stows away and then becomes part of the ship’s crew. The story then follows their voyage across the arctic ice where they meet a community of Innuit who have met the monster and his child. The child is captured and taken to America to the mysterious stranger. However, the stranger is not what he appeared to be and their fate is very different to that which they imagined.
The author describes her characters and the different landscapes brilliantly and the story is fast paced so you never lose interest. There are several strong themes in the book including what it means to belong somewhere and also the subject of mental illness. The effects of her father’s obsession on Maggie are made really clear.
I loved the acknowledgments at the back of the book and enjoyed finding out more about what inspired Catherine Bruton to write this book. This is another great book from the publishers, Nosy Crow and I’m really grateful to them and Net Galley for allowing me to read this advance copy.
October 28, 2021
I received an e-arc of this title courtesy of NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
This was a story absolutely brimming with heartfelt emotion.
I didn't know too much about this Frankenstein retelling before reading other than that I had enjoyed the source text and was intrigued to see where the author would take us on this journey.
This book had so many aspects that I enjoy in middle grade fiction, great friendships, loyal characters and even an animal companion. (Victor the mouse was undoubtedly one of the bravest heroes of this story!)
As well as just being a fun and interesting retelling of a classic I appreciated the author including themes such as discrimination based on gender, sex, disability, race etc and how small acts of kindness can give hope.
I also really liked the inclusion of different aspects of history, such as the mentions of the indigenous peoples of America and Canada, the Underground Railroad as well as some recognisable historical figures. Even if these events were mixed with some creative licencing I think they provide a good topic of conversation for young readers to ask ,"Well what was the underground railroad, who were the indigenous tribes, what is their culture?" etc and therefore creates space for more questions, learning and investigation.
I also really enjoyed the writing style, it flowed well but wasn't oversimplified with some great descriptive and poetic imagery.
This was a story absolutely brimming with heartfelt emotion.
I didn't know too much about this Frankenstein retelling before reading other than that I had enjoyed the source text and was intrigued to see where the author would take us on this journey.
This book had so many aspects that I enjoy in middle grade fiction, great friendships, loyal characters and even an animal companion. (Victor the mouse was undoubtedly one of the bravest heroes of this story!)
As well as just being a fun and interesting retelling of a classic I appreciated the author including themes such as discrimination based on gender, sex, disability, race etc and how small acts of kindness can give hope.
I also really liked the inclusion of different aspects of history, such as the mentions of the indigenous peoples of America and Canada, the Underground Railroad as well as some recognisable historical figures. Even if these events were mixed with some creative licencing I think they provide a good topic of conversation for young readers to ask ,"Well what was the underground railroad, who were the indigenous tribes, what is their culture?" etc and therefore creates space for more questions, learning and investigation.
I also really enjoyed the writing style, it flowed well but wasn't oversimplified with some great descriptive and poetic imagery.
September 1, 2022
Following Frankenstein is about a girl called Maggie who has lost her mother and recently loses someone else but the one thing that is worrying her is her father's obsession with Finding Frankenstein monster.
Maggie's father's obsession has driven him insane and out of Maggie's life. He had only one goal to find the monster. Maggie is worried for her father and herself. She needs to stop him before his obsession tears his life apart.
One day Maggie's father is given the opportunity to travel on the Moby Dick captained by the infamous Ishmael to find Frankenstein's monester. Maggie realized she has to go with her father to keep him safe.
So Maggie and her pet Victor stowed away on the ship. They traveled to the Arctic where they meet Frankenstein's monster's son!! :O
Together Maggie and Kata face many dangers like a curiosity circus, a bounty hunter, and a man out for revenge!
If they are one of the many things that I love to see in books is the merge of different books and characters.
To see Ishmael in her and his ship the Moby Dick was so wonderful and a circus I mean no one would ever think of Frankenstein and the circus together...
This is truly one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
It is adventurous, sad, beautiful, and heartwarming.
Thank you to everyone who has read this review.
BookWanderer- Gone Wandering.
Maggie's father's obsession has driven him insane and out of Maggie's life. He had only one goal to find the monster. Maggie is worried for her father and herself. She needs to stop him before his obsession tears his life apart.
One day Maggie's father is given the opportunity to travel on the Moby Dick captained by the infamous Ishmael to find Frankenstein's monester. Maggie realized she has to go with her father to keep him safe.
So Maggie and her pet Victor stowed away on the ship. They traveled to the Arctic where they meet Frankenstein's monster's son!! :O
Together Maggie and Kata face many dangers like a curiosity circus, a bounty hunter, and a man out for revenge!
If they are one of the many things that I love to see in books is the merge of different books and characters.
To see Ishmael in her and his ship the Moby Dick was so wonderful and a circus I mean no one would ever think of Frankenstein and the circus together...
This is truly one of the best books I have read in a very long time.
It is adventurous, sad, beautiful, and heartwarming.
Thank you to everyone who has read this review.
BookWanderer- Gone Wandering.
October 28, 2021
What a fantastic concept, taking the classic story of Frankenstein and making a fun sequel for younger readers!
I found this to be a gripping adventure, seeing Maggie travel to the Arctic and across America, learning about new places and cultures on her way, in the effort of keeping her new friend Kata safe from those that wish to exploit and harm him.
There is a major theme throughout the book of showing kindness and respecting difference. We see the prejudice faced by many people because of race, disability, mental and physical difference.
We also see the effects of mental health, not only on the person but also their family and their life in general. The pains of loneliness, and the importance of family (often ‘found’ family) and friendship.
I loved the relationships between the characters with the messages of love and acceptance. The story itself is fast-paced and full of action making it a fantastic page-turner. A great introduction to the story of Frankenstein, which will inspire readers to explore further and find out more.
With many literary references, this book appeals to adults and children alike. I will be buying a copy for our library and recommending it to all.
Thank you to Nosy Crow for sending me the copy to review.
I found this to be a gripping adventure, seeing Maggie travel to the Arctic and across America, learning about new places and cultures on her way, in the effort of keeping her new friend Kata safe from those that wish to exploit and harm him.
There is a major theme throughout the book of showing kindness and respecting difference. We see the prejudice faced by many people because of race, disability, mental and physical difference.
We also see the effects of mental health, not only on the person but also their family and their life in general. The pains of loneliness, and the importance of family (often ‘found’ family) and friendship.
I loved the relationships between the characters with the messages of love and acceptance. The story itself is fast-paced and full of action making it a fantastic page-turner. A great introduction to the story of Frankenstein, which will inspire readers to explore further and find out more.
With many literary references, this book appeals to adults and children alike. I will be buying a copy for our library and recommending it to all.
Thank you to Nosy Crow for sending me the copy to review.
October 6, 2021
This is the story of a mans obsession with finding Frankenstein and how this obsession affects his mental health as well as those close to him.
His daughter, Maggie is therefore more or less abandoned by him whilst he goes on his wild adventures. Maggie, however, decides to smuggle herself onto his latest voyage to be close and to look after him during his adventures.
They travel upon the Moby Dick and reference is made to May Shelley's Frankenstein in an attempt to determine what has become of him.
The story is a mixture of folk lore, the greatest showman (with a wicked showman) and then an escape and a chase.
The story is well written and the pace is set well. Although this is a middle grade book, I still found myself sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath waiting for the next events.
The story is incredibly sad in parts and deals with mental health, loss, family, differences, slavery (!) and kindness.
Overall a beautiful well written story which has a lot of discussion points.
His daughter, Maggie is therefore more or less abandoned by him whilst he goes on his wild adventures. Maggie, however, decides to smuggle herself onto his latest voyage to be close and to look after him during his adventures.
They travel upon the Moby Dick and reference is made to May Shelley's Frankenstein in an attempt to determine what has become of him.
The story is a mixture of folk lore, the greatest showman (with a wicked showman) and then an escape and a chase.
The story is well written and the pace is set well. Although this is a middle grade book, I still found myself sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath waiting for the next events.
The story is incredibly sad in parts and deals with mental health, loss, family, differences, slavery (!) and kindness.
Overall a beautiful well written story which has a lot of discussion points.
October 25, 2021
Following Frankenstein is a sequel that I am sure Mary Shelley herself would be proud of. It takes all the elements of the original tale that so many of us loved and refreshed it in a modern way for the next generation.
The love for literature itself really shines through in this book, and all the little easter eggs that the author thought to include worked really well. I especially think that parents reading around to younger kids will get a real kick out of this.
The story itself is extremely fast paced with lots of action and adventure, but it doesn't skimp of the characters. There are great relationships between characters and the messages of love and acceptance really shone. I especially loved the amount of indigenous/ native representation we got through the story so would love to see some own voices reviewers thoughts on it.
Overall really recommend and think it will make a great addition to a lot of libraries.
The love for literature itself really shines through in this book, and all the little easter eggs that the author thought to include worked really well. I especially think that parents reading around to younger kids will get a real kick out of this.
The story itself is extremely fast paced with lots of action and adventure, but it doesn't skimp of the characters. There are great relationships between characters and the messages of love and acceptance really shone. I especially loved the amount of indigenous/ native representation we got through the story so would love to see some own voices reviewers thoughts on it.
Overall really recommend and think it will make a great addition to a lot of libraries.
November 14, 2025
Maggie has lived in the shadow of her father’s interest in Victor Frankenstein and his “monster” for all her life. Her mother died when Maggie was very young, and so, desperate to prove herself to her father she (and her pet mouse, Victor) stow away on the expedition ship to the Arctic where her father is finally hoping to capture Frankenstein’s monster and bring him back to the world stage.
Instead, they find that Frankenstein is gone but has left behind a son, an oversize child who has been ostracised by the village he was abandoned in after an incident. This discovery ultimately sends them on a race across America, with many villains on their tails.
I wanted to like this more than I did as I’ve enjoyed other books by Bruton. Her use of language carried through, and the book was generally an undemanding read. However, at times this felt too mature, at others too childish. Aimed at middle grade, there were references which felt placed to show off the author’s knowledge of Victorian literature or to pique the interest of any adult reading along, but these felt incongruous with the rest of the story.
The Arctic held the best sense of place, the tedium of the ship’s journey also translated well, but the plot at these points struggled to hold interest. When the story picks up pace, the plot felt cliched and the setting less believable (with the acknowledgements accepting that timelines had been played with).
After a difficult few reading years, it was disappointing to finally read this and not love it in the way I hoped.
With thanks to Netgalley and Nosy Crow for the digital ARC, and apologies for the tardiness of this read and review.
Instead, they find that Frankenstein is gone but has left behind a son, an oversize child who has been ostracised by the village he was abandoned in after an incident. This discovery ultimately sends them on a race across America, with many villains on their tails.
I wanted to like this more than I did as I’ve enjoyed other books by Bruton. Her use of language carried through, and the book was generally an undemanding read. However, at times this felt too mature, at others too childish. Aimed at middle grade, there were references which felt placed to show off the author’s knowledge of Victorian literature or to pique the interest of any adult reading along, but these felt incongruous with the rest of the story.
The Arctic held the best sense of place, the tedium of the ship’s journey also translated well, but the plot at these points struggled to hold interest. When the story picks up pace, the plot felt cliched and the setting less believable (with the acknowledgements accepting that timelines had been played with).
After a difficult few reading years, it was disappointing to finally read this and not love it in the way I hoped.
With thanks to Netgalley and Nosy Crow for the digital ARC, and apologies for the tardiness of this read and review.
August 20, 2021
This was a fun and enjoyable adventure, following the daughter of Captain Walton (the man we met in Frankenstein on the ship in the Arctic) as she tries to put a stop to her fathers obsession with finding the monster he once saw in the distance. Instead of finding Frankensein however, they come across his son. I thought the idea of Frankenstein having a son was great, and I enjoyed following the developing friendships between him and other characters. However, I was a little bit disappointed by the minimal appearances of Frankenstein himself, and I didn't love the ending. Some of the choices and actions of the father felt a little bit difficult to believe and repetitive too, though that may be more because i am 25, rather than the 9-12 years this book is targeted.
January 1, 2022
Good, but has a tendency to ramble.
The concept is good and the idea of continuation from Mary Shelley’s masterpiece is fantastic. There are links to many other stories - I especially enjoyed Ismael, the elderly captain of the whaling ship ‘Moby Dick’.
There was a feel of The Greatest Showman too.
Overall, enjoyable - but when we wandered into American History, displacement of the Native Population in both US and Canada, the impact of the Hudson Bay fur traders, the Underground Railroad and so on, sometimes it felt like too much. All these stories are hugely significant - but none get a fair telling.
The relationships between the younger characters and their ‘absent’ parents is well written. There are twists and turns which keep you in the moment, but the ending is a bit… well, obvious.
The concept is good and the idea of continuation from Mary Shelley’s masterpiece is fantastic. There are links to many other stories - I especially enjoyed Ismael, the elderly captain of the whaling ship ‘Moby Dick’.
There was a feel of The Greatest Showman too.
Overall, enjoyable - but when we wandered into American History, displacement of the Native Population in both US and Canada, the impact of the Hudson Bay fur traders, the Underground Railroad and so on, sometimes it felt like too much. All these stories are hugely significant - but none get a fair telling.
The relationships between the younger characters and their ‘absent’ parents is well written. There are twists and turns which keep you in the moment, but the ending is a bit… well, obvious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2021
This novel would make a great springboard for middle grade readers into more complex books and also finding out about the classics. This novel begins after Shelley's 'Frankenstein' has ended. I felt this was a more assured and confident novel than 'Another Twist in the Tale' (which sits alongside Dickens' 'Oliver Twist'. I loved how other characters from other nineteenth century novels were weaved into the story. This would make a great class read or book club pick for years 5-6 - a fantastic adventure with lots to discuss!
May 19, 2021
A brilliant and emotional historical tale from Catherine Bruton.
I loved the literary references - characters from Frankenstein, Moby Dick, The Last of the Mohicans and Uncle Tom's Cabin all cleverly merging. I wonder if I missed others too? Kids might not get them but it's a nice twist to the story.
There is one particularly sad point, and plenty of rather unpleasant people that cause a lot of difficulties. But there is a lot of unexpected kindness and goodness too.
I loved the literary references - characters from Frankenstein, Moby Dick, The Last of the Mohicans and Uncle Tom's Cabin all cleverly merging. I wonder if I missed others too? Kids might not get them but it's a nice twist to the story.
There is one particularly sad point, and plenty of rather unpleasant people that cause a lot of difficulties. But there is a lot of unexpected kindness and goodness too.
August 27, 2022
The lesson of "otherness" in the acknowledgements resonates and is so powerful. "How societies and individuals treat those who are different." The power of kindness is a beautiful message in this book, and I've always loved Mary Shelleys work 'Frankenstien' - this version is as beautiful and important to teach young children and adults. We believe that the creation is the monster not it's creator, but what 'Following Frankenstien' shows is the cruelness of human beings
December 1, 2023
This is an easy read but with quite a dark undertone and a good dash of morals, it didn’t bother me that other fictional characters were thrown in with bits from borrowed from books other than Frankenstein. But I doubt any 9 year olds have read Moby Dick or the Underground Railroad, so it would be wasted on them. And I am sure it would start a conversation with a 9 year old about being compassionate and maybe about the injustices of history.
June 24, 2025
I chose this book as part of my TBR for Summerween this year. I fell in love with it within the first few pages. It's a retelling or a sequel to Mary Shelleys masterpiece. It made me cry in places, full of dread and fear in other sceans. This is a Middleton grade book that will be enjoyed by all ages. It is a story about the challenges of disability and people that stand up for them in a world full of prejudice and bullies.
October 16, 2021
Frankenstein is one of my most favourite books of all time so obviously this was an immediate pre-order the second I saw it was coming. It did not disappoint! If you’re into unofficial sequels this is the book for you. It was very reminiscent of Shelley but also quite fresh and modern at the same time. A real rollercoaster ride, I loved it!
August 20, 2021
As a lover of anything gothic when I saw a sequel for children to Frankenstein I almost salivate at the thought of reading it and I was not disappointed. This is a wonderful book so well written with great characters that I devoured in one sitting.
February 12, 2022
Following Frankenstein was such a heart-wrenching and beautiful story that I loved reading! The writing was very engaging and so was the plot. The entire adventure was very memorable and overall I loved this book!
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
January 3, 2022
What a great twist on the tale of Frankenstein and his monster.
I am now going to check out the 'Twist in the Tale' a re-telling of Oliver Twist
I am now going to check out the 'Twist in the Tale' a re-telling of Oliver Twist
March 24, 2023
Not at all what I was expecting. It was so much more! The story of Frankenstein as I've never heard it, with more hope, more acceptance and an abundance of love. Utterly brilliant!
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