Books Time: The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White

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Here we are again talking about books, and this time about one I was very eager to read: The dark descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein, by Kiersten White. This book belongs to that category of novels identified as “retelling”, which is to say, a story we know already, but rewritten, adding some new elements, or, like in this case, under another point of view.

I think even pebbles on the shore know the story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation. The very famous novel by Mary Shelley is a beloved classic, and still one of the most read stories. So what Kiersten White tells us, is nothing new really. We all know the plot very well, but her innovation is in the point of view; because in this story, the main protagonist is Elizabeth.

For those few who don't know the story (what you're waiting for, run to read it!!), Elizabeth Lavenza is, in the original book by Mary Shelley, Victor's step sister; he describes her as the perfect woman, young, lovely, completely absorbed in his adoration. She also has a very sad destiny: when the monster begs Victor to create a pair for him and Victor refuses, the creature swears to him that he will be with him “on his wedding night”. And in fact, he enters the bride's suit and strangles Elizabeth, killing her.

We really know little of Elizabeth then, other than what Victor thinks of her, from the original story. Here is where Kiersten White fills the gap, with a novel which is simply overwhelming: in her story we get to know better Elizabeth, what she thinks of Victor, and why she behaves the way she behaves. And be ready ladies and gentleman, because the girl described by White is no angel on Earth.

Elizabeth's personality is what I loved the most of this book. She is not a perfect heroine. She is not a pretty object put there to please the aesthetic of who looks at the picture. Elizabeth is egoist. She is clever, manipulative, strong, she know what she wants and she is ready to do anything to reach it.

As a child, anything Elizabeth knew was sufferance and despair. Her mother used to beat her, she was lonely and scared. Then the Frankenstein adopted her, so that their son Victor could have a pair to play with. And she understood that being liked by that strange kid was her only way to a life of security, happiness, wealth, far from that hideous mother and poverty.

Her main goal becomes being Victor's perfect pair, the only one he would ever chose and cheer, to secure her future. But then Victor decides to go study abroad, and disappears. Elizabeth is scared that he might forget about her, and put her happy future in risk. So she embarks in an adventure with her friend Justine, carekeeper of Victor's younger brothers, looking for her life friend.

Now, we also have to say that Elizabeth is not only moved by egoism; she genuinely cares for Victor too, and that's why she destroys the proofs of Victor's creation when she finds his laboratory, and pictures what he might have done. She protects him with teeth and claws, even when she sees the creature and understands he's Victor's.

There is something they say about the original book though. You read the title and you think Frankenstein is the monster. Then you read the book, and you understand Frankenstein is the monster. So what will Elizabeth's part be when she finds out who the true monster is?

No more spoilers, I really don't want to ruin this lovely reading to you. I absolutely loved it, and I want to read the other novels by White as well, in particular her rewriting of Dracula, called “And I Darken”. Please let me know if you read the book (or if you're going to) and what you think about it! Talk to you so very soon,
M.

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