The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein marks the sixth book I’ve read by Kiersten White and that’s a testament in itself about White’s ability to craft such sophisticated and nail biting reads.
Elizabeth Lavenza is not your typical protagonist. She has to fight at every turn just to survive and for her, surviving is the Frankenstein family and their eldest, Victor. She does everything she can to stay in favour because that’s all she has. Without it she’s nothing with no place to live and no food to eat. I truly admired her character despite her mean streak because her moral compass remains true when it really matters. She was a very enjoyable character to read. I don’t know if it was how she acted or the writing but her perspective was refreshing and a welcome twist to Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein story. She was fierce and strong. And I wouldn’t exactly say she was funny in the traditional sense but her demeanor and thought process made me laugh despite the serious nature.
“I was aghast at his priorities. ‘I have just escaped from the asylum where you trapped me, have come here with the express purpose of killing you, and you want me to change my clothes?”
This strange hint of comedy livened up the very dark theme of the novel while simultaneously boosting Elizabeth’s character.
One scene near the end really got to me and just reminded me how lucky I am to live in the 21st century where women are (for the most part) seen as an equal. As his right as her husband, Victor throws Elizabeth into an asylum after discovering just how far he went to defeat death. Here she meets another woman with a similar albeit different story than hers, they were both imprisoned by men. Definitely an important topic was explored here and like I mentioned earlier, Elizabeth is not one to stand by and let a man dictate what she can and cannot do like when she leaves with Justine right at the beginning and then again later on to find Victor (all without getting permission from Judge Frankenstein). Women didn’t always have the respect and recognition that they do now and this novel really shows it. I think it makes it a stronger presence because we, as the reader experience it through Elizabeth’s eyes.
“So Victor was free, truly and fully, and I was in here. I would remain until Victor was ready for me. And then, because he was a man and I his wife, they would hand me over to him, and he would finally have full power over both my body and soul.”
The whole tone and atmosphere of the novel was very well executed. You were immediately transported back in time and it felt real. The description itself lent a great deal to the setting and it was simple and easy to follow without any confusion. It was a dark and stormy affair that made this story truly come alive (no pun intended) and White captured the true essence of Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. Having it in the perspective of Elizabeth Lavenza, an outsider and adopted “cousin” to the Frankensteins, really helped expose the tale in an unique way that gave more insight into the concept of love and death and how far one is truly willing to go to defeat it. Every single word and scene were necessary in crafting this world. Everything that needed to be said, was and everything that needed to be shown, was. Bravo!
I went into this novel knowing (like most) the tale of Frankenstein and how Victor was obsessed with beating death itself. But what I wasn’t prepared for was his love for Elizabeth and how charming and affectionate he could be for her. He was a surprisingly smooth talker for someone who was grave robbing and killing people in the name of research. He was described as aloof but that’s not what I saw when he spoke to those he knew and especially when he spoke to Elizabeth. It seemed like a very Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde scenario (if that makes any sense) because Victor was smart and he definitely knew what he was doing.
My favourite scene hands down was when Mary and Elizabeth insisted that Victor’s Monster should have his own name of his choosing. It was heartwarming and beautiful.
“The family that had nearly destroyed me had inadvertently given me a new family. I would keep my promises to Justine. I would embrace whatever strange life I had, for as long as I had it. And, with Mary resting her head on my shoulder and Adam driving the carriage, I allowed myself to smile for no one. For myself.”
That ending. WOW. I almost had a heart attack until I found the epilogue because I just couldn’t let it end with Elizabeth sacrificing herself in an effort to kill Victor. Like that could not happen! Within these 287 pages she has grown so much and learned the true meaning of love and family that it couldn’t end for her like that. So I was glad for that epilogue!
This is definitely another 5-star book written by Kiersten White and I completely recommend reading the Conqueror’s Saga as well. Both are extremely well-executed and incorporate history through a woman’s perspective which definitely adds another layer to these complex stories.
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