The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein

Starred review from July 23, 2018
With this elegantly twisted retelling of the birth of a monster, White (Beanstalker and Other Hilarious Scarytales) resurrects the Gothic tale of survival found in Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, which turns 200 this year. Rescued from an abusive caregiver at age five, Elizabeth Lavenza is brought to the Frankenstein family’s villa to act as companion to young Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant child prone to rage. Elizabeth becomes everything to Victor—his champion and protector, his friend and confidante—and hones her manipulative talents. But when the errant genius leaves the family to study and doesn’t write for almost two years, leaving Elizabeth open to possible dismissal from the Frankenstein home, she enlists the aid of her friend Justine to track him down. What she discovers in a strange Bavarian town is another link in a chain of horror that only grows after he’s found. Skillful worldbuilding and foreshadowing steadily build suspense to a breathtaking climax. Fans of psychological horror will luxuriate in the familiar feel of the timeless story and thrill at its unexpected twists. Ages 12–up. Agent: Michelle Wolfson, Wolfson Literary.

Though Elizabeth Lavenza is relegated to a supporting role in Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN, she's the central figure in this chilling reimagining of the gothic classic. Narrator Katharine McEwan's portrayal of the title character is soft, measured, and sympathetic--all necessary qualities for Elizabeth, whose position as a ward of the wealthy Frankenstein family depends on her ability to control son Victor's frightening, mercurial moods. As the story unfolds, adding disturbing new layers to Shelley's original plot, McEwan draws listeners quietly yet inexorably into Elizabeth's growing dread at Victor's gruesome experiments, her resolve to secure their future, and her shock when she discovers the horrors in which she's been complicit. As eerie as it is enthralling, this audiobook can be relished by FRANKENSTEIN fans and newcomers alike. R.A.H. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine