Review: A Must Read, this one you don't want to miss!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 18, 2012
Parents' Little Black Book did not receive a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review. We have reviewed Ms. Mosiman before and this short story was on our "wish list." When I do reviews I use the title of the novel or short story, in this case. This is the first time I have not done so. This is the first time I have been impressed enough to change the way I review.Most people have not read the original Frankenstein novel by Mary Shelly in its entirety. Our knowledge of the story comes from films, references to the story in other books, reviews or from tall tales told around campfires. The story, as told in the films, is so far from the original as to be almost totally unrelated.For those who have, Ms. Mosiman has continued the story with the assumption that the monster did not die the night his creator, Dr. Frankenstein did. Taking her cue from the original she has continued the letter and narration format Ms. Shelly perfected in her novel. It would be easy to tack this short story into the novel and not even notice it is not part of the original. For those who have not read the original you are in for a treat. The opportunity to enjoy the story as it is meant to be read. A glimpse into the personal correspondence of those most closely associated with Dr. Frankenstein.Robert Walton is as obsessed with the monster as was Dr. Frankenstein. For 20 years he thought of nothing other than finding the monster alive. In doing so he has not just slipped gently into madness, he has leapt with eyes open and limbs akimbo. But his is an intelligent dementia. He functions well in society. He can keep secrets, he can plan and, in fact, he is somewhat aware he has created a mental abyss as deep and fathomless as the crevasses in the ice.Leading a group of bearers across the frozen, inhospitable north Robert is on a mission to find and bring back to civilization, the monster. As his bearers become more disgruntled Robert finds a clue which gives him the physical and mental impetus to continue. Pushing his companions to the limit of their abilities he finds a cave. Signs of recent occupation lead him to believe he has found what he has been searching for.As the maps of old were found of saying "go not further, there be monsters here." But is the monster the same one we mourned? Or could he be, himself, even more mad than his creator? What would twenty years alone do to him? Of course I can't answer those questions, you will have to read the story to find out.Thought provoking and original, Ms. Mosiman draws the reader chillingly into the story with ease. Disbelief is suspended and a slight chill invades the room. (Is it getting colder? Does the tea in my cup have an icy sheen?) I consider this a "must read" for anyone who enjoys a good horror story, and certainly for anyone who has read Mary Shelly. You will not be disapointed.Karen Bryant Doering,Parents' Little Black Book