Published By: Michael Joseph
Pages: 400
Released On: 19/06/2025
Villa Diodati, Lake Geneva, 1816. The dark summer that birthed a monster . . .
Eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. Tormented by Shelley’s betrayals, haunted by the loss of their baby and suspicious of her sister’s intentions, Mary seeks sanctuary.
But Lord Byron’s villa, lying under ominous, ash-shrouded skies, feels more like a trap. When Byron suggests each guest write a supernatural tale, Mary is as drawn to the challenge as she is, unexpectedly, to Byron himself.
And so an idea begins to form in her mind . . .
It spills out of her in thick, black ink.
A thing given life is before her.
Day and night, she is possessed.
Heart and mind. Body and soul.
But is she in control, or is it?
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Michael Joseph for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I mean, I am fascinated by Mary Shelley and her writing of Frankenstein, and so jumped at the chance to read this, especially given the positive reviews it was getting.
It’s often been said that the opening sentence to a book is the most important, as it draws you in, but I’ve never really understood it. I can’t imagine judging an entire book on its opening sentence, however I got it with this book. I have been given permission from the publisher to be able to quote the opening line here:
“At dusk, the sky overnight Lake Geneva is the colour of blood in a glass of water.”
I thought this opening line hooks you in instantly, and it doesn’t let up.
Historical books, especially ones depicting a real-life, or adaptation of a real-life event, can be a bit heavy and dry, intent on providing information over entertainment. But this has both. I’m learning more about the Shelley’s time at Lake Geneva and writing Frankenstein, but it’s so well written that I am thoroughly enjoying it, it’s light and quick but thoughtful.
It has made me want to re-read Frankenstein, as it has been some years since I last did, but it is definitely one of the greatest novels ever written, and I don’t think any sci-fi book will really surpass it.
We all know of Mary Shelley and Percy Shelley and Lord Byron and their time at Lake Geneva and the writing of Frankenstein and whatnot, but we don’t really know them as individuals, rather than just the stars we know now. Whilst this may be fictional, Caroline has given us the heart and soul of the Shelleys.
I don’t know much about Caroline’s work (this is my first book of hers) and so I don’t know if she has a link to this story or not, but I think she’s got to have a passion for it. The facts can give you the story, but passion gives it its soul.
It was so addictive and I had to ignore my want to sleep to read it long into the night as I just couldn’t part with it. I ended up reading it in less than 12 hours – and that included time for sleeping.
It’s not always an easy read in terms of topics discussed. It’s raw and nasty and callous and rude, and yet there’s this undercurrent of hope and love which stops it from being miserable.
Caroline embodies Mary Shelley’s spirit and storytelling ability in this masterful book.
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