Book Review: Cleopatra & Frankenstein

Warning: Possible Spoilers

In ‘Cleopatra and Frankenstein’, Coco Mellors crafts an emotionally complex narrative that delves into the lives of multiple characters, all with their own struggles. The book mainly follows Cleo and Frank, who meet on the first page. I enjoyed the lack of build up to their love story, as the abrupt way the book is written at times is equally telling and reflective of the characters themselves. 

Coco Mellors skillfully navigates the complexities of human relationships, both with friends and lovers; in a world where love is rarely straightforward, little books offer the rawness of real life, but throughout the entire book, I felt this one did. The characters themselves were flawed, in a way that as a reader I didn’t relate to nor sympathise with them at times, but at the same time admired them all the more for being characters that weren’t perfect. 

To me, the chapters were compulsively readable. It’s not often I take my time reading books, but I made myself to pace this one as I wanted to really connect with the characters and take in the book as best as I could. Often, if you read a book too quickly, it can become a bit of a blur. But for Cleopatra and Frankenstein, I really felt like I was in the world with them; this is likely due to Coco Mellors poignant exploration of the multifaceted characters and in-depth storytelling.

The storyline circles around Cleo and Frank, even when their perspective is not being told. You gain insight into the lives of their friends and family, and while learning about their own stories, thoughts and troubles, it always links back to Cleo and Frank. The storylines intertwine, and characters first introduced nonchalantly from Cleo or Frank’s perspective later come back to have their own chapters and relationships with the main pair.

Cleo is twenty-four years old, she’s enigmatic and magnetic at the same time. She’s described as a free soul; she’s emotionally unavailable and immature. And she meets Frank, who is twenty years older and mesmerised by her. He’s loud, flamboyant, drinks a lot and likes to party. 

There is a short courtship between them, followed soon by an elopement that neither of them immediately question or regret. They are in love and they rely on one another to hide their imperfections and troubles. Coco Mellors shows the complexity of marriage, and the difficulties there can be when each character has their own issues and is reluctant to share them fully with one another. There are times of happiness, but there is sadness too. But Mellors adds depth to the sadness and an alternative perspective through humour or realness, often both. She does this very well. The dialogue is often abrupt throughout, or just simply ‘says what needs to be said’. 

Both main characters strive for happiness in their marriage, but this book does not end with a happy marriage. Instead it is bittersweet that they do eventually face the potential for happiness, but separately. In a way, this makes a better ending, with a sense of realness and honesty not often seen in a love story. Yes, they love each other, but they understand they are not healthy together and are content in finding happiness elsewhere. 

I think it’s beautiful that, in the end, Cleo finds the life of freedom, art and beauty that she had been searching for at the time she met Frank. She finds this life without him, while he finds the stability that he never had growing up or even in adulthood, with a new woman who he began loving when Cleo and him were still together. Cleo finally found love in herself and Frank finally found a healthy relationship.

In conclusion, Cleopatra and Frankenstein was a delightful read that seamlessly weaves together an intriguing, real-life plot and well-drawn characters. I hadn’t heard of this book before I bought it; it caught my eye in a shop that wasn’t even a bookstore. I felt drawn to it by the title and cover and now after reading it, I’m glad I trusted my instincts as it was well worth the read. It was a very memorable read and has lingered on my mind even after I finished the final chapter. I’d thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a real-life story; one not just about love, but friendships, personal struggles and growth.

About The Author:

Chloe D'Inverno is the Founder and Editor-in-chief of Everywhere Publication. She created this online blog to create a community for writers so she could share their work as well as her own. Working full-time in marketing, this is a side project of hers. In her spare time, she loves to read and write (and work on Everywhere Publication!).