Not only is this an excellently researched companion to Shelly's original novel, it is written in a completely complementary voice. While FRANKENSTEIN is written from the Doctor's point of view and details his experience, MONSTER is told from the creature's experience, and details one that in many ways is very different. Taking the position that the Doctor lied through his teeth in his deathbed confession and storytelling, MONSTER posits that the true beast was Victor himself and the creature nothing more than a victim of the most obscene horrors.
While this is not an entirely new concept (THE DRACULA FILES and WICKED both come to mind), Zeltserman does an excellent job with it. His style of prose dovetails well with the original FRANKENSTEIN... and that's is where I begin my critical comments. For me, as with that original novel, this one suffers a little from that style of prose. There is a slightly distancing effect in that 19th Century diary-style narration that kept me from becoming as emotionally involved with the creature. Likewise, a decision to involve some clearly supernatural elements diminished things for me; rather than the Doctor being a horrific example of the coldly detached scientist, as I first expected, his villainy is hot, emotional and yes - sorcerous. Some of the message, warning of the dangers of science without care and morality, are lost.
Despite these small complaints, I very much enjoyed the book as a story and as what I take to be a passionate project of the author's. I applaud the excellent use of the original FRANKENSTEIN material and inspiration. MONSTER is an excellent read from a unique crime writer with a tendency towards the bizarre, indulging a personal passion. Worthwhile!
Then, go read Zeltserman's unmatched THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD, to see him really stretch his horror muscles!
While this is not an entirely new concept (THE DRACULA FILES and WICKED both come to mind), Zeltserman does an excellent job with it. His style of prose dovetails well with the original FRANKENSTEIN... and that's is where I begin my critical comments. For me, as with that original novel, this one suffers a little from that style of prose. There is a slightly distancing effect in that 19th Century diary-style narration that kept me from becoming as emotionally involved with the creature. Likewise, a decision to involve some clearly supernatural elements diminished things for me; rather than the Doctor being a horrific example of the coldly detached scientist, as I first expected, his villainy is hot, emotional and yes - sorcerous. Some of the message, warning of the dangers of science without care and morality, are lost.
Despite these small complaints, I very much enjoyed the book as a story and as what I take to be a passionate project of the author's. I applaud the excellent use of the original FRANKENSTEIN material and inspiration. MONSTER is an excellent read from a unique crime writer with a tendency towards the bizarre, indulging a personal passion. Worthwhile!
Then, go read Zeltserman's unmatched THE CARETAKER OF LORNE FIELD, to see him really stretch his horror muscles!
