Title: Frankenstein’s Bride

Author: Hilary Bailey

Date of First Publication: 1995

Place of Publication: Simon & Schuster

Type: Novel

Characters: Victor Frankenstein, The Creature, Elizabeth Frankenstein

Themes: MAD SCIENTIST/MONSTER; SYMPATHETIC MONSTER; WOMEN WRITING MONSTERS

Critical Summary: Frankenstein’s Bride begins as a letter from narrator Jonathan Goodall to the President of the Royal Society in London, offering his personal account of the life and work of Victor Frankenstein. Goodall, a linguist, recalls the admiration and connection he felt when meeting Frankenstein in London, already an esteemed scholar throughout England and other parts of Europe. They bond over their shared scientific and philosophical ideologies. Victor soon tells Jonathan of his latest project, which especially excites Jonathan. Maria Clementi, a renowned performer, known for her talent, grace, and immense beauty is mute except, mysteriously, when singing on stage. Victor believes this affliction can be cured through scientific efforts, and reveals that he has been working with Miss Clementi to help her speak. Having had no success with Maria, Victor asks Jonathan to attend his sessions with the starlet and offer his input in how they might improve her progress.

Jonathan assists the endeavor to cure Maria, but soon becomes aware of and disquieted by a particular attachment that Frankenstein seems to have to the singer. Despite the warnings of close friends, such as his landlady, Ms. Cordelia Downey, Jonathan continues to help Victor. That is until his sight of a strange and frightening figure near Victor’s home, followed shortly by the news of a tragedy in Victor’s family. Jonathan soon finds himself wrapped up in revelations about Frankenstein’s past, and his objective in curing Miss Clementi.

The story takes place in the midst of Mary Shelley’s original Frankenstein, and presents the same brooding, restless Victor Frankenstein. Though Victor fulfills the arc of the “mad scientist” (again), Jonathan also assumes this role throughout the novel in his obsession with Victor and his search for the truth. Then there is the monster, who has his fearsome moments but proves to be sympathetic. It is also worth noting that this tale, just like Frankenstein, is narrated by a man but written by a woman.

Administrative Notes: Elise Letrondo, CSUF; GC Philipp (editing)