Antoinette May, the author of The Determined Heart, did a great job in her fictionalized account of Mary Shelley's life. I'm only half through the book and can already say I recommend it. The writing, characters, and plot pace is good. I can easily immerse myself in the story. I am anxious to find time to continue reading. I'm even reading late into the night. Overall, I am finding this to be a well crafted read.
Any reader who is familiar with Mary Shelley or any of her friends and family should at least consider reading this book. If you're a fan of Frankenstein, I would say this book is a must as it easily presents a look into what influenced Mary Shelley. While fictionalized, it still hits the major points of Mary's life. Fans of historical fiction should read this book.
As much as I recommend this book, and as familiar as I am with the major characters of the book, I have to say...I hate seeing Percy Bysshe Shelley and Lord Byron portrayed as such assholes. Yes, assholes. I knew that Bysshe was an adulterer and typically one step away from debtors prison. I knew Byron was arrogant and self involved. These things are well known. But it's still difficult to read. How could flawed people create such amazing works? Some of the publications by the numerous authors referenced in this novel are:
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, Maurice Hindle (Editor, Introduction)
- A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Mary Wollstonecraft
- The Anarchist Writings of William Godwin by William Godwin, Peter Marshall (Editor)
- The Complete Poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley by Percy Bysshe Shelley, Neil Fraistat (Editor), Donald H. Reiman (Editor)
- Lord Byron: The Major Works by George Gordon Byron, Jerome J. McGann (Editor)
UPDATE: I finished the novel and I still feel the same as my previous post. It was a great read. A read I couldn't wait to get back too.
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