Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match: An Alternative Love Story
With a reanimated lover, a Frankenstein sister, and wicked dialogue, Sally Thorne delivers a charming and hilarious adaptation of the Mary Shelley classic.
Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match tells the story of Angelika (Jelly) in her quest to find love. Not without inspiration from her brother, Victor, however. The book begins with the siblings heading to the morgue (which they do a lot, apparently), scanning the deceased for the perfect resurrection candidates. Or, in Jelly’s case, a husband. The 300 pages that follow dive into themes of identity, soul-mate-level love, and death. All with Thorne’s comedic touch.
The vapid and ostentatiously rich Angelika Frankenstein sets her sights on a handsome corpse bursting with marriage material. She sews him up, makes a few…necessary changes, and voila, a husband is born (again). The man, temporarily known as “Will,” is confused, lost, and suffering from death-induced amnesia. The two begin a precarious friendship. Angelika hopes it leads to more.
The characters in Sally Thorne’s latest work are wonderful, a deviation from the source material. Mary Shelley writes Victor Frankenstein as an egotistical madman with a God complex. Such is evident in the common “Frankenstein is the monster” theme taught in English classrooms across American high schools. Thorne’s Victor is a motivated scientist with a deep love for his fiancé and sister. While still grossly arrogant at times, he encompasses a certain kindness missing from the original character.
Much like her brother, Angelika is a delight to read. Jelly is hyperaware of her impending spinster status as an unmarried 24-year-old. Despite this, she never wavers in her genuine desire: an epic love with the “perfect husband.” She craves intimacy with the ideal man for her and refuses anything less. Angelika is far from perfect, however. She has an affinity for posher living and can be incredibly vain. Her relationship with the housekeeper Mary illustrates these characteristics.
Mary is described as old and slightly unwell. She has been employed by the Frankenstein family for decades, as her quick bite and witty comebacks toward Angelika and Victor display a level of comfort similar to that of a family member. Jelly and she have a particularly interesting dynamic. Angelika is never seen to worry about Mary, despite her overexerted and elderly body. Jelly constantly calls upon her, with little concern for her well-being. Mary is the sole housekeeper (a demanding position) until Will hires the younger and much-needed Sarah.
Mary, on the other hand, noticeably views Angelika as a surrogate daughter. When in danger, Jelly’s thoughts turn to Mary’s advice, indicating the housekeeper’s care for her young employer. Angelika’s growing love and admiration for Will’s compassion give her a new perspective on Mary’s role in her life. She begins to acknowledge her as a mother figure, rather than a staff member. While slightly tumultuous, the evolution of this bond propels Jelly’s character development and fuels her swelling empathy.
Jelly is wonderful throughout the entire story. Humorously dramatic, bold, and headstrong, she is a multifaceted heroine. Her newfound consideration for others amplifies her likability.
Angelika’s latest attempt at creating a partner is successful in the character of Will. Unsure of his identity, he rejects Jelly’s advances in favor of an adventure for answers. Yet, this doesn’t halt comical moments in which his unconscious attraction to Angelika is blatant in the most sexual, and unfortunately obvious, way.
Will is a magnetically kind and honest man. He is grateful to the Frankenstein siblings for his second chance at life and is intentional in his actions to showcase his appreciation. Will’s frustration at his lack of memory is evident. Still, he refuses to take it out on Angelika or Victor. His characterization is beautiful and believable as Jelly’s preferred husband.
Despite the lovely characters and uniquely engaging plot, the book is not without imperfections. Frankenstein is a risky work to recreate. Mary Shelley wrote the novel to highlight the dark themes of death and “playing God.” We are meant to despise Victor and sympathize with his creation. Thorne’s work emulates these concepts with a light-hearted touch, yet the moral dilemma remains. Will died too soon, but does that give anyone the authority to reverse nature? And no matter the personal growth, should the characters be forgiven for such an egregious display of arrogance? These questions may hinder the more ethical reader’s enjoyment.
Still, Sally Thorne is a romance expert, and Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match is no exception. Will and Angelika’s attraction transforms into a palpable love story that jumps off the page, leaving readers yearning for more.
