Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

When Impulsivity Meets Inevitability

You know that moment when you’re teetering on the edge of adulthood, desperately grasping for something—anything—to anchor you? That’s where we find Cleo, the twenty-four-year-old British painter at the heart of Coco Mellors’ debut novel “Cleopatra and Frankenstein.” And boy, does she find an anchor. Or maybe it’s more like she hurls herself at one, consequences be damned.

This book, let me tell you, it’s like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know it’s going to end badly, but you can’t look away. It’s mesmerizing, really. Mellors has this way of writing that just… sucks you in. It’s like she’s whispering these characters’ deepest, darkest secrets right into your ear. And trust me, they’ve got plenty of secrets.

A Marriage of Convenience (and Inconvenience)

So here’s the deal: Cleo, our young British artist, is about to get booted out of New York when her student visa expires. Enter Frank, a self-made advertising mogul twenty years her senior. He’s got money, connections, and a Green Card. Cleo’s got… well, youth and talent, I guess? Anyway, they meet, they marry, and that’s when the real story begins.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Oh great, another May-December romance.” But hold up. This isn’t some sappy love story. It’s more like… a dissection of modern relationships. Mellors takes this impulsive marriage and uses it as a scalpel to slice open not just Cleo and Frank, but everyone around them. And let me tell you, it gets messy.

Cast of Characters: A Hot Mess Express

Let’s break down this motley crew, shall we?

1. Cleo: Our protagonist. Young, talented, and about as stable as a Jenga tower in an earthquake.
2. Frank: The older husband. Successful, charming, and hiding more baggage than an airport carousel.
3. Quentin: Cleo’s best friend. Gay, fabulous, and struggling with his own identity crisis.
4. Zoe: Frank’s half-sister. An actress with a penchant for drama both on and off stage.
5. Anders: Frank’s best friend. Handsome, successful, and… well, you’ll see.

Each character is like a perfectly crafted cocktail of neuroses and charm. You can’t help but root for them, even as they make one disastrous decision after another.

New York, New York: A Concrete Jungle of Dreams and Nightmares

Mellors paints New York City as another character in this story. It’s vibrant, it’s gritty, it’s unforgiving. The city thrums with energy, mirroring the chaotic lives of our characters. From swanky Tribeca lofts to grimy East Village apartments, the setting is as diverse and complex as the people inhabiting it.

Themes: More Layers Than a New York Winter Wardrobe

Alright, let’s dig into the meat of this story. Mellors doesn’t just scratch the surface; she dives deep into some heavy themes.

Love and Its Many Faces

Love in this novel isn’t just romantic. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and it’s sometimes toxic. We see love between friends, between siblings, between parents and children. And let me tell you, none of it is simple.

Mental Health: The Elephant in Every Room

Mellors doesn’t shy away from tackling mental health issues. Depression, anxiety, addiction—they’re all here, laid bare in sometimes uncomfortable detail. It’s refreshing, really, to see these topics addressed so frankly.

Identity and Self-Discovery

Every character in this book is on a journey of self-discovery. Whether it’s Cleo figuring out who she is as an artist and a wife, or Quentin grappling with his gender identity, the quest for self is a constant undercurrent.

The American Dream: Fact or Fiction?

The novel takes a hard look at the idea of the American Dream. Is it attainable? Is it even desirable? Through Cleo’s eyes, we see the allure and the disillusionment of chasing success in the Big Apple.

Writing Style: A Rollercoaster of Emotions

Okay, let’s talk about Mellors’ writing. It’s… wow. Just wow. She has this way of drawing you in, making you feel like you’re right there in the room with these characters. Her prose is sharp, witty, and at times, devastatingly beautiful.

One minute you’re laughing at some ridiculous situation (trust me, there are plenty), and the next you’re hit with a line so profound it knocks the wind out of you. It’s like emotional whiplash, but in the best possible way.

Dialogue That Sings (and Sometimes Stings)

The dialogue in this book? It’s snappy, it’s real, it’s sometimes painful in its authenticity. These characters talk like real people—they interrupt each other, they say the wrong thing, they make jokes that fall flat. It’s glorious.

Pacing: From Zero to Sixty in 3.5 Seconds

Mellors keeps the story moving at a breakneck pace. The chapters are short and punchy, often switching perspectives. It keeps you on your toes, always wondering what’s going to happen next.

The Good, The Bad, and The “Oh No They Didn’t”

Alright, let’s break this down.

The Good

– Characters that feel real enough to touch
– Brilliant exploration of complex themes
– Writing that’s both accessible and profound
– A story that keeps you guessing

The Bad

– Some readers might find the characters hard to like (but that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?)
– The pacing can be a bit frenetic at times
– If you’re looking for a happy ending… well, maybe look elsewhere

The “Oh No They Didn’t”

Without giving too much away, there are some twists in this story that’ll have you screaming at the book. In a good way. Mostly.

Final Thoughts: A Debut That Packs a Punch

“Cleopatra and Frankenstein” is not an easy read. It’s not a book that’s going to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. But it is a book that’s going to make you think, make you feel, and maybe make you look at your own relationships a little differently.

Mellors has crafted a story that’s as complex and messy as real life. It’s a bold debut that tackles big themes with confidence and style. Is it perfect? No. But it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s unforgettable.

If you’re looking for a book that’s going to challenge you, that’s going to make you laugh and cry and maybe throw it across the room in frustration, then pick up “Cleopatra and Frankenstein.” Just don’t blame me if you can’t put it down.

Similar Reads

If you enjoyed “Cleopatra and Frankenstein,” you might also like:

• “Normal People” by Sally Rooney
• “The Idiot” by Elif Batuman
• “Conversations with Friends” by Sally Rooney
• “The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P.” by Adelle Waldman

About the Author

“Cleopatra and Frankenstein” is Coco Mellors’ debut novel. Born in London and raised in Spain and England, Mellors currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband. She holds an MFA from New York University, where she was a Goldwater Fellow.

In Conclusion

“Cleopatra and Frankenstein” is a tour de force of a debut novel. It’s a story that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page. Mellors has announced herself as a bold new voice in contemporary fiction, and I, for one, can’t wait to see what she does next.

So, go on. Pick up this book. Just be prepared for a wild ride. And maybe keep some tissues handy. Trust me, you’re gonna need ’em.