Quick Take

Iedereen kent de naam van Mary Shelley dankzij haar roman Frankenstein. Maar wie is bekend met haar jeugdzonden? Wie weet dat ze haar naam dankt aan de Engelse schrijver Percy Shelley? In het Engeland van het begin van de 19de eeuw stond die mee aan de wieg van de gothic novel of romantische griezelroman. In de afsluiter van dit tweeluik doen de auteurs met veel humor en scherpzinnigheid het relaas van hoe de jonge Mary een van de meest fascinerende mythes van de moderne tijd bedenkt.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Mary Shelley (Percy Shelley, #2)

Introduction

Mary Shelley, the author of the iconic novel "Frankenstein," has captivated readers for centuries with her gothic and romantic storytelling. In the second part of the "Percy Shelley" series, the authors delve into Mary's life and explore the creation of one of the most fascinating myths of modern times. With humor and sharp insight, they bring to life the journey of a young couple navigating perilous waters towards freedom and independence, only to find themselves entangled in a world of poverty and disillusionment. In this article, we will delve into the book's analysis, reasons for recommendation, and reasons for not recommending it.

About David Vandermeulen

David Vandermeulen, the author of "Mary Shelley (Percy Shelley, #2)," is known for his ability to bring historical figures to life through engaging storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for creating compelling narratives, Vandermeulen has crafted a captivating tale that explores the complexities of Mary Shelley's life. His writing style is both accessible and thought-provoking, making him a popular choice among readers who appreciate historical fiction.

Analysis of Views

Engaging Storytelling: Readers praised the book for its engaging storytelling, with many finding it enjoyable to follow Mary Shelley's journey. The comic book format allowed for a unique approach to historical fiction, making it accessible to readers who may not be familiar with Mary's life.
Beautiful Artwork: The artwork in the book was widely praised for its beauty and attention to detail. Readers appreciated the artistic style, which resembled that of Tintin, and found it visually appealing throughout the story.
Insight into Mary Shelley's Life: Readers appreciated the authors' ability to provide insight into Mary Shelley's life, particularly her struggles and creative process. They found it interesting to see how Mary's experiences influenced her writing and shaped her as a person.
Lack of Historical Accuracy: Some readers expressed disappointment with the deviation from historical accuracy in the second half of the book. They felt that the story took a turn towards fictional elements, which detracted from their understanding of Mary's real life experiences.
Unlikable Characters: A few readers found the characters in the book unlikable, particularly Percy Shelley, who was portrayed as a buffoon and a disappointment. They felt that Mary's isolation at the end of the story was an ideal ending rather than having to deal with Percy's flaws.

Reasons for Recommendation

Engaging Storytelling: Readers who enjoy engaging storytelling and historical fiction will find this book appealing. The authors' ability to bring Mary Shelley's life to life through their writing makes it an enjoyable read.
Beautiful Artwork: The beautiful artwork in the book adds an extra layer of visual appeal to the story. Readers who appreciate visually striking comics will appreciate the artistic style employed in this book.
Insight into Mary Shelley's Life: For those interested in Mary Shelley's life and her contributions to literature, this book provides an opportunity to gain insights into her struggles and creative process. It offers a unique perspective on her life that may not be found in traditional biographies.

Reasons for Not Recommendation

Deviation from Historical Accuracy: Readers who expect historical accuracy may find the deviation from actual events in the second half of the book disappointing. The shift towards fictional elements may detract from their understanding of Mary's real-life experiences and impact their overall enjoyment of the book.
Unlikable Characters: Some readers may find certain characters, particularly Percy Shelley, unlikable or inconsistent with their historical portrayal. This may impact their ability to connect with the story and negatively affect their overall impression of the book.

Conclusion

"Mary Shelley (Percy Shelley, #2)" by David Vandermeulen offers readers an engaging and visually appealing exploration of Mary Shelley's life and her creation of one of literature's most enduring myths. While some readers found it enjoyable and appreciated the insights into Mary's struggles, others felt that deviations from historical accuracy and unlikable characters detracted from their overall experience. Ultimately, whether or not this book is recommended depends on individual preferences and expectations regarding historical accuracy and character portrayal.