This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth Oppel is a fascinating addition to the legendary story of Frankenstein.
In this prequel into the apprenticeship of Dr. Frankenstein, Oppel constructs a brooding narrator in Victor Frankenstein, the younger of the Frankenstein twins, who is forever in his brother’s shadow. Nevertheless, the bond between Victor and Konrad is strong; even as they are uniquely different, they understand each other in a way only siblings can. So, when Konrad falls victim to a mysterious illness that evades even doctor’s understanding, Victor takes it upon himself to, against his father’s wishes, study alchemy in order to create the mysterious Elixir of Life that will save his brother and grant him the fame Victor has always wanted. With family friends, Elizabeth and Henry, to help him, Victor embarks upon an adventurous quest that will reveal long held secrets, sibling rivalry, and an unexpected darkness inside Victor that he must confront.
Oppel writes This Dark Endeavor from the lens of the Victorian period yet remains relatable and current for young readers. The author does not use the more difficult language of the period but keeps the darker subject matter that was present in the original book. Fans of period novels, the Victorian era, or even just the original story of Frankenstein will enjoy this addition to the mythology. Even if readers are unfamiliar with the story of Frankenstein, Oppel’s writing makes the hints toward the original story easily understandable. Even so, This Dark Endeavor is certain to interest fans of horror or mystery novels without being too scary to read at night.
Behind the fantasy of the novel lies an attention-grabbing conflict between the relationships of siblings. Young readers will relate to Victor’s struggle between loving his brother and being jealous for all that he has that Victor does not. At the center of this conflict is the relationship both boys have with Elizabeth, a charge in their father’s house and the girl that both brothers have a crush on. This Dark Endeavor has a purpose to show the dark and light side of human nature and is therefore used in a nonirritating way.
The combination of features that This Dark Endeavor provides makes a great read for many different types of readers but will be sure to leave readers wanting more of Victor Frankenstein’s unfortunate tale.
Does it have a Young Adult Label?: No.
Favorite Quote: “It was as though, in one moment, he had become a stranger. And I, a stranger to myself.”
Recommended if you like: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, alchemy, sibling rivalry, adventure, romance, mystery, Victorian Era,
Rating:
Oppel writes This Dark Endeavor from the lens of the Victorian period yet remains relatable and current for young readers. The author does not use the more difficult language of the period but keeps the darker subject matter that was present in the original book. Fans of period novels, the Victorian era, or even just the original story of Frankenstein will enjoy this addition to the mythology. Even if readers are unfamiliar with the story of Frankenstein, Oppel’s writing makes the hints toward the original story easily understandable. Even so, This Dark Endeavor is certain to interest fans of horror or mystery novels without being too scary to read at night.
Behind the fantasy of the novel lies an attention-grabbing conflict between the relationships of siblings. Young readers will relate to Victor’s struggle between loving his brother and being jealous for all that he has that Victor does not. At the center of this conflict is the relationship both boys have with Elizabeth, a charge in their father’s house and the girl that both brothers have a crush on. This Dark Endeavor has a purpose to show the dark and light side of human nature and is therefore used in a nonirritating way.
The combination of features that This Dark Endeavor provides makes a great read for many different types of readers but will be sure to leave readers wanting more of Victor Frankenstein’s unfortunate tale.
Does it have a Young Adult Label?: No.
Favorite Quote: “It was as though, in one moment, he had become a stranger. And I, a stranger to myself.”
Recommended if you like: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, alchemy, sibling rivalry, adventure, romance, mystery, Victorian Era,
Rating: