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The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter
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The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss (Adult Si-fi/Fantasy BOM) Starts 22 November 2017
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At NRBC we use a more structured approach to our BOMs. We have a discussion leader and a reading date is set to start the book. A reading schedule is posted prior to the start date and discussion questions are posted each day regarding that section of the book.
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Date Chapters Pages MPQDs
Nov 22&23 I-VI 1-106 Geri
Nov 24&25 VII-XI 107-201 Lisa
**BREAK DAY**
Nov 27&28 XII-XVI 202-306 Shannon
Nov 29&30 XVII-end 307-end(400) Chelsea
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I’ll be reading this book. And I volunteer to do discussion questions.
Looks good. I'll volunteer for questions too.
Moderators of NBRC wrote: "I am so looking forward to reading this book I appreciate all the reviews of others.
This topic is open to discuss The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss. Be prepared for spoilers!
Synopsis
Based on some of literature’s horror and science fiction class..."
hey! I'll join in on this BOM. I read the sample on kindle and it starts really good :)
Moderators, just FYI that you didn't actually put in a break day where there is supposedly one.Also, I can do DQs for the last section. :)
Fine with me. 😊
Mod
Also, I can do DQs for the last section. :)"
Totally just testing you... yep that's it... LOL
and thanks!
Day works fine for me!
I started early. I'm sorry I couldn't help it. bit I'm a slow reader so it'll work out fine. But this book is fab. I'm loving it so far
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. What appealed to you about this BOM?
2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?
3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?
4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?
5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?
6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. What appealed to you about this BOM?
I love all those Gothic characters and the late Victorian time period in general. The subject appealed to me straight away.
2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?
You'd have to be living under a rock not to have least heard, read or watched a movie about these characters! They are amongst the most iconic in literature.
3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?
I wasn't sure about this style at first because it took me out of the novel. But as I have read along it does make the characters seem more real life individuals and not just famous names. I wouldn't say it is a modern plot device perse but the conversational interjections does make the novel not so formal and yes perhaps more 21st century style than 19th.
4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?
That is a possibility.. or she knew something was going to happen and she wanted to be far away when it did
5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?
It seems like their fathers really were "evil geniuses" and using their daughters to experiment on. Ugh.
6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?
Nothing good for sure. Although I have a feeling these girls will use their "powers" positively instead of for evil.
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. What appealed to you about this BOM?
I think I first noticed it because the cover is so pretty but I always like retellings of the classics that feature female characters because the originals are generally pretty bland to me just because all the characters are men so this sounded like something that would be.
2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?
I don't think I've actually read/seen any adaptations of Jekyll and Hyde [unless League of Extraordinary Gentlemen counts lol] but I'm familiar with the basic premise. I read a few of the Sherlock Holmes books back in the day and have seen the RDJ movies as well as Sherlock, although thankfully this version seems more true to the original instead of just making Holmes a dick all the time ~just because he can~. They also briefly mentioned Dr. Moreau - which I read although it was ages ago - and I think some Frankenstein stuff is being implied and I've read the original of that as well as about a million retellings.
3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?
I think it's definitely modern for the period the story is set in, although it's something that you do see from time to time today. I like it for the most part because it helps break the story up and helps make everything a bit less serious but also I don't really like how it started before we even knew who all the people talking were, so it was a bit confusing to me at first.
4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?
Yeah I definitely think something happened to her because if it's not going to come up again then there would really be no reason to mention it so explicitly in the first place.
5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?
I think they are the same person because the other bank account that wasn't under Jekyll's name was probably under Hyde's and he was putting the money there so he would have some for when he faked his own death. I guess there's the question of where the body that Jekyll's family buried came from but if he found some way to transform himself like that surely he could get another body and make it look like himself?
6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?
I think good COULD come of it but definitely not in these circumstances. I mean I'm sure the girls will end up using their powers for good, but it's definitely not okay to experiment on people without their knowledge or consent so doing this to their young children is definitely not okay.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Nov 24&25 VII-XI 107-201 7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?
8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?
9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?
10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?
7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?Yes, they were too quick to pin it on Renfield. He doesn’t seem smart enough or strong enough to have committed the murders. He is obviously taking the blame for Hyde in exchange for what he thinks will be eternal life.
Yes, it is surprising how many iconic characters from classic horror books are being included in the book!
8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?
It is a mystery! I am not sure. I am not very good at guessing.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?
They are all very intelligent, resourceful survivors. Diana is the most humorous. I have the most compassion for Beatrice.
10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?
Yes, I am enjoying the book so far. I like the unique way the story is being told, through the daughters of these famous men. I am enjoying the girl power!
I do think Beatrice is right that the women are being murdered for their body parts to create another Frankenstein’s monster.
Mod
1. What appealed to you about this BOM?
The title, tbh! And I could get it from the library. It wasn't until I got the book home that I read the synopsis ;)
2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?
Yes I don't often like "retellings", but where the characters are used in a different way can be quite fun - like The Case of the Missing Marquess
3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?
I was pretty surprised by this and I think it could be easily overused. So far I'm not finding it too annoying, but I am glad I didn't start with an audiobook - I think that would be really confusing
4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?
Absolutely! I'm expecting her to turn up as the next victim
5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?
Sounds plausible from what we know of the characters so far
6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?
I don't like it, but I think this was seen as furthering human kind back in the day
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Nov 24&25 VII-XI 107-201 7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?
I think the characters included so far work but that's because they are generally more science oriented so it fits with the feel of the book. I'm not sure if Dracula would fit in well. At first I was going to say no but I guess we do have another 'immortal' present in Justine, and there are several books that make a more scientific explanation for vampires so I actually do think it could fit in well.
It would be nice if Mina would show up though. And I definitely think Renfield is just taking the fall or if he did help then he definitely wasn't working alone.
8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?
I suppose it could be Dracula, maybe he's been the president for ages bc he's immortal. Other than that I honestly have no idea. I'm trying to think of other popular characters from the genre/time period but am coming up a bit blank as for ones that fit.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?
I really like them so far and it's nice that they're all so different and can play off each other in different ways. Diana is definitely my favorite and I think I'm really going to like Catherine as well.
10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?
I definitely think someone is trying to make another Frankenstein girl, I guess Hyde probably. I am definitely enjoying the book so far and I'm glad we've finally got all the main characters introduced. I've been sitting here like 'who on earth is Catherine' the entire time when she's the one writing the book lol
Geri | 122 comments DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. What appealed to you about this BOM?
I actually nominated this BOM. But I'm joining in late as usual...too much stuff going on with Thanksgiving. ;)
2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?
I read all the Holmes books when I was young, but don't really remember them that well, plus I've seen the movies and watch the BBC series. I'm familiar with the story of Jekyll & Hyde but don't recall ever actually reading anything.
3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?
I'm with most everyone else. At first I found it distracting especially not knowing who they all were, but I'm finding as I continue that I don't mind so much and am kind of enjoying them.
4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?
I don't know that I think something nefarious happened, but I do think she'll play a role further on.
5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?
I don't think he murdered her, I think he's hiding and still experimenting, but I also feel like I could be wrong. Ha!
6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?
I'm not sure I can definitely say I'm against it as almost all medical advances have come from various degrees of experimentation, however, I do think these stories highlight the potential dangers of doing so. And I really didn't like the implications about experimenting on their children.
DQs Day 1 Ch 1-61. What appealed to you about this BOM?
I love retellings of classic stories. This story sounded so interesting because we get to read about these madmen's daughters.
2. The characters talked about in the book include Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, Sherlock Holmes and Watson. Are you familiar with the characters? Have you read any of the books? Seen the movies?
I've seen a lot of the old black and white Sherlock Holmes movies starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce. And I love the BBC show starring Benedict Cumberbatch. I've read a few YA retellings of Sherlock and Watson.
3. What do you think about comments from the characters being left in the story? Is it a modern way of writing a novel?
I thought this style was a little confusing at the beginning, but now I'm getting used to it. I wonder how much time has passed since they all met and when they are this book.
4. Alice left the Jekyll household without saying goodbye. Do you think something happened to her?
I feel like she is going to be a victim.
5. Diana tells Mary that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person. Mary believes Mr. Hyde was the one that went off with Molly. Any thoughts on what is happening?
I believe that they are the same person, but I don't believe that Jekyll/Hyde is dead. I think he faked his death and he's still walking around as Hyde killing people.
6. According to Diana, Hyde talked about alchemy and bringing corpses back to life. And the letter read by Mary talked about experiments on someone named Beatrice. Now, Beatrice is on exhibit and can supposedly breathe poison. Can anything good come from experimenting on someone like this? Or should we not mess with nature this way?
I don't think it's right to experiment on your own children especially when you are turning them into weapons.
Mod
7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?
It feels like the author is just throwing everyone into the mix and I'm not sure how I feel about it.
As for Renfield, yes it was all rather convenient
8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?
No, not yet. I do think Jeckyll/Hyde is still alive and his death was faked, not sure if he is still in the society though
9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?
They are all a little interesting in their own way. The continuing narrative from them is getting irritating though
10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?
They must be making some new kind of experiment?
I'm enjoying the book less as we go on. It's hard for me to get past the style ; but also the language being used is today's language rather than what would be used in the time this is based. The historical fiction fan in me thinks that is pretty lazy.
We know they solve the mystery, but I don't have any theories on it yet
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Nov 24&25 VII-XI 107-201 7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?
I'm with Karen, it's all starting to feel a bit contrived. Like the author is just throwing everything possible into the mix. Lestrade came off as a bit of a boob, quick judgements, no real thought. Can't remember if that's par for the course for how he's normally portrayed.
8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?
Possibly King Midas who was turned into an immortal....ha! Just kidding. No idea really at this point.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?
Hmmmmm....see my answer below.
10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?
I'm with Devann, I think Hyde is most likely trying to recreate a Frankenstein.
I find I agree with Karen again, I'm struggling with the novel. I've lost some of my enjoyment at the idea behind it. I think it's got more of a YA feel to it, in that it comes across as sort of childish. It's too rushed. Shouldn't it be a bit darker and not so flippant? Too many "monsters" thrown in too quickly. At one point during an intermission discussion, one of the ladies indicated that the novel was supposed to be about them rather than the mystery, but I'm finding that for me, the style doesn't really lend itself to you truly getting to enjoy and learn about the characters. Unlike at the beginning where you actually had some time with Mary to kind of learn and care about her. I think the novel isn't quite sure what it wants to be.
@Shannon, I know in a lot of the recent adaptations Lestrade is portrayed as kind of stupid as a way like ...make Holmes seem even smarter I guess [and bc Holmes seems to be more of a dick with every incarnation] but I can't remember how Lestrade acted in the original. On the one hand I guess I get why he thinks Renfield did it bc the guy did confess and Lestrade probably has tons to do and doesn't want to spend a lot of time on it if it seems to be done, but on the other hand why consult with Holmes if you aren't going to listen to him??
Devann wrote: "@Shannon, I know in a lot of the recent adaptations Lestrade is portrayed as kind of stupid as a way like ...make Holmes seem even smarter I guess [and bc Holmes seems to be more of a dick with eve..."True!! C'mon he's Holmes!!
Ahhh, I'm sorry y'all but I've been so busy with writing my thesis that I haven't had time to even start reading this book. It just goes to show that I shouldn't commit to extra things in the last few weeks of crunch time. Although luckily y'all still haven't found someone for the third set of questions, so you're not waiting on mine :P Sorry to have to leave you with no one for the last day as well! Hopefully I can read this book once I'm done!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - Nov 24&25 VII-XI 107-201 7. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE SURPRISE INCLUSION OF SEVERAL CHARACTERS FROM BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA INCLUDING RENFIELD, VAN HELSING AND DR SEWARD? DO YOU THINK RENFIELD'S MASTER THE ICONIC DRACULA MAY MAKE AN APPEARANCE AND COULD EVEN BE PART OF THE MYSTERIOUS SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES HIMSELF? AND DO YOU THINK LE STRADE WAS TOO QUICK TO ARREST RENFIELD GIVEN THE CIRCUMSTANCES HOLMES DEDUCES?
I thought it was so strange when I read Van Helsing's name! And I also thought that Renfield's name and personality sounded familiar. How could he possibly have been controlled by Dracula (in the story we know) and another crazy killer? I feel like Dracula must be behind these murders unless the author is completely changing the story of Dracula as well. I'm interested to see how this is all going to play out.
8. IN THE LETTER FROM PR VAN HELSING TO DR JEKYLL HE MAKES MENTION OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETE BUT DOESN'T NAME HIM. ANY IDEA WHO THIS MAY BE?
I think it would be very weird if it turns out to be Dracula, but I'm really not sure who it could be otherwise.
9. WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE SCIENTISTS SO FAR... DIANA, MARY, CATHERINE, BEATRICE AND JUSTINE?
I really like these women. They are very strong women with very tragic backstories. I wouldn't mind reading books about them individually.
10. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE LINK BETWEEN THE MURDERED GIRLS AND THE SOCIETE DES ALCHIMISTES? ARE YOU ENJOYING THE BOOK AND HAVE YOU ANY THEORIES AS TO HOW IT WILL END?
I think that someone from the society is killing these girls for their experiments.
Mod
11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?
12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?
13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?
14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?
15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?
Mod
That's ok Chelsea!! We can take care of it unless someone wants to step in??????
Good luck finishing your thesis!!!
Mod
11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?
No, I haven't so this was all new to me. And I know I'm going to sound so negative, but I really thought this all just went a bridge too far
12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?
I'm just doing my best to get to the end :o
13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?
No. I figured he was still alive early on. And it makes sense he is paying the headmistress for girls.... yawn.... (not at your questions - at the story ;) )
14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?
I'm skim reading :o
15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?
I'm really over this book by this stage and I'm just trying to power through. I think there is way too much thrown together, it's a stupid plot, and the dialogue is SO unrealistic for 1890s. I'm finding this so painful to read :(
DQs Day 3 Ch XII - XVI11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?
I have read the book although it was years ago, but it more or less seems to add up. I actually read another retelling [I think it was literally called the Madman's Daughter or something?] that was a lot like this, although this is better because so far it's not bogged down with romance.
12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?
It has been years since I read Dracula [and - unpopular opinion - I thought it was the dullest book ever] so I don't really remember much about canon Van Helsing but yeah it seems a bit weird if he's actually in the society now that you mention it. I guess Dracula could show up but I feel like it's a bit late in the narrative to be introducing big characters. Although they kind of almost have to after that big fight scene they just had ...
13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?
I was a bit surprised by the Alice thing although now that I think back about it she has been popping up in the narrative breaks I guess. Honestly I really love the premise for this but the actual book just feels like it is DRAGGING along so I feel like sometimes I might be zoning out and missing important information.
14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?
I was nice for something to finally happen and for us to get some answers but also now I'm just wondering what is going to happen next because we're only 3/4ths of the way done with this so ...although the plot has been dragging and I think we NEEDED some action it all still seems a bit premature I guess.
15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?
I honestly don't know. I'm definitely not hating it as much as Karen seems to be, but I am getting a little bit fed up with how slowly I feel the plot is moving. I've kind of gone past caring about the mysteries and I just want it to end at this point.
Also, totally random but I wish it would knock it off with the whole ~Mary has a crush on Sherlock~ thing. I just feel like it's so weird and unnecessary.
11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?No, I didn’t know much about Dr. Moreau. I haven’t read the books or seen the movies. So this was new and interesting to me.
12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?
I really do think enough classic horror characters, and their daughters, are part of the story. The author needs to save something for later!
13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?
I wasn’t surprised by Hyde. Like everyone else, I did think he was alive. I was surprised by where Alice was discovered. I thought something more nefarious had happened to her.
14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?
Yes, a lot did happen! I was surprised how much happened in this section. This type of action and revelation happens more at the end.
15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?
I have finished the book. So I won’t say more.
Well I finally finished the book! I guess we don't have last day questions and I'm not really good at making them up but I just wanted to ask what people thought about the book overall.I really wanted to like this book bc it takes all those great classic stories and inserts women into them and also does it in such a way to try to discuss what makes a woman 'monstrous' but I just felt like the overall plot was really lacking. It started out well but I feel it was just really crawling by towards the end and - to me - by the end it all just seemed like a set up for future books. It set up the mystery of who was killing the girls as a huge thing then just kind of dropped the answer and wandered off to other things. IDK, I was really enjoying it at first but as of finishing now I've rated it 3 stars.
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Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief
(last edited Dec 01, 2017 04:02PM)
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I really w..."
SORRY!
I completely forgot one of us needed to do the last day as well, and I’m trying to get done...although I’m struggling a bit.
Thanks for posting your final thoughts even though we dropped the ball.
Hopefully I’ll finish this evening and we can discuss.
Oh it's fine! I'm sure you've got tons of stuff going on and like I said I found the last part of the book a bit of a struggle to get through as well lol
DQs Day 3 Ch XII - XVI11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?
I had started the book a few years ago but didn't finish it. I didn't know that Dr. Moreau was turning animals into humans so it was interesting to learn about it. Now I would like to go back and read the whole book.
12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?
I don't understand how he couldn't show up because why mention Van Helsing. Dracula has to have something to do with these experiments, I just don't know what his role could be.
13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?
Alice's reappearance was anticlimactic. I thought she was going to be another victim. But she just got another job coincidentally at the Magdalen House. I wasn't surprised Hyde was alive, but I was surprised that he wasn't the ringleader behind the murders.
14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?
It was all revealed at once and didn't feel very shocking or interesting. It's only Frankenstein who desires a bride. Not the best reason for all of this carnage. Especially since they didn't even have to kill those women for their body parts because they found the original creation, Justine.
15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?
I don't know what else we could possibly learn in these next 100 pages.
Mod
I really w..."
I finished it, but then as you all know I wasn't enjoying it, so it felt a bit "blah" at the end.
So much so, that I'm yet to review it :( Really should do that
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(last edited Dec 02, 2017 08:01PM)
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Nov 29&30 XVII-end 307-end(400)
16. A key question of this book is "Who are the real monsters"? What is your answer?
17. Catherine decides to leave the other women’s comments in the narrative so that the reader “will be able to see how annoying and nonsensical most of them are, while offering the occasional flash of insight into character.” Do the interruptions afford you a better understanding of the characters? Are they nonsensical? How would the story have been different without these interruptions? If Goss had formatted them differently—as footnotes, for example—would they have had the same effect?
18. Despite the protests of the other women, Beatrice insists, “I killed my mother and Giovanni. Perhaps I killed my father as well, who knows?” Justine says, “In my heart, I knew myself to be a murderer.” Can any of the women be held responsible for the harm they do to others? Is there a point at which self-defense turns into murder?
19. Overall thoughts? Will you read more from this author? Do you think this may turn into a series?
I agree with everyone. It started off good, but went on too long. The thing that annoyed me most is that this was more of a light mystery instead of a darker Sci-Fi Fantasy or even horror. I love mystery, but the mystery here wasn’t that great. I won’t read more if this becomes a series.
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Agree
haha i mean i feel like questions from the publisher are there to help you so it's not REALLY cheating ;)Nov 29&30 XVII-end 307-end(400)
16. A key question of this book is "Who are the real monsters"? What is your answer?
I mean, obviously these men who are doing irreversible experiments on their young daughters. And idk, probably like ...society or something. I feel like the book was trying to say something about how society views independent women as 'monsters' because it just wants to control but like it never actually GOT to that point except maybe in the epilogue-ish bit at the end and by that point it was too late. Honestly this book probably should have had another pass through an editor to streamline the concept or something.
17. Catherine decides to leave the other women’s comments in the narrative so that the reader “will be able to see how annoying and nonsensical most of them are, while offering the occasional flash of insight into character.” Do the interruptions afford you a better understanding of the characters? Are they nonsensical? How would the story have been different without these interruptions? If Goss had formatted them differently—as footnotes, for example—would they have had the same effect?
I liked it at first but it was wearing on me after awhile. I actually think the book might have been better if each chapter was written from a different girl's POV and it just said on the chapter who that was. Some of the asides were insightful but I feel like they could have easily been inserted into the regular narrative by just having all the girls as writers. Because by the end most of the asides were like 'how did you know I was thinking that' 'I didn't I just made it up' and it really took me out of the story.
18. Despite the protests of the other women, Beatrice insists, “I killed my mother and Giovanni. Perhaps I killed my father as well, who knows?” Justine says, “In my heart, I knew myself to be a murderer.” Can any of the women be held responsible for the harm they do to others? Is there a point at which self-defense turns into murder?
I mean Justine was being attacked so I think she was 100% justified, whether it was a 'real' man or a beast man doesn't really come into it in my opinion. He was going to hurt and/or kill them if she didn't stop him. Beatrice is a bit trickier because it's like surely she realized on some level that she was actually poisoning and killing him. I guess you could argue she was kept purposely ignorant of how her powers worked, but it seems like she did have some idea and did it anyway. I don't necessarily blame her but I can see why she feels guilty over it.
19. Overall thoughts? Will you read more from this author? Do you think this may turn into a series?
I think by the end the whole book just seemed like a build up to a series, which really bothers me if it's not marketed as the first of a series. I don't know if I'll be reading more of this. It was an interesting concept but the mystery was not very compelling and often just sidelined in favor of ...well, I don't know what really, a lot of rambling I guess? If there is another book I'd like it to either be shorter or have more plot to it. And I agree that it really needs to be darker.
Also did it say at the beginning how old all these girls are?? I thought they were like teenagers for some reason and I KNOW 'it was a different time' and all but the weird almost romantic angles with Holmes and Watson were making me feel really weird by the end because I'm picturing them as in their like 30s/40s and then all these girls half their age and I'm just like *ick*And it's not like the entire rest of the book was that 'historically accurate' so I don't know why weird relationships with huge age gaps have to be the thing that breaks that. [edit: also the thing w/ Catherine and Prendick]
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see comment history DQs Day 3 Ch XII - XVI
11. We get to hear Catherine's story. Have you read the source novel or seen the movie? How does this version jibe with them or even with what you thought you knew?
I've never read the original book - but have seen at least two movie interpretations one with Marlon Brando as Dr Moreau. So I have enough basic information to get the gist of Justine's character.
12. Mary, Mrs. Poole, and Sherlock go back to the asylum to further research Renfield. Dr. Seward is back as the head of the asylum, as he is in Stoker's Dracula. Van Helsing has yet to make an actual appearance although he's mentioned several times. It's seems odd that these two men would be attached to the Societe as per Van Helsing's letter to Jekyll rather than working against it. Have you changed your mind whether you think Dracula may show up?
At this point, I am still holding out for an appearance of "The Dark Prince" - as played by Gary Oldman, LOL but I think he's going to be a no show.
13. While this meeting is going on, Justine & Beatrice are getting kidnapped, Catherine, Diana, and Watson are investigating the Magdalen House. There they discover Hyde is in fact alive and has been involved with the missing girls; getting their information from the headmistress. Here we also find the missing scullery maid Alice. Were you surprised by anything that happened? Any of the revelations?
I had picked up by this stage that Alice was still alive... (they mention her in the conversations between the story) so I guessed she had a part to play in the expose of the mystery. Hyde turning up was also sort of a given.
14. The big reveal and the big fight at the warehouse. Adam Frankenstein was attempting to recreate Justine with the help of Hyde and Pendrick. A lot happened in this chapter. It was quite the change of pace from the beginning of the novel as it was pretty much nothing but revelations and action. What stuck out the most for you? Too much too fast? Or just the right amount at the right time?
All the revelations of the mystery were a bit of let down, I would have preferred a twistier, meatier plot line. More involvement from the mysterious Societie would have worked better for me.
15. Going into the last section, any thoughts about how it'll all end? Anything you'd like to see happen?
The last section seems to be setting up a sequel. As there is still a big mystery about the Societie this would make sense. The mystery in this book was just the opening act so to speak and giving the reader some background on the girls'individual stories in preparation.
Geri wrote: "I agree with everyone. It started off good, but went on too long. The thing that annoyed me most is that this was more of a light mystery instead of a darker Sci-Fi Fantasy or even horror. I love m..."Me too. The source books are gothic, dark, twisty. This was just too fluffy. Really not what I expected.
Lisa - (Aussie Girl) wrote: ".All the revelations of the mystery were a bit of let down, I would have preferred a twistier, meatier plot line. More involvement from the mysterious Societie would have worked better for.."
Agreed
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Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado
(last edited Dec 05, 2017 12:53AM)
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Nov 29&30 XVII-end 307-end(400)
16. A key question of this book is "Who are the real mons..."
haha
Thanks Devann, and although I didn't enjoy the book, I enjoyed reading your answers :)
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All the revelations of the mystery were a bit of let down, I would have preferred a twistier, meatier plot line. More involvement from the mysterious Societie would h..."
I agree Lisa. And it did seem to completely set itself up for a sequel
@Karen haha glad I could help a little bit. I still enjoyed it well enough - although not sure sure if I want to read any sequels - but I think it seems like most of us started off really excited and dropped off fairly quickly. Oh well, guess you can't win them all
This topic is open to discuss The Strange Case of the Alchemist's Daughter by Theodora Goss. Be prepared for spoilers!
Synopsis
Based on some of literature’s horror and science fiction classics, this is the story of a remarkable group of women who come together to solve the mystery of a series of gruesome murders—and the bigger mystery of their own origins.
Mary Jekyll, alone and penniless following her parents’ death, is curious about the secrets of her father’s mysterious past. One clue in particular hints that Edward Hyde, her father’s former friend and a murderer, may be nearby, and there is a reward for information leading to his capture…a reward that would solve all of her immediate financial woes.
But her hunt leads her to Hyde’s daughter, Diana, a feral child left to be raised by nuns. With the assistance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, Mary continues her search for the elusive Hyde, and soon befriends more women, all of whom have been created through terrifying experimentation: Beatrice Rappaccini, Catherine Moreau, and Justine Frankenstein.
When their investigations lead them to the discovery of a secret society of immoral and power-crazed scientists, the horrors of their past return. Now it is up to the monsters to finally triumph over the monstrous.