Title:- The Daughter of Doctor Moreau
Author:- Silvia Moreno
Date published:- July 19th 2022
No. of pages:- 306 pages
Genre:- Scientific Fiction/Horror
Rating:-
Plot:- 4/5
Writing:- 4/5
Overall rating:- 3.5/5
A lavish historical drama reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.
Carlota Moreau: a young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of either a genius, or a madman.
Montgomery Laughton: a melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.
The hybrids: the fruits of the Doctor’s labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.
All of them living in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.
For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and in the sweltering heat of the jungle, passions may ignite.
The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is both a dazzling historical novel and a daring science fiction journey.
So after reading the Mexican Gothic I always wanted to read Sylvia Moreno’s books–and when her latest book The Daughter of Doctor Moreau was released, I was so excited to read this book.
I am having mixed feelings about this book.
Normally I am not a fan of Sci-Fi but I made an exception with this one. The story is set in nineteenth century. Carlota’s father Doctor Moreau is a scientist who is performing experiments by mixing animals with humans to form a species called hybrid to work on plantations. Mr. Loughton comes to work in Moreau’s household.
This was a slow-burn although it became interesting towards the end. The story is told mainly from Carlota’s and Montgomery’s point of view. Although it was a science fiction, I actually enjoyed this one. The book was well written with vivid descriptions so that the reader will feel like they are living in the nineeenth century. Overall this book worth four stars.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of several novels, including Mexican Gothic, Gods of Jade and Shadow and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau. She has also edited a number of anthologies, including the World Fantasy Award-winning She Walks in Shadows (a.k.a. Cthulhu’s Daughters). Mexican by birth, Canadian by inclination.
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