My second Frankenstein retelling novel for this season is quite different from the previous one. Although they're both told by/about sidekicks rather than the doctor or his creation, this one is from the point of view of the misshapen laboratory assistant, Igor. And that is only one of the quixotic differences from the original and its many successors.
The set up is swift, with a pitchforks-and-torches mob advancing on the derelict castle while the doctor is in the final stages of his latest attempt to reanimate a cobbled-together corpse. Thanks to Igor’s forethought and recognition of inevitability involving the trajectory local villagers' suspicions, the pair escapes the castle with most of their laboratory equipment and supplies, abandoning their shocked but immobile experiment. They set up a new workshop in a distant region where the doctor has some claim on a long-deserted manor house with a suitable tower, not too close to a town but not too distant from a cemetery where fresh – relatively fresh – parts can be had for their next experiment.
The writing is swift and sure. Igor is a convincing and sympathetic character. The doctor is as much of a jerk as you might expect, but Igor tries to make the best of things. His commitment to his unremunerated job is one of his endearing qualities. He might be almost the perfect employee, willing to turn his hand to any number of grizzly tasks and swallow any number of degrading insults from his master. Kind of like Wormtongue is treated by Saruman, but with a much worse clothing allowance.
But sooner or later, every worm must turn. And it appears Igor is about to turn chief cook and bottle washer for a collection of unwanted housemates in the new abode. One consolation is that there are now other minions at hand, also being insulted by, respectively, their master or mistress. For the first time in as long as he can remember, Igor isn’t alone with his servitude. And in companionship comes common purpose, even, eventually, solidarity.
The writing is competent, the voice of Igor flawless. The story unfolds at a clipping, but totally cohesive pace, with excellent characterization and goals that are easy to identify with, no mean feet considering they involve not only Igor and the doctor but a cat that is not a cat and a vampire with yearnings for a life beyond drinking blood. And … Something Else.
You might think that this sets up a horrifying paranormal tale, but it’s actually a fascinating character study that explores consent and servitude, bullying and respect, ethical dilemmas and the choice to do good in a world where so many around you are bad.
I was sorry when this one came to a close. Even though the wrap-up itself was satisfying, I just liked these characters and wanted to spend more time with them. It's a story with a lot of heart, even disregarding those examples in the spare parts crypt.
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