Summer of Monsters (Tony Thompson, Walker Books)

One summer, a young Mary Godwin was challenged to create a scary story by her companions—her lover Percy Bysshe Shelley and his fellow poet Lord Byron. It resulted in one of the greatest horror/sci-fi stories ever written. Summer of Monsters chronicles the early years of Mary Shelley, culminating in the moment she sits down to write Frankenstein. With sharp dialogue and a fascinating historical setting, Tony Thompson’s book brings to life some of the most influential artists of the times, recreating them in all their obsessive, childish glory. Mary is undoubtedly their star, longing to escape the shadow of her parents’ reputation and dismissed as an uneducated woman despite her undeniable intelligence. Her spirit, her influences and her unconquerable quest for independence and freedom have been brought to life with great care. Though sections of the text veer towards the biographical both in tone and content, and there is the occasional disorientating switch in point of view, Summer of Monsters absolutely nails the dialogue. Thompson’s characters shine most brightly when allowed to speak for themselves, from Mary’s keen wit to Percy’s naive enthusiasm. Fans of Frankenstein will love this close look at one of literature’s most influential writers.  

Meg Whelan is the children’s book buyer at the Hill of Content Bookshop in Melbourne