Review of Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors

Follow us on Instagram!!

***spoilers…duh***

Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a humours but poignant debut novel by Coco Mellors on how the impulsive marriage of on couple can cause shock waves through friendship groups. Mellors was able to capture the complexities of love and relationships within the New York city backdrop.

Cleo and Frank paths serendipitously crossed paths in an elevator as the clocks stroke midnight on New Year’s Eve. Cleo, a 24-year-old British artist captivated everyone she meets, and she certainly caught the eye of Frank, a distinguished 45-year-old advertising company owner. The spontaneous exchange of glances ignited and instant connection. Frank is completely entranced by Cleo’s striking beauty and complexity that even Cleo’s face “was a performance” to Frank. The story quickly jumps to June of the same year, where Cleo and Frank get married in a simple ceremony at City Hall. Friends and family can’t help but wonder if their marriage is just for convenience, due to the suddenness and the fact that Cleo’s visa was about to expire. Yet, both Cleo and Frank vehemently deny such claims. From the very beginning both main characters gave each grandiose nicknames of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, both of which give insight to the characters internal struggle. Cleopatra was desired women who is often portrayed as a woman who is desperate for male validation and desires nothing but deep devotion from the men they love. Both Cleopatra and Cleo have torrid love affairs with men that valued and respected each other- Frank and Anders. Dr Frankenstein was a deeply troubled man with a god complex who cared more about his work then the women he stated he “loved”. Their relationship was doomed from the wedding reception when Franks over excitement for cocaine left a dark feeling in Cleo’s heart. Cleo finds herself reminded of Frank’s wedding vow: “When the darkest part of you meets the darkest part of me, it creates light.” We see as the novel progresses that in this quest of creating light together, they can’t help but delve deeper into their own darkness.

Amidst this backdrop, new characters emerge, each destined to play a significant role in the unfolding tale. Firstly, we have Quentin, Cleo’s best friend who is gay and struggles with addiction, feel neglected and abandoned by Cleo now that she is married. To fill the whole that Cleo left, Quentin explores new experiences like going to orgies and this is where he meets Alex. Alex influences Quentin to indulge his addiction which leads him to become addicted to meth. Cleo tries to help Quentin but ultimately abandons him for real when she considers him a lost cause. Initially, we empathize with Quentin’s sense of hurt, observing how Cleo’s newfound relationship with Frank has seemingly left him feeling neglected. Yet, as the story unfolds, Quentin’s true nature is gradually revealed to be more self-centred than sympathetic.

Then we have Zoe, Frank’s half-sister who has her reservations towards Cleo. Zoe is completely reliant on Frank’s financial generosity which gets taken away when Frank gets marries; this leaves Zoe feeling a lot of resentment for Cleo. Zoe’s situation is made more difficult when Zoe has a seizure, and being a struggling actor, must find her own way of paying for her hospital bills. With nothing better to do due to lack of money, Zoe attends a free gathering hosted by the “Climaxing to Consciousness” group, where she crosses paths with Portia, who introduces her to the website, “Daddy Dearest.” This platform caters to individuals seeking companionship in exchange for financial support, ranging from attending functions to providing company at meetings. Zeo refuses at first but in the end, she does sing up to the sight. Following the session, Zoe goes to a bar and meets Cleo and Audrey (Cleo’s former roommate). Their chance meeting evolves into a night of camaraderie and shared experiences. As the narrative progresses, the bond between Cleo and Zoe flourishes, with Zoe extending her support to Cleo during her separation and eventual divorce.

Finally, Anders and Santiago, who are Frank’s close friends, and Elenor, who is a temporary writer for Frank’s company. These characters are supportive but immensely important for the destruction of Frank’s and Cleo’s marriage. Santiago is a man who loves deeply and has never forgotten his late wife who died of an overdose. Through the novel Santiago becomes more confident due to his weight loss and acceptance that he can move on from his wife but still love her whilst also finding new love for himself. Santiago is used as the opposite of Cleo and Frank; whilst they are the dark Santiago is the light. Anders is Frank’s longest friend but whilst Frank is away in South Africa for a job, him and Cleo start a passionate affair. Cleo was ready to leave Frank for Anders if he would be there for her. Disheartened by Anders’ lack of reassurance, Cleo abandons thoughts of departure, clinging to the hope of salvaging her relationship with Frank. Anders moves to Los Angeles for a new job without even talking to Cleo, leaving her to deal with the aftermath of their short-lived affair and the uncertainty of her relationship with Frank. Though Cleo physically cheated, Frank had an emotional affair with his new temp Eleanor. She resides with her mother at an age of 37, where she navigates the complexities of familial responsibility, caring for her father, who battles dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Her and Frank work together and quickly form a bond over their same sense of humour. Over time, Eleanor finds herself falling in love with Frank and Cleo suspects that Frank reciprocates the feelings after reading their email exchange.

As Cleo’s discontent with her marriage to Frank deepens, she blames her unhappiness on his drinking habits. In a desperate bid to escape her pain, she resorts to attempting suicide by slitting her wrist in their apartment. Discovered by Frank, she is promptly rushed to the hospital. Following her release, the couple opt to steer clear of the apartment seeking refuge in Frank’s cabin. However, they resume the fighting, leading to a candid confrontation where both acknowledge their incompatibility and the myriad ways in which they are wrong for each other. Confronted with the stark reality of their differences, they make the decision to part ways

Frank visits Cleo in Italy and sees that she is doing well for herself with a flourishing social life and artistic pursuits. Frank is now sober and seems to be doing better. They finalise their divorce and move on with their lives, content with the love they have for each other and the time they spent together.

This narrative throughout the novel is not just an account of a failed marriage; it’s a profound exploration of navigating through darkness, overcoming obstacles, and emerging into a newfound strength and purpose. The novel took seven years to write, and you tell as it is sheer perfection. From literary style to tone and pace, this novel keeps you engaged and it sticks with you long after you’ve finished it.

I give this book 5/5. A must read!