Daughter of Doctor Moreau

English language

Published April 15, 2022 by Random House Publishing Group.

ISBN:
978-0-593-35533-6
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OCLC Number:
1281240579

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4 stars (1 review)

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 …

3 editions

Fun science fiction mystery, underwhelming character chemistry

4 stars

I loved the Yucatan setting and the core mystery of this novel. The main concept is adapted from an old SF book featuring the same Doctor, but I appreciate how it was transplanted into this setting with the political undercurrent of the late 1800's. Most of the supporting cast are quite spunky and really stood out. Unfortunately I do feel like the two main characters don't have much of a relationship; they also tend to be a little one-note and frustrating.

The audiobook narration was also quite high quality particularly in the use of Mexican, French, and English accents. The narrator (Gisela Chípe) really brought the characters to life with craft and energy.