Gods and Monsters

Good book! Needed it for class

The descriptions on Amazon of Gods and Monsters, first published as Father of Frankenstein, do not do the book justice. This novel, about the last (fictionalized) days of the director of the Frankenstein movies, is simply marvelous. It takes as its premise a simple situation: an ailing, homosexual director, his fame long-gone stale, gets the idea to incite his very masculine, working-class landscaper into murdering him because he doesn't have the courage to commit suicide. A modern, minor masterpiece of psychology and subtext, the sleek, subtle plot creates a page-turner which never loses site of its deeply drawn, sympathetic, flawed and unique characters. Bram is a master of the simile and has a perfect instinct for story arc and form. The novel could hardly lose or gain a single word without suffering. In every way it is a gem.

When I started reading the book I thought that I would not finish it. But then the story picked up and I could not put it down. While reading the book I felt as if I was walking with the persons in the book. Very interesting to learn about Mr Whale as the director in post World War I Hollywood. I highly recommend it. I look forward to watching the movie now.

Christopher Bram, in Gods and Monsters, has created a beautifully poignant novel that tells of a friendship between famed movie director James Whale (Frankenstein; Bride of Frankenstein; Show Boat) and fictional character Clayton Boone, Whale’s supposed yard man. Some of what’s here is truth; most of it is invented. But Bram creates a lovely relationship between a aging and dying gay man and a young man who sees Whale’s pain and, though not gay himself, is sensitive enough to provide the support the older man needs. All this takes place in the late 1950s, a period that Bram evokes brilliantly. Having read this book and another of Bram’s, that one set during WWII, I marveled at the ease and skill Bram has at creating the atmosphere of another era. His writing is flawless in that respect, and it is flawless in his character development, as well. Originally titled Father of Frankenstein, the book was re-titled when an Academy-award winning film was made of it. God and Monsters is a perfectly fitting title. The film, winning for its screenplay based on Bram’s novel and written by its director, is a wonderful film. This novel, its source, is wonderful as well. Unlike many film adaptations, these two works compliment and complement each other. Read the book; see the movie. Time well spent.

Read this book for a book club, usually I would never read a book like this as I find them boring. I don't like books that take place in the past, even near past very much, and I don't like character driven narratives where the plot is just an 'average' life story. That said, maybe I've matured, or maybe this book was that good. I actually really enjoyed it. I thought even though some people might not find the characters' actions believable, I did. I was never bored with the story. I remember not liking a few of the characters, but not because they were poorly written, just because I didn't like their actions. So I didn't like them in a good way.