Review: "The Determined Heart" by Antoinette May

This is the story of Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. It is historical fiction that brings to light her complicated life. Beginning with the death of her mother when she was just 10 days old, Mary’s life had been difficult. Her father remarried when she was four to a woman who was jealous of Mary because of her dead mother. Her step-sister, Clair was doted on while Mary was ignored. When Mary was 14, she was introduced to Percy Bysshe Shelley and thus began a complex love affair that was anything but idyllic. Her life and marriage were filled with many tragedies, but still she persevered to be a renowned writer.

I enjoyed this version of Mary Shelley’s life. The writing style was more like a novel, with more contemporary language. The story had an easy flow and the thoughts and feelings expressed were given a more modern quality. Although I gleaned nothing new from this version that I hadn’t learned from previous readings about her, this is still very much worth reading for the style.

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has ever read Frankenstein and wondered how this young girl could conjure up such a horrific tale. If it is your first foray into the life of Mary Shelley, it is a wonderful starting point for discovering and if not, you will still read and enjoy the fresh look at her tragic history.