Confessions of the Creature
Gary Inbinder

Reviewed by Ann Marie Chalmers

Confessions of the Creature, begins where Mary Shelley’s famous novel about Frankenstein ended. However, instead of killing himself on an ice-floe north of the Arctic Circle, the creature survives and is transformed by an old witch in the forests of Russia into something more human. 

Human enough to go into society without being labelled a monster he changes his name to Viktor and sets off to Moscow.   Viktor is only looking for work when he shows himself to be more than an everyday workman. He is invited to the Suvorin mansion which leads him to marriage and a career in the Russian army fighting against Napoleon. 

Filled with historical dates and times this book takes place in the early 1800’s and follows Viktor and his new life.  The book captures the human side of the creature and shows him as a family man and a hero.  We read about him being torn between fighting in a war that needs to be fought and being home with his wife and family. 

When the war is over the book takes us to Viktor meeting Byron and Shelley which leads us to believe that this fictional piece could actually be true and not just a lovely and daring novel.  With so much historical truth in this story it will leave the reader wondering if this is really just a story.

Viktor is an amazing character who is more human than most of the characters in this book. He keeps his secret well and worries about being found out.  With feelings like everyone else it is hard to remember who Viktor is supposed to be but his power when fighting shows his true nature.  His time as a family man shows him being who he wants to be.  

This wonderfully written novel will have any reader hooked right from the beginning. It is an enjoyable and extraordinary story!  I hope this will not be the last we see of this author who obviously has a wonderful talent.