Book Review: The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a retelling of the classic novel by H.G. Wells. This reimagining takes place in nineteenth century Mexico and follows Montgomery Laughton, a hired gun meant to protect the home of Dr. Moreau and his daughter, Carlota as the doctor conducts his experiments. As the outside world threatens their peace and Carlota falls in love with the man hell bent on forcing them to leave, Laughton is forced to fight through a cloud of alcoholism as he discovers the terrible secret about Carlota that the doctor had kept from him.

Moreno-Garcia writes a lavish novel full of animalistic characters that prove to be less monstrous than the actual humans. It’s a bit of a slow burn, taking its time to allow the reader to get to know Carlota and Laughton before their peaceful world is turned upside down. The most interesting moments are found in the author’s prose, juxtaposed against pages-long conversations told through dialogue that often take patience to get through.

It is a readable book, to be certain, but not a great one. The setting is wonderful, as is Carlota who is a transformative character when she finally realizes what she really is. But much of the book feels like it is less about her and more about the flaws of the male characters around her.

Three out of five stars for me, for I wish the story had spent more time with the experiments and less time with the testosterone fueled fights and politics.