Sneaking in reviews when I can!
Thanks to Titan Books for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review
A BOTANICAL DAUGHTER – Noah Medlock (Released March 19th, 2024)
Book Description:
Mexican Gothic meets The Lie Tree by way of Oscar Wilde and Mary Shelley in this delightfully witty horror debut. A captivating tale of two Victorian gentlemen hiding their relationship away in a botanical garden who embark on a Frankenstein-style experiment with unexpected consequences.
It is an unusual thing, to live in a botanical garden. But Simon and Gregor are an unusual pair of gentlemen. Hidden away in their glass sanctuary from the disapproving tattle of Victorian London, they are free to follow their own interests without interference. For Simon, this means long hours in the dark basement workshop, working his taxidermical art. Gregor’s business is exotic plants – lucrative, but harmless enough. Until his latest acquisition, a strange fungus which shows signs of intellect beyond any plant he’s seen, inspires him to attempt a masterwork: true intelligent life from plant matter.
Driven by the glory he’ll earn from the Royal Horticultural Society for such an achievement, Gregor ignores the flaws in his plan: that intelligence cannot be controlled; that plants cannot be reasoned with; and that the only way his plant-beast will flourish is if he uses a recently deceased corpse for the substrate.
The experiment – or Chloe, as she is named – outstrips even Gregor’s expectations, entangling their strange household. But as Gregor’s experiment flourishes, he wilts under the cost of keeping it hidden from jealous eyes. The mycelium grows apace in this sultry greenhouse. But who is cultivating whom?
Told with wit and warmth, this is an extraordinary tale of family, fungus and more than a dash of bloody revenge from an exciting new voice in queer horror.
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars
A queer mash-up of Little Shop of Horrors meets Frankenstein in this new gothic horror meets historical fiction debut!
Set in Victorian London, we meet Simon and Gregor. Two men that reside within a stunning botanical garden where they can keep to themselves. Simon is a talented taxidermist and Gregor is a celebrated botanist. One day, Gregor acquires a new and strange fungus, one that shows signs of intelligence. Gregor and Simon combine their talents, expertise, and knowledge to create Chloe. As she thrives, it becomes harder and harder to keep her hidden away in their beautiful greenhouse.
What ensues is a dark story about relationships, love, family, and humanity. The Frankenstein elements are very clear – bringing a plant to life on taxidermy remains of a young woman. I wouldn’t necessarily say this is a terrifying horror novel. This is dark and it’s a solid monster story. It’s beautifully written and an impressive debut!
Jessicamap Reviews 