Catherine Wignall’s forthcoming novel, *She Who Makes Monsters*, is set to capture the literary scene when it hits shelves in the summer of 2027. This young adult gothic romance brings into focus a pivotal moment in the life of Mary Shelley, the renowned author best remembered today for her groundbreaking novel, *Frankenstein*. With an exclusive reveal of its striking cover, the book aims to delve deep into Shelley’s tumultuous teenage years and her exploration of necromancy against the backdrop of her relationships with literary figures Percy Shelley and Lord Byron.
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At the heart of *She Who Makes Monsters* is the 17-year-old Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, who grapples with the weight of her family’s literary reputation and her own burgeoning identity as an author. Into this intricate world steps Percy Shelley, an acclaimed poet whose presence complicates Mary’s quest for independence. Faced with the threat of being sent to Ireland for a governess position by her father, Mary concocts a daring plan to flee England in pursuit of her mother, hoping to resurrect her through supernatural means.
Wignall describes the motivation behind her novel as stemming from a moment of frustration with the literary establishment. “The seed of this story was planted during a conversation with a man who lauded Percy Shelley and Byron yet completely overlooked Mary,” she explains. This oversight struck a chord with Wignall, sparking her intention to give Mary the recognition she deserves. “While Percy and Byron are celebrated literary figures, it was Mary who, at a young age, birthed the science fiction genre through her writing, forever altering the landscape of literature.”
The author’s passion for Shelley extends beyond admiration; it is deeply personal. Wignall acknowledges a shared spirit, seeing in Mary a reflection of her own experiences with grief. “Mary was not only a literary prodigy; she was a grief-stricken, angry teenager devoid of formal education but with intellect that rivaled her male contemporaries,” Wignall notes. By drawing connections to her own life, particularly growing up with undiagnosed obsessive-compulsive disorder, Wignall infuses the narrative with authenticity and emotional resonance.
As the young protagonist delves into the practice of necromancy, her quest for resurrection turns into a dangerous obsession that threatens to consume her relationships, including those with Percy and Byron. The story intertwines themes of loss and yearning, framing necromancy not only as a plot device but as an avenue for exploring hope and desperation. Wignall reflects on this aspect, noting that her personal grappling with mortality and the idea of love’s potential to harm or heal is woven intricately into Mary’s journey.
Wignall is clear that while *She Who Makes Monsters* is, in part, a feminist reclamation of Shelley’s narrative, it also serves as a platform for exploring her own haunting fears and struggles. “My obsession with death and the desire to bring back those I loved was borne from my childhood experiences,” she shares, explaining how this theme has influenced her writing. “For me, necromancy was not merely a fantasy but a form of wish fulfilment.”
The novel is poised to challenge societal norms and expectations placed on young women, with Wignall declaring, “This is my answer to a world that encourages girls to remain subdued, to mourn quietly, and to suppress their rage.” Readers will witness Mary’s transformation from a mere reflection of societal constraints into a figure who embraces her power and defiance.
*She Who Makes Monsters* is scheduled for publication on August 3, 2027, and is now available for pre-order. With Wignall’s unique perspective and rich storytelling, the book promises to offer a fresh take on Mary Shelley’s life while encouraging a deeper reflection on the themes of grief, empowerment, and the quest for identity in the face of overwhelming odds.
As audiences anticipate the arrival of this novel, Wignall’s endeavour to illuminate Mary Shelley’s legacy stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of her story and the thematic depths that can still be explored within it. As an adventurous blend of history and speculative fiction, *She Who Makes Monsters* is likely to resonate with both young adults and anyone interested in the complexities of feminine narrative throughout literary history.