“I watched the old movie "The Island of Dr. Moreau" when I was very, very young, and it left a deep, creepy impression on me. The idea of animal/human mixed creatures freaks me out to this very day. But what freaks me out also draws me in, which is why I picked up The Madman's Daughter with such glee. This is told from the perspective of Juliet Moreau, the long neglected daughter of the infamous doctor who disappeared from London years ago. When Juliet's mother dies, she finds herself in dire straights, especially after she defends herself against a rape attempt by her employer. By accident (?), she runs into her father's young assistant in London, who confirms that her father is alive and well, that in fact the assistant is in town for a much needed provisions for the island that Dr. Moreau has been living and working on. Angry and disillusioned, but hoping that the rumors (and some of her memories of him) are not true, she convinces the assistant to let her go with him back to the island . He's the only family he has, and she has no where else to go. He reluctantly agrees. She sees bits and pieces of the cargo that is loaded on the less than reputable ship--strange animals and other puzzlements, but still clings to her feverent hopes of a joyous homecoming with her father. I'm guessing that I don't really have to say that that is not exactly what happens. This book is creepy and terrifying at times, at others there is a love story or two weaving in the shadows. It's fantastic read, and it seems that it MIGHT be a trilogy (this is unconfirmed). Juliet is a wonderful character, you'll want to meet her as long as you don't scare too easily. Whaaaa haaaa haaaa haaa.”
Jackie Blem wrote this review Saturday, February 9, 2013.
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