Her Lost Words by Stephanie Marie Thornton

 

Her Lost Words by Stephanie Marie Thornton

Submitted by Heather Groom, Branch Manager for Sullivan Gardens Public Library

    Historical Fiction is taking off this year and some of the most exciting titles to hit the shelves are going to be stories about real life authors. Stephanie Marie Thornton steps up and joins the ranks of the greats with this fictional account of the journey from Mary Wollstonecraft's "A Vindication of the Rights of Women" to Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein".

    Thornton crafts an invigorating story from the lives of the Mother of Feminism to the Mother of Science Fiction. Mary Wollstonecraft grew up in the late 1700's and experienced great fear of her father's sudden, violent rages. Upending the traditions of society, Wollstonecraft supports herself with her writing and pens the controversial volume "A Vindication of the Rights of Women"; boldly stating women's equality with men. Wollstonecraft's fire burned too brightly, and she passed from complications of giving birth to her daughter, Mary Shelley. Picking up where her mother's brilliance left off, Shelley begins to unravel the secrets behind her mother's life and works.

    Thornton does a wonderful job of moving seamlessly between generations and experiences. The true beauty of these women is their ability to navigate a world designed by and for men with effortless grace. They command a place at the table as equals without disregarding the unique qualities that come with femininity. She beautifully describes the thought process behind each woman and their determination to change the climate of the times. They are strong, yet vulnerable. Young, yet wise beyond their years. Thornton entwines these breathtaking stories until they at last unravel into the creation of (arguably) the first and most popular science fiction book in the world, "Frankenstein".

    This will be a fantastic book club pick. A reader's guide is included along with the book. Even better, make a Summer Reading Book Club project with a group of friends and read "Her Lost Words" along with "Frankenstein" and "A Vindication of the Rights of Women". Put this on your "Must Reads" list, you won't regret it!

"Her Lost Words" by Stephanie Marie Thornton can be checked out at Sullivan Gardens Public Library.
Also request this title on Libby or Hoopla!

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