Two eccentric bachelors, Gregor (a botanist) and Simon (a taxidermist), live together in unusual harmony.
However, when Gregor comes across a species of fungi who he believes might be sentient, he decides to test his theory further.He decides to plant the fungi into a freshly dead human corpse to grow in and control. Simon reluctantly agrees to help him, but, as their experiment grows, so, too, does the rift between them.
A Botanical Daughter by Noah Medlock is a wonderfully bizarre gothic novel teeming with mad science, body horror, and creeping dread.
This book takes after its Frankensteinian roots well—exploring the philosophy of selfhood and personhood (albeit through botany). For instance, at what point is a plant or fungi merely reacting to stimuli and at what point is it considered to have a consciousness? Is their experiment their creation, their daughter, or something more?
All in all, it’s a beautifully grotesque, captivating read that I think will delight fans of eco horror and Pygmalion-esque creation stories.
Thank you, NetGalley and Titan Books, for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Book Details:
Publication Date : March 19, 2024
Publisher : Titan Books
ISBN: 1803365900
Pages : 384
Comments
Post a Comment