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This version of the classic H.G. Wells horror story finds the mad scientist in the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula, funded by a wealthy landowner in need of workers. Dr. Moreau intends to generate these workers through his efforts to combine human and animal genetic material. So far, however, the results have been less than satisfactory. We are introduced to the doctor’s daughter, Carlota, who becomes a foil for Montgomery, site manager for the estate, as in the original tale.
The doctor’s benefactor plays a significant role here, as do his relatives and hired workers. A few of the hybrids are also given opportunities to interact, develop, and propel the action. Plenty of ink is spent exploring many of the secondary characters and why they think what they think and do what they do.
Moreau and Montgomery are the only major characters here that were in the 1896 story. Although the remote vivisection scenario is similar, the story is completely different, including the ending. Like the doctor himself, Silvia Moreno Garcia has combined elements of the source material with actual bits of history to give modern readers a slightly different viewpoint of a quintessential fable.
The backdrop of the Mayan and Mexican conflict of the late 19th century adds a tiny bit of color to this work, but not nearly enough. There are plenty of opportunities for the author to introduce more of that historical narrative into this horror book, but she only uses trivial fragments. I found it frustrating to read about a pair of characters a few times, but they don’t show up until the final chapters. Oh well.
Overall, this is a very creative exploration of some individuals I have enjoyed spending time with previously. This genre of contemporary rewrites of familiar stories is fun to experience, even if they ultimately leave you either wishing for more or still preferring the originals.
Rated: High. Most common profanities, strong and mild, are used here, although the milder ones predominate. There are two instances of moderately detailed descriptions of sexual encounters, both consensual.
