Our Hideous Progeny: A Novel

Written by C.E. McGill

Narrated by Florence Howard

“A gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition, passion and intrigue.” — Jess Kidd, author of The Night Ship

“An immersive blend of historical and science fiction brims with surprises and dark delights. . . . An incisive exploration of women’s rights within the field of science. . . . Readers will revel in Mary’s personal and scientific discoveries and root for her to succeed in an unfair world.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

A LAMBDA Literary finalist for Lesbian Fiction

A Triangle Publishing finalist for Debut Fiction

It is not the monster you must fear, but the monster it makes of men . . .

Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein. She knows her great uncle disappeared under mysterious circumstances in the Arctic, but she doesn’t know why or how. . . .

The 1850s are a time of discovery, and London is ablaze with the latest scientific theories and debates, especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary is keen to make her name in this world of science alongside her geologist husband, Henry—but despite her sharp mind and sharper tongue, without wealth and connections their options are limited.

When Mary discovers some old family papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle’s past, she thinks she may have found the key to securing her and Henry’s professional and financial future. Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland; to Henry’s intriguing but reclusive sister, Maisie; and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out to steal their secret.

A queer, feminist masterpiece inspired by Mary Shelley’s classic, Our Hideous Progeny is a sumptuous tale of ambition and obsession, of forbidden love and sabotage and a twisty Gothic adventure that may forever change your view of human nature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: May 9, 2023
• ISBN: 9780063256828

C.E. McGill

C. E. McGill is a writer of speculative and historical fiction, born in Scotland and raised in North Carolina. Their short fiction has appeared in Fantasy Magazine and Strange Constellations, and they are a two-time finalist for the Dell Award for Undergraduate Excellence in SF/F Writing. They now live back in Scotland with their family, two cats, and a growing number of fake succulents. (The real ones keep dying).

Reviews for Our Hideous Progeny

[jack fisher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant! My goodness the depth of character creation, the flawless rendering of the Victorian era, the astonishing narrative that never lags or fails to capture the reader’s attention. I absolutely loved it.

[Tatyana Ring · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story is intriguing, totally unique tale with some lovable characters. Definitely worth a listen

[davischristopherjohn · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A quiet, Gothic book. I would recommend listening to the afterward by the author.

[Anna Steffer · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was a wonderful refreshing book. Well written and thought out with marvelous characters. A wonderful read!

[Faith Jessaida · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my god. A wonderfully written book with a great story line and recommend listening to the authors note!

[Demmy Ijimakinwa · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this book. It's the second book I've read in so few days since the beginning of my reading slump. I'm awfully bad at reviews though.

[Priscila Erthal Corral · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved it! ?
Ladies, listen till the end. Worth it.

[Jennifer Smith · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A new favorite. Loved it. An incredible take on Frankenstein lore.

[Rosemary J. Stanek · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Approximately the first third to half of Our Hideous Progeny establishes the personal and social constraints within which the MC, Mary Frankenstein, discontentedly exists. I struggled a bit to maintain interest during this setting the stage for the remainder of the book. I am glad I persisted. The second half is well worth it.

[Christian Hood · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I first heard about this book of course I was excited and thrilled. It's inspired by Frankenstein. The first science fiction novel. The first science fiction novel which was written by a woman. By a girl frighteningly inspired by her own nightmares. But of course I knew that any book that had anything to do with something as big as Frankenstein would have a huge obstacle to overcome. That obstacle being to be about something other than Frankenstein. And to do that well. Our Hideous Progeny has accomplished that beautifully. The story is not really about Frankenstein at all. Take away that element of it, and I think you're still left with a worthwhile story. Because first and foremost, this is a visceral look into the internal emotional and intellectual life of a woman of that time who dares to dream of legacy. And so inherently this book is about rage. The author says as much in her afterward as she dedicates this book to all the woman who were supposedly too unlikable, outspoken, ambitious, or angry to be successful. The novel - like it's inspiration - is a bit difficult to define. Is it a science fiction novel? Certainly, but I think it lacks any true horror elements. And while there are romantic moments, it's far from a romance. This book reads like a diary. Like a journal. And though it doesn't try for an expository narrative (which would have likely been overly ambitious) it still manages to capture a striking tone that feels like a beautiful rumination. It's intimate and I felt as though I got to know the main character to an extent that feels rare. All of this is to say that I really enjoyed this book. It exceeded my expectations in ways I didn't anticipate and even though I blew through it, it has occupied my thoughts since the moment I started it. And I think it may prove more than worthy of a reread. The Sapphic storyline is subtle but not insignificant, and how it unfolds is so achingly realistic. I highly recommend this book to any Frankenstein fans, but also to any fans of Dickinson, Penny Dreadful, or A Natural History of Dragons. Or in a broader sense, anyone looking for a story of complex female rage. Well done, McGill.

[Jessica Grassi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Loved the book and love that I’m not the only one killing succulents.