As someone of Indian origin, I loved this book for the way it incorporated the mythologies and stories that I grew up with into a rich fantasy setting. Although other authors have tried it before, there is still a noticeable shortage of South Asian inspired YA fantasy fiction despite the diversity of the culture and the wealth of folklore.
I also enjoyed the author's sense of humor. Some of them are pretty standard, drawing on sarcasm and irony, and some are more hidden but still accessible. Naming the dog "Kutta" for example is a good example of showing Kajal's deadpan nature, while also being a good pun for those who know Hindi.
The only minor critique I had is not that of the book, but that of the marketing. This book was heavily advertised as a retelling of "Frankenstein." However, the only noticeable element of that work was Kajal's raising the dead. The motivations of themes of "Frankenstein" and "We Shall Be Monsters" is very different. Kajal is not some ambitious upstart with a God complex, but a girl who is trying to atone for her perceived role in the death of her sister. She is not repulsed by her creation, but is drawn to it and the despair and guilt she has as a result of it.
If that was the intended dichotomy, then it was successful in its goal. Regardless, ignoring that claim, I did enjoy "We Shall Be Monsters" for its diverse twist to the fantasy genre.
I also enjoyed the author's sense of humor. Some of them are pretty standard, drawing on sarcasm and irony, and some are more hidden but still accessible. Naming the dog "Kutta" for example is a good example of showing Kajal's deadpan nature, while also being a good pun for those who know Hindi.
The only minor critique I had is not that of the book, but that of the marketing. This book was heavily advertised as a retelling of "Frankenstein." However, the only noticeable element of that work was Kajal's raising the dead. The motivations of themes of "Frankenstein" and "We Shall Be Monsters" is very different. Kajal is not some ambitious upstart with a God complex, but a girl who is trying to atone for her perceived role in the death of her sister. She is not repulsed by her creation, but is drawn to it and the despair and guilt she has as a result of it.
If that was the intended dichotomy, then it was successful in its goal. Regardless, ignoring that claim, I did enjoy "We Shall Be Monsters" for its diverse twist to the fantasy genre.