We Shall Be Monsters

Gr 8 Up–A deeply atmospheric Frankenstein retelling rooted in Indian mythology. Kajal will do anything to revive her sister after her death, but when the resurrection goes wrong, her sister’s spirit twists into a murderous ghost called a bhuta. The bhuta’s murderous rampage gets Kajal condemned as a witch. Imprisoned with no hope of escape, two rebels offer a chance at freedom. They know Kajal has managed a successful resurrection before her sister turned, and they’ll set her free if she can bring back the crown prince. Desperate to return to her sister’s body and try again before her soul is entirely lost, she rushes the prince’s resurrection—and accidentally brings back a different boy. After discovering she hasn’t resurrected the right person, she attempts to cover up her mistake while finding the prince. This is a thrilling and chaotic beginning to a whirlwind adventure, with uniquely realized characters and a ribbon of body horror flavoring the plot. The pacing occasionally slows to a simmer, highlighting the atmosphere and Sim’s ability to navigate complex themes without condescension. Kajal confronts institutionalized misogyny and societal morality, while grappling with the question: If you create the monster, are you responsible for its crimes? Characters are Indian with additional representation in gender and orientation in a queernormative world.