Kathleen S. Allen’s The Resurrectionist is a gothic blend of science, obsession, and horror that draws readers into the shadowy underworld of Victorian medical ambition. Described as “a gothic tale of medical mystery and sinister suspense,” it delivers on atmosphere while playing with themes of power, corruption, and the dangerous pursuit of recognition.
The story follows seventeen-year-old Dilly Rothbart, who discovers her late father’s hidden journal containing instructions to bring the dead back to life. Determined to prove herself as more than just a grieving daughter, Dilly dives headfirst into a grisly world of grave robbing, corpse-stealing, and unethical science. As her obsession grows, so does the danger—to herself, her relationships, and ultimately, her humanity.
I found this to be a fun and gripping read, one that held my attention from beginning to end. In fact, it was the fastest I’ve read a book in quite some time. While the story is somewhat predictable (the description itself hints heavily at where things will end up), the journey is still worth taking. The gothic atmosphere and the morally gray descent of Dilly make for compelling reading.
Dilly herself is fairly well fleshed out, her drive and inner conflicts giving her depth. In contrast, her twin sister Dee Dee comes across as a bit superficial, and many of the supporting characters feel like cardboard caricatures. That said, since the novel is written in first-person POV, it makes sense that the narrative focuses almost exclusively on Dilly’s perspective—making her the strongest and most vivid part of the book.
Overall, The Resurrectionist is an engaging gothic tale that will appeal to fans of Frankenstein retellings and dark historical fiction. If you enjoy morally grey protagonists and sinister explorations of ambition, this one is worth the read—even if you can guess the ending before you get there.
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