Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Kit Griffiths’ narration is the secret weapon of this audiobook, turning Mellors’ dialogue-heavy, emotionally charged prose into something immersive and intimate. His voice has a velvety warmth that makes even the most awkward exchanges feel natural, and he nails the balance between Cleo’s brittle detachment and Frank’s roguish charm. The pacing is deliberate but never sluggish, allowing the story’s emotional beats to land with real weight. That said, there were moments—particularly in the opening act—where the narration felt a tad too measured, as if Griffiths was holding back just enough to keep the listeners at arm’s length when we really wanted to dive deeper into Cleo’s head. The story itself is a slow-burn romance with teeth, and Mellors doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real relationships. The chemistry between Cleo and Frank is undeniable, but their dynamic is less *meet-cute* and more *train wreck in slow motion*—exhausting, compelling, and impossible to look away from. The New York setting isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character, a sleepless, indifferent beast that mirrors the protagonists’ own restlessness. If you’re looking for a love story that’s equal parts tender and brutal, this audiobook delivers. Just be prepared for the emotional whiplash of rooting for two people who keep sabotaging themselves.