What is *Cleopatra and Frankenstein* about?

*Cleopatra and Frankenstein* follows 24-year-old British painter Cleo and 45-year-old self-made executive Frank, whose impulsive New York City marriage spirals into a poignant exploration of mental illness, addiction, and identity. Their relationship fractures under the weight of Cleo’s depression and Frank’s alcoholism, impacting their eclectic circle of friends and family. The novel blends dark humor with raw emotional depth, examining how loneliness drives people apart even as they seek connection.

Who should read *Cleopatra and Frankenstein*?

Fans of character-driven literary fiction, such as Sally Rooney’s works, will appreciate its unflinching portrayal of flawed relationships. Readers interested in themes like mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, and the complexities of modern love will find it compelling. The novel’s mix of humor and heartbreak suits those who enjoy layered narratives about human imperfection.

Is *Cleopatra and Frankenstein* worth reading?

Yes—its sharp wit, vivid characters, and emotionally charged storytelling make it a standout debut. While some critique its pacing, the novel’s exploration of addiction, artistic ambition, and societal expectations resonates deeply. Coco Mellors’ writing has been praised for its balance of levity and gravity, appealing to readers seeking both entertainment and introspection.

What are the main themes in *Cleopatra and Frankenstein*?

Key themes include the destructive power of loneliness, the interplay between love and self-sabotage, and the search for identity amid societal pressures. The novel also critiques excess in modern culture and examines how mental health struggles can isolate individuals even within intimate relationships.

How does *Cleopatra and Frankenstein* explore mental health?

Cleo’s battle with depression culminates in a suicide attempt, while Frank’s alcoholism exacerbates their marital strife. The book portrays mental illness as both a personal struggle and a relational challenge, highlighting how stigma and misunderstanding can deepen crises. Mellors avoids romanticizing these issues, instead emphasizing their messy, real-world impacts.

What is the significance of the title *Cleopatra and Frankenstein*?

The juxtaposition of Cleopatra (symbolizing allure and tragedy) and Frankenstein (representing creation and destruction) mirrors the protagonists’ volatile dynamic. Cleo, an artist grappling with her worth, contrasts Frank, a businessman masking vulnerability with excess. The title reflects their chaotic love story and the societal myths shaping their identities.

Who are the main characters in *Cleopatra and Frankenstein*?

- **Cleo**: A British painter battling depression and visa insecurity. - **Frank**: A charismatic yet self-destructive ad executive. - **Eleanor**: Frank’s colleague, whose unrequited love complicates the marriage. - **Anders**: Cleo’s lover, who becomes collateral damage in her unraveling.

What happens to Cleo and Frank’s marriage?

Their whirlwind romance collapses under infidelity, addiction, and unmet emotional needs. A tragic accident involving their pet sugar glider becomes a metaphor for their disintegrating bond. Cleo’s suicide attempt and Frank’s inability to confront his drinking ultimately end their relationship, leaving both isolated.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Coco Mellors

3.7(211007 Reviews)

Overview of Cleopatra and Frankenstein

When a whirlwind romance between a young British artist and an older advertising executive crumbles under addiction and infidelity, their Manhattan marriage becomes a masterclass in unresolved trauma. Like "A Little Life" with humor, this debut novel fearlessly confronts love's beautiful, devastating complexities.

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Chapter 1

Love's Intricate Dance: A Tale of Passion and Fracture

In the heart of New York City, where dreams collide with reality, Coco Mellors weaves a tale of love's intoxicating beginning and its painful unraveling in "Cleopatra and Frankenstein." This novel has captivated readers with its raw exploration of modern relationships, earning praise from literary critics and celebrities alike. Reese Witherspoon featured it in her book club, calling it "a devastatingly honest look at how we build and break the connections that matter most." The book's unflinching portrayal of addiction, mental health struggles, and the complexities of marriage resonates deeply in our era of curated social media personas and rising divorce rates. What makes this story particularly compelling is how it captures the universal experience of falling in love quickly and the subsequent realization that sustaining that love requires far more than initial chemistry. As we follow Cleo and Frank's journey, we might ask ourselves: How well can we truly know another person? And is love enough to bridge the gaps between us?

Chapter 2

A Chance Encounter on New Year's Eve

The story begins with an electric meeting between Cleo and Frank on New Year's Eve in New York City. Their initial connection crackles with wit and charm as they wander through the winter streets, their banter revealing Frank's humorous nature and Cleo's spirited personality with her beguiling accent. There's something magical about their conversation-the way they bounce from topic to topic, sharing quirky observations and gradually revealing deeper parts of themselves. Frank's charm lies in his ability to make Cleo laugh, to create a bubble around them that feels separate from the rest of the world. Cleo, in turn, captivates him with her fresh perspective and artistic sensibility. Their chemistry is undeniable, that rare connection where conversation flows effortlessly and time seems to stand still. As they walk through the city, they begin sharing more intimate details-their fears, their ambitions, their past wounds. Frank reveals his professional successes and personal doubts, while Cleo opens up about her artistic dreams and the uncertainty of her visa situation. There's vulnerability in these exchanges, a willingness to be seen that forms the foundation of their attraction. What makes this meeting so compelling is how familiar it feels-that sensation of meeting someone and feeling instantly connected, as if you've known them forever. Haven't we all experienced that rare moment when a stranger suddenly becomes significant, when the chemistry is so strong it feels like destiny? Yet beneath this romantic beginning, subtle hints of their differences emerge-differences in age, background, and life experience that will later grow into chasms between them.

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Chapter 3

An Unconventional Wedding

By June, Cleo and Frank's whirlwind romance culminates in an unconventional City Hall wedding that perfectly encapsulates their relationship's playful spirit. Eschewing tradition, Cleo wears a blue slip rather than a white gown, and a street vendor becomes their impromptu witness. There's something beautifully authentic about their ceremony-no elaborate decorations or choreographed moments, just two people making a commitment amid the everyday bustle of New York City. After exchanging vows, they wander through the city streets, eventually stumbling upon a shop offering aura readings. This spontaneous detour reveals much about their relationship. Cleo's purple and yellow aura suggests intuition and sensitivity, while Frank's red and green aura indicates charisma mixed with financial anxiety. The reader tells them that compatibility isn't about sameness but about enduring differences-a prophetic insight that will be tested throughout their marriage. The impromptu nature of their wedding celebration reflects their approach to life and love-embracing the moment, following impulses, creating magic from ordinary circumstances. Their dinner for thirty guests blends Cleo's artistic friends with Frank's business associates, creating a vibrant mix of personalities and perspectives. The celebration unfolds in Santiago's kitchen, filled with culinary delights and flowing champagne. As guests share stories of past marriages and unique encounters, cultural divides become apparent, yet laughter bridges these gaps. Cleo navigates her new familial connections while Frank's heartfelt speech weaves new threads into their shared narrative. What's striking about this wedding is how it represents both the beauty and the potential pitfalls of their union-the spontaneity that brought them together, the cultural and social differences they must navigate, and the whirlwind pace that leaves little time for contemplation. Their marriage begins as it was formed: quickly, passionately, and with a touch of magical thinking that life's complications can be overcome through love alone.

Chapter 4

The Honeymoon Phase and Early Cracks

The initial bliss of Cleo and Frank's marriage shines through in intimate moments that follow their wedding. In a private escape from their jubilant guests, they retreat to Santiago's bedroom where tender touches and whispered secrets create a cocoon of connection. Their "first married dance" leads to deeper passion, their laughter and intimacy weaving the fabric of their new life together. The night culminates with fireworks on the rooftop-a fitting metaphor for their relationship. Under the velvet sky, Frank's attempts with the fireworks echo his impulsive love, ensuring their union begins with vibrant brilliance. Cleo recalls his unexpected vow, a moment that revealed the depth of his feelings. There's something beautiful about this scene-the chaos of the fireworks mirroring the explosive nature of their love, bright and dazzling against the darkness. Yet even in these early days, subtle cracks begin to appear. During their honeymoon in France, Frank takes a reckless pool-jumping bet at their hotel, highlighting an impulsiveness that unsettles Cleo. She watches his antics with growing unease, recognizing the contrast between their ostentatious surroundings and the genuine simplicity she values. The hotel, once home to artistic greats, now serves as backdrop to trivial wagers, underscoring a disconnect in their priorities. In another revealing incident, Cleo spends an evening with a local French boy, experiencing both exhilaration and fear when he refuses to take her back to the hotel. Walking alone in the dark, her anxiety builds until Frank miraculously finds her on the road. As they lie together afterward, Frank confesses to work stress, prompting Cleo to question their relationship dynamics and his motivations. These early tensions reveal fundamental differences in their approaches to life. Frank seeks escape through risk and extravagance, while Cleo yearns for authenticity and meaningful connection. Their contrasting needs-his for stimulation and her for security-create a subtle imbalance that will grow more pronounced with time. What makes this phase so poignant is how it captures that delicate transition from romantic infatuation to the reality of partnership-the moment when we begin to see our beloved not as an idealized figure but as a complex human with habits and tendencies that might clash with our own. The honeymoon glow hasn't faded entirely, but shadows of future conflicts have begun to appear.

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Chapter 5

The Supporting Cast: Friends and Family

The novel's richness comes partly from its vivid supporting characters, each dealing with their own struggles while intersecting with Cleo and Frank's story. Quentin, Cleo's close friend, undergoes significant changes after her wedding. His breakup with Johnny propels him into a new phase of liberation and self-discovery, though not without costs. Freed from what he perceives as Johnny's staidness, Quentin embraces spontaneity and the allure of secret parties. Yet his newfound freedom comes with uncertainty about his identity and friendships. A confrontation with Johnny over a borrowed sweater escalates into deeper questions about possessions and loyalty, ending with Quentin being slapped and seeking comfort from Cleo. Quentin's journey leads him to an orgy in Brooklyn, where the setting-strobing lights, Grecian murals, candid encounters under dim lighting-mirrors his internal chaos. Stripped bare both literally and figuratively, he has an unexpected encounter with a stranger named Alex that offers a flicker of genuine connection. Their night continues through the Lower East Side's hidden bar scene, exploring Russian traditions and music that speak to Quentin's sense of displacement and longing for acceptance. Frank's half-sister Zoe brings another dimension to the story. At nineteen, she navigates financial struggles while working at a women's boutique catering to affluent bohemians. Her skepticism shines through when she attends a "Climaxing to Consciousness" group with her roommate Tali. There, she forms a bond with another skeptical young woman, Portia, who introduces her to the concept of being a Sugar Baby-relationships built on financial benefits. Zoe's precarious situation highlights the contrast between her desire for independence and her reliance on Frank's generosity. Her evening adventures through Manhattan's nightlife oscillate between empowerment and vulnerability, especially in the face of unwanted male attention. A touching moment occurs when she, Cleo, and Audrey share confessions on the balcony, smoking and laughing, forming bonds that transcend their differences. Santiago, Frank's friend and chef, becomes a critical support figure when Cleo faces a crisis. His empathy stems from past experiences with his own tumultuous relationship, seeing parallels between Cleo's struggles and those of his ex, Lila. Santiago's culinary expressions-like making arroz con leche for Cleo in the hospital-become acts of care and connection. These supporting characters don't merely orbit around Cleo and Frank; they have their own gravitational pulls, their own planets of desire and disappointment. Through their stories, we see different manifestations of the same human needs-for connection, understanding, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels fragmented and cold.

Chapter 6

Cultural Clashes and Identity

Cultural identity forms a significant undercurrent throughout the novel, influencing how characters perceive themselves and each other. Cleo, with her British background, brings different social codes and expectations to her relationship with Frank, an American. Their cultural differences create both fascination and friction, adding complexity to their interactions. These differences become apparent during their wedding reception, where Cleo's eclectic friends mingle with Frank's successful business associates. Conversations highlight cultural divides in perspectives on art, success, and relationships, though shared laughter often bridges these gaps. Cleo grapples with her sense of belonging in this new social context, navigating the nuances of her American marriage while maintaining her British identity. For Quentin and his new acquaintance Alex, Eastern European heritage becomes a point of connection during their night together. They explore their shared cultural backgrounds amid miscommunication and desire, finding common ground in their experiences of displacement and belonging. Their conversation about their heritage reveals how cultural identity can simultaneously be a source of connection and alienation. Lee, a character introduced later in the novel, reflects on her own cultural identity during a walk in the park. What begins as a discussion about cultural background unfolds into a profound reflection on self-acceptance and the yearning for wholeness. Her dialogue layers frankness with introspection, exploring how cultural identity shapes personal connections. Zoe and Jiro's ice cream date evolves into a heated debate about race and identity, navigating cultural stereotypes and personal experiences. Their conversation reveals how discussions of identity can be both divisive and unifying, creating moments of uncomfortable reflection but also deeper understanding. Santiago's move to Los Angeles highlights cultural contrasts in food preferences and lifestyle. His unapologetic love for everyday American foods stands in contrast to the pretensions he encounters in California's culinary scene. These differences reflect broader questions about authenticity versus performance in how we express our cultural identities. Throughout the novel, characters struggle with how their cultural backgrounds influence their perceptions and relationships. Identity becomes not just about where one comes from but how one navigates different social contexts and expectations. The cultural clashes in the story reflect the broader challenges of connection in a globalized world where we're increasingly exposed to different perspectives but may still struggle to truly understand experiences different from our own.

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Chapter 7

The Descent: Addiction and Mental Health

As their marriage progresses, Frank and Cleo's individual struggles intensify, creating a widening gap between them. Frank's drinking, initially presented as social and celebratory, gradually reveals itself as problematic. His reliance on alcohol to manage stress and anxiety becomes a point of contention in their relationship. During a tense conversation at their countryside retreat, Cleo confronts Frank about his drinking, blaming it for her own emotional state. "You think I don't know what it's like to live with an alcoholic?" she challenges, drawing parallels between Frank and her father. Frank's defensive response-"I'm not an alcoholic"-highlights his denial about the severity of his problem. Cleo's mental health deteriorates as she grapples with her own demons. Her artistic career stalls, and she struggles with feelings of inadequacy and purposelessness. The pressure of maintaining her visa status adds another layer of stress, making her increasingly dependent on Frank financially and legally. The novel doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of mental health crises. Cleo eventually ends up hospitalized after a breakdown, left on a gurney in an ER hallway-a stark image of vulnerability and systemic failure. Santiago visits her in the psychiatric ward, where she appears as a stark reminder of her internal battles. Their interaction reveals her profound need for change and belonging. What makes these portrayals particularly powerful is how they show the intersection of personal struggles with relationship dynamics. Frank's drinking exacerbates Cleo's anxiety, while her emotional needs intensify his stress, creating a destructive cycle. Neither is solely victim nor villain; both are complex humans trying to cope with their pain in ways that ultimately hurt themselves and each other. The novel also explores how mental health struggles affect broader social connections. Quentin's behaviors-seeking escape through parties and sexual encounters-reflect his own unaddressed emotional needs. Zoe's financial anxieties and identity questions manifest in impulsive decisions and relationship patterns. Even Anders, Frank's friend, reveals his own emotional vulnerabilities beneath a successful exterior. Through these intertwined stories, we see how addiction and mental health challenges ripple outward, affecting not just the individual but everyone in their orbit. The novel asks difficult questions about responsibility: How much can we help someone who's struggling? Where is the line between support and enabling? And how do we maintain our own well-being while caring for others?

Chapter 8

Art as Expression and Escape

Art serves as both expression and escape throughout the novel, offering characters a way to process their experiences and connect with others. Cleo, as a visual artist, finds her identity deeply intertwined with her creative practice. Her work becomes a barometer for her emotional state-flourishing when she feels secure and stalling during periods of distress. At an art auction, Anders impulsively bids on one of Cleo's paintings, leading to a tense and nostalgic conversation that unearths their shared history. This interaction highlights how art can serve as a vessel for memory and emotion, carrying meanings beyond its visual content. The high price Anders pays for the painting raises questions about value-both monetary and emotional-in the art world. Danny Life's exclusive art show on Randall's Island becomes a pivotal setting later in the novel. Set in an abandoned liquor warehouse, the event represents the intersection of art, commerce, and social performance. Cleo attends partly to confront Frank but finds herself grappling with feelings of inadequacy as she compares her stalled career to Danny's success. During the event, Danny proposes a retreat from the chaos, leading Cleo to a trailer where they share champagne and reflections on artistic integrity. The night culminates in Danny's fierce rebellion against artistic expectations as he demolishes his own ice sculpture. Cleo participates, metaphorically shedding constraints as she joins in the destruction. This act of creative vandalism spreads through the crowd, evolving into a spontaneous riot that represents both liberation and chaos. Frank's unfulfilled filmmaking ambitions represent another aspect of art in the novel. Despite his successful advertising career, he harbors dreams of creating more meaningful work. This tension between commercial success and artistic fulfillment mirrors broader questions about compromise and authenticity. In Rome, where Cleo eventually relocates to the Fine Art Institute, her artwork becomes more abstract and introspective, reflecting her personal transformation. Frank, visiting her there, is taken aback by the evolution of her style. Their conversation about her art installation becomes a catalyst for emotional clarity, allowing them to address unspoken truths about their relationship. Throughout the novel, art functions as a language for expressing what cannot be said directly. It provides characters with a means to process trauma, connect across differences, and occasionally transcend the limitations of their circumstances. Yet the novel also acknowledges art's limitations-its inability to solve practical problems or heal relationships without corresponding personal growth.

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Chapter 9

The Unraveling of Love

The deterioration of Cleo and Frank's marriage unfolds gradually, with moments of connection interspersed with growing alienation. Their arguments become more frequent and intense, revealing fundamental incompatibilities that were initially obscured by passion. A pivotal moment occurs when Frank takes on the Kapow! pitch at work, immersing himself in the creative process while growing distant from Cleo. The night before the pitch, tensions flare over his drinking habits, leading to a hurtful exchange that unwraps insecurities and unmet expectations. Despite winning the pitch and attempting reconciliation, the damage to their relationship deepens. Frank's professional success brings new complications as he plans a shoot in South Africa, prompting discussions about whether Cleo will join him. These conversations highlight their diverging paths-his career ascendant while she feels increasingly adrift. The geographical separation mirrors their emotional distance. Meanwhile, Frank's relationship with Eleanor, a colleague, grows more complex. Their conversation over drinks reveals unspoken feelings and unaddressed questions, further complicating Frank's emotional landscape. Eleanor's earnest questioning about their relationship's emotional equity forces Frank to confront his divided loyalties. Cleo's hospitalization marks a breaking point in their marriage. Frank, overwhelmed with work commitments, relies on Santiago to support Cleo, revealing his limitations as a partner during crisis. After her release, they retreat to the countryside in an attempt to heal, but their conversations only expose deeper wounds. During this retreat, they confront painful truths about themselves and their marriage. Frank's desire to help clashes with Cleo's resistance to being treated as fragile. Their mutual accusations-her blaming his drinking, him resenting her emotional demands-reveal the extent of their disillusionment. Despite moments of vulnerability and tentative reconciliation, their future together remains uncertain. What makes this unraveling particularly poignant is how it contrasts with their beginning. The same qualities that initially attracted them to each other-his charisma and spontaneity, her artistic sensitivity-become sources of conflict when integrated into daily life. Their story illustrates how love alone cannot bridge fundamental differences in values, needs, and coping mechanisms. By March, their separation becomes official, with Frank immersed in work while Cleo grapples with her mental health and artistic identity. Their individual journeys continue, shaped by but increasingly independent from their shared history.

Chapter 10

Healing and New Beginnings

The final sections of the novel explore themes of healing and new beginnings as characters navigate the aftermath of broken relationships and personal crises. Frank embraces sobriety, addressing the addiction that contributed to his marriage's dissolution. This transformation is visible when he reunites with Cleo in Rome-his eyes clearer, his presence more grounded. Cleo finds her own path to healing through therapy and artistic renewal. Her relocation to Rome's Fine Art Institute represents both geographical and emotional distance from her painful past in New York. Her new haircut symbolizes her changed identity, while her evolving artwork reflects her internal transformation. Their reunion in Rome is delicate and nuanced, highlighting the passage of time and the changes they've both undergone. As they navigate her modest quarters, echoes of their past mix with unspoken hopes for future healing. Their conversation reveals new understandings-Cleo sharing insights from therapy, Frank acknowledging his past failings. In Cleo's studio, Frank is struck by the evolution of her artwork, now more abstract and introspective. Their dialogue dances around deeper truths as Cleo contemplates her art installation, which becomes a catalyst for emotional clarity. Frank experiences a cathartic release during an intense artistic display, suggesting that while their romantic relationship may be over, their connection continues to transform them both. Other characters find their own paths forward. Santiago develops a new relationship with Dominique, suggesting the possibility of love after disappointment. Zoe forms an unexpected connection with Jiro, navigating cultural differences and personal vulnerabilities to create something authentic. Even Quentin, despite his struggles, shows moments of genuine connection that hint at potential growth. What makes these endings powerful is their ambiguity-they're not neat resolutions but new chapters with their own complexities. The novel suggests that healing isn't about returning to an unblemished state but about integrating our wounds into a more complete understanding of ourselves and others. The final scenes in Rome capture this bittersweet quality. Against the backdrop of the eternal city, Cleo and Frank share a moment of genuine connection that honors their past while acknowledging their separate futures. Their exchange, laden with regrets and hopeful musings, signifies both closure and opening-the end of one story and the beginning of others.

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Chapter 11

The Enduring Question: Is Love Enough?

At its heart, "Cleopatra and Frankenstein" poses a fundamental question: Is love enough to sustain a relationship despite profound differences and individual struggles? The novel's answer is nuanced and ultimately realistic-love is powerful but not omnipotent. Cleo and Frank's story illustrates how initial attraction and chemistry, however intense, cannot overcome fundamental incompatibilities in values, needs, and coping mechanisms. Their love is genuine but insufficient against the challenges of addiction, mental health struggles, career pressures, and cultural differences. Yet the novel doesn't dismiss love's transformative potential. Even as their marriage dissolves, the love between Cleo and Frank continues to shape them, pushing them toward growth and self-awareness. Their final encounter in Rome suggests that love can evolve beyond romantic partnership into something equally meaningful-a recognition of shared history and mutual impact. The supporting characters offer additional perspectives on love's possibilities and limitations. Santiago finds new love with Dominique after past disappointment. Zoe and Jiro forge a connection based on mutual acceptance of each other's eccentricities. Anders confronts his enduring feelings for Cleo while recognizing the impossibility of their fulfillment. Perhaps what the novel ultimately suggests is that love isn't a static force but a dynamic process requiring continuous choice and effort. It's not enough to fall in love; we must actively practice love through honesty, compassion, and willingness to grow. When relationships end, it's rarely because love disappeared but because it couldn't overcome other forces-internal demons, external pressures, fundamental incompatibilities. The bittersweet quality of the ending-with characters moving forward separately yet forever changed by their connections-reflects the complex legacy of love in our lives. Even failed relationships can yield profound growth and understanding if we're willing to learn from them. In this way, "Cleopatra and Frankenstein" offers a mature vision of love that acknowledges both its limitations and its enduring power. Love may not conquer all, but it remains one of the most transformative forces in human experience-capable of breaking us open, revealing our deepest truths, and ultimately leading us toward greater wholeness, whether together or apart.

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Key Themes in Cleopatra and Frankenstein

impulsive marriage
artistic identity
age gap relationships
addiction and recovery
modern urban loneliness

Quotes from Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Compatibility isn't about sameness but about enduring differences.
Their marriage begins with magical thinking.
Frank seeks escape through risk and extravagance.
Cleo yearns for authenticity and meaningful connection.

Characters in Cleopatra and Frankenstein

CleoA spirited artist with a beguiling accent
FrankA charismatic and humorous professional
SantiagoA friend whose kitchen hosts the wedding dinner

About the Author

Coco Mellors, the New York Times bestselling author of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, is celebrated for her emotionally rich explorations of addiction, love, and fractured family dynamics. Born in London in 1989 and raised in New York City, Mellors draws from her own experiences with sobriety and her MFA in fiction from New York University to craft layered, character-driven narratives. Her debut novel, a modern literary fiction standout, delves into the destructive yet magnetic bond between an artist and an advertising executive, weaving themes of identity and self-destruction through multiple perspectives.

Mellors’ work has appeared in Vogue, The Cut, and the New York Times’ Modern Love column, establishing her as a voice in contemporary urban storytelling.

Her second novel, Blue Sisters (2024), continues her examination of complex familial ties and personal demons, further solidifying her reputation for unflinching emotional depth. Cleopatra and Frankenstein is currently being adapted for television by Warner Bros and has been translated into over 20 languages, reaching a global audience since its 2022 release.

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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco

LOVED BY

1,000,000+ curious minds.

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avg rating

1M+ learners

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Chapter 5

Cleopatra and Frankenstein

OverviewOverview of Cleopatra and Frankenstein

One book. Many ways to hear it.

Love's Intricate Dance: A Tale of Passion and Fracture

A Chance Encounter on New Year's Eve

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An Unconventional Wedding

The Honeymoon Phase and Early Cracks

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The Supporting Cast: Friends and Family

Cultural Clashes and Identity

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The Descent: Addiction and Mental Health

Art as Expression and Escape

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The Unraveling of Love

Healing and New Beginnings

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The Enduring Question: Is Love Enough?

You made it to the end of Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Key Themes in Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Quotes from Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Characters in Cleopatra and Frankenstein

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1,000,000+ curious minds.

1,000,000+ curious minds.

One book. Many ways to hear it.

Love's Intricate Dance: A Tale of Passion and Fracture

A Chance Encounter on New Year's Eve

See every word as you hear it

An Unconventional Wedding

The Honeymoon Phase and Early Cracks

Get more out of Cleopatra and Frankenstein

The Supporting Cast: Friends and Family

Cultural Clashes and Identity

See every word as you hear it

The Descent: Addiction and Mental Health

Art as Expression and Escape

Get more out of Cleopatra and Frankenstein

The Unraveling of Love

Healing and New Beginnings

See every word as you hear it

The Enduring Question: Is Love Enough?

You made it to the end of Cleopatra and Frankenstein

Users also liked

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Overview of Cleopatra and Frankenstein