The Undying of Obedience Wellrest

by Nicholas Bowling

“For my fifteenth birthday, my grandfather let me dig my own grave”. Thus begins this excellent novel, as readers are introduced to Ned, gravedigger-in-training. The alternate narrator is Bede, young lady of the crumbling manor. Her father is trying his best to marry her off to a wealthy scientist, which Bede is resourcefully doing everything to avoid, with much quick repartee and a rather dangerous plan. The story is set in 1832 England, at the Frankenstein edge of science. This is a gothic but fun novel for teens, which many adults will also find thoroughly enjoyable.