Helga

May 27, 2024
In Amaris City, a “rainy volcanic island between Northwest America and East Asia,” the Institute for Scientific Progress works on a variety of experiments, which includes reanimating the corpse of an East Asian–cued 18-year-old who is meant to serve as the perfect laboratory assistant for Father. The assistant, physically strong Marietta, is powered by a cog, through which “information packets and learning modules downloaded” rapidly. She renames herself Helga and, as she reacclimates to being alive—with help from 23-year-old pink-haired Penny, Father’s personal assistant—she grows to be more contrarian and free-spirited than Father hoped. As she uncovers more about the world outside the negligent corporate institute, Helga attempts to find love and acceptance within a city that’s soon to be overrun by the institute’s rogue experiments. Yu (Direwood) employs Helga’s cheeky first-person POV to present a Frankenstein-inspired horror romp. Happenings that evoke both a grotesque creature feature and existential examination of personhood make up this thoughtful interpretation of a snarky teen’s second chance at grappling with body autonomy, personal agency, and familial obligation. Ages 14–up. Agent: Erin Clyburn, Howland Literary.

July 1, 2024
A teenager who was created in a lab tries to find her place in the world while searching for her soul mate. Eighteen-year-old Helga isn't like other girls--she's the result of an experiment by her father, a revered scientist in Amaris City who speaks Mandarin and studied in China, and his 20-something assistant. When she's finally brought to life, it's clear that Helga is nothing like the obedient automated machine that her father, enabled by the wealth and innovative ambition of the Institute, originally designed. Despite his disapproval, Helga yearns to learn more about the volcanic island that she calls home, especially the hip area called Downhill. When Helga's father takes a business trip, she seizes the opportunity to explore. She saturates herself in the people, sights, and sounds of Downhill, and her desire for autonomy and true love grows in urgency. As the clock ticks down to her father's return, Helga falls for Clyde, a slender, pierced, and charmingly deceptive blue-eyed musician with dreams of stardom, whose ulterior motives could destroy her dreams of freedom. The narrative, told through Helga's bright-eyed point of view, cleverly pays tribute to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Helga's inner journey to understanding morality, mortality, and identity is engaging, and her voice captures an entertaining yet heartfelt depiction of sheltered girlhood in rebellion. Helga's described as appearing Asian. A delightful update on a familiar classic, pulsing with youthful optimism and punk rock attitude. (Horror. 14-18)

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August 1, 2024
Grades 9-12 Though Helga's scientist father was trying to create a perfect, obedient daughter, Helga absolutely does not meet those expectations. Brash and reckless, Helga escapes from the lab while the Doctor is out of town--putting lab assistant Penny in the unenviable position of having to track Helga down and bring her back. The longer Helga is in the world---eating food, hearing music, talking to boys--the less she wants to be confined to the life her father planned for her, the closer she and Penny become, and the more desperate she becomes for freedom from the Institute. Poignant and precocious, Helga oozes teen mentality in its purest, most uninhibited form. Untethered from social stigmas and behavioral expectations, Helga's newly born mind experiences the complete range of human emotions, and although her reactions to some events feel exaggerated, other responses are perfectly reasonable. The world building lends itself to discussions of gentrification, with the wealthy Uphillers forcefully gentrifying the Downhill areas. A creative Frankenstein reimagining, begging to be read alongside the classic, Helga is dynamic, grotesque, and wonderfully strange.

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August 23, 2024

Gr 9 Up-Eighteen-year-old Helga is not your typical teen girl living on a volcanic island-she is a science experiment her father developed; a new twist on the classic Frankenstein story. When Helga's father goes away for a business trip, Helga escapes his lab assistant, Penny, and goes to Amaris City, "a place like no other." She soon finds the night market of the city which is full of clubs, friends, boys, and all kinds of delectable treats. And what do most science experiments who turn into teen girls want? Love. Helga only has so much time before her father returns or disaster ensues. This YA novel is fun to read-it's spunky, funny, and enlightening. Yu presents a refreshing coming-of-age story about a teenage girl who is put together like Frankenstein. During the course of the novel, Helga learns about relationships with boys, friends, and family. Helga reminds readers what it is to be human; there are wonderful things in the world, but not everything is perfect, especially with a young, teenage worldview. VERDICT This book is relatable to any reader just trying to be accepted and learn their place in the world.-Maeve Dodds

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