I am loving this entire Fierce Reads Remix series. I know I keep saying it, but it’s true! And My Dear Henry is no exception. This story is about friendship, love, and family. Keep reading this book review for my full thoughts.
Summary
London, 1885. Gabriel Utterson, a 17-year-old law clerk, has returned to London for the first time since his life— and that of his dearest friend, Henry Jekyll—was derailed by a scandal that led to his and Henry’s expuslion from the London Medical School. Whispers about the true nature of Gabriel and Henry’s relationship have followed the boys for two years, and now Gabriel has a chance to start again.
But Gabriel doesn’t want to move on, not without Henry. His friend has become distant and cold since the disastrous events of the prior spring, and now his letters have stopped altogether. Desperate to discover what’s become of him, Gabriel takes to watching the Jekyll house.
In doing so, Gabriel meets Hyde, a a strangely familiar young man with white hair and a magnetic charisma. He claims to be friends with Henry, and Gabriel can’t help but begin to grow jealous at their apparent closeness, especially as Henry continues to act like Gabriel means nothing to him.
But the secret behind Henry’s apathy is only the first part of a deeper mystery that has begun to coalesce. Monsters of all kinds prowl within the London fog—and not all of them are out for blood…
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
TW: racism, homophobia, sexual assault
My Dear Henry is a retelling grounded in history and friendship. Bayron describes both the racism and exploitation while also featuring these moments of comraderie and love. The ways that racism infuses their lives and decisions. But My Dear Henry is also firmly rooted in our family. What we will do in our desire for pride and acceptance. The relationships we have to our fathers.
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How this drive to make them proud, to feel accepted by family which is supposed to love and see us, can lead us down the wrong road. A road we aren’t prepared to walk alone. My Dear Henry balances being a story about power and what people will do for their own gain with a story about friendship and character. It is a tender retelling which will draw you in with the intrigue and keep you reading for Gabriel. Find My Dear Henry on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Bookshop.org, & The Book Depository.