My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix

Remixed Classics, Book 6

By: Kalynn Bayron

Narrated by: Clifford Samuel

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

"Clifford Samuel's low, melodious voice sounds like it was made for this atmospheric queer retelling of the Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde story."—AudioFile Magazine

A teen boy tries to discover the reason behind his best friend's disappearance—and the arrival of a mysterious and magnetic stranger—in misty Victorian London, in Kalynn Bayron's My Dear Henry, a gothic YA remix of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, sixth in the Remixed Classics series.

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 expulsion 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...

The Remixed Classics Series

A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee

So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow

Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi

What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri

Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore

My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron

Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig

Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

A Macmillan Audio production from Feiwel & Friends.

©2023 Kalynn Bayron (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Jekyll, Hyde, Utterson, and Lanyon: Here & Queer

Jekyll and Hyde was already pretty queer in its original version, and this one intersects the original themes of queer repression with an exploration of black life in Victorian England and the teenage desire to live up to a father's expectations. I knew the twists and turns of the original story from a reading of it I did in college for fun, so I got the joy of catching references to the book's language ("If he shall be Mister Hyde, I will be Mister Seek" is the best line ever, I say without irony) and watching how the story's events were retold, starting with a much more sympathetic take on Hyde's collision with a little girl.

But I think even those who only know the original story's twist will enjoy this, along with the dramatic irony of Gabriel not knowing this twist until much later in the book. And yes, I find the story quite engaging even knowing the climatic revelation ahead of time.

Clifford's performance truly elevated the already excellent material, infusing the story with a rich warmth and vibrant emotions. Even if you've already read the book, I think this audiobook is worth checking out for his fantastic voice.

I didn’t see that coming

I love how although the tale was twisted, you kept the time frame while using the times to build up to the main event. Started slow but was definitely worth the story building & wait.

What a beautiful story

Kaylon has done an excellent job on the remix and turned it into a powerful love story. Very well written and thoroughly enjoyed.

Beautifully Written

I loved this rendition of Dr. Jekyl and Hyde. Although we knew the ending, the narrator pulled you into the telling of the story to where I finished this book in 1 day.

A twist I never knew I needed!

Goodness I love this story! It was a little slow at times but I really enjoyed the twist. This story definitely had me on an emotional Rollercoaster; but I didn't get oft! LOL.