katewhite77's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have been wanting to Frankenstien for a while, not because I particularly like gothic horror (I don't) but because it is part of our literary heritage and pop culture to the point of almost being folk loric.
Then, an opportunity to take part in a readalong presented itself. A readalong is like a bookclub, but you all read the book together and 'check in' at agreed intervals, so you discover the book together. It was so much fun.
Not only that, but we did it using the Audrey audiobook app. The audiobook comes with a guide written by someone with a deep understanding and appreciation for the text. It's like having the best English lit lesson, but you don't have to write an essay afterwards. For instance, the bit in guide that stood out for me was an explanation of racial attitudes of the time. I would have read the text completely differently had I not known that bit of contextual information.
Were it not for the factors outlined above I don't think I would have made it through because this is a bleak tale or fable warning against hubris, not pushing science so far that we do more harm than good, appreciating what you have not what you want (living in the moment) and what it is to be a parent.
Although this book was heartbreaking, it is a classic, and I am so glad to have read it and with such a lovely bunch of thoughtful people
Graphic: Suicide, Body horror, Child death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, and Violence
jordan_noel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
There are plenty of what-ifs to be asked in this tale, and there's no shortage of psychological and emotional intrigues.
Though the plot can get repetitive and predictable, the psychology of the monster and Dr. Frankenstein are endlessly complex and worth thinking about.
I very much enjoyed this book.
Moderate: Murder, Death, and Violence
theworstpear's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Body horror, Body shaming, Violence, Child death, Grief, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts
fernnoweh's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Anyway. Like most classics this is beautifully written but so goddamn looooooong. Someone needs to go in a time machine and force these bitches to break up their paragraphs oh my goooooood. And it might’ve been because I was so tired reading the last chapter, but that was such a slog! And SIX CHAPTERS OF MONSTER MONOLOGUING?? JESUS CHRIST HELLO???
Also. When were viktor and Henry going to kiss?? Viktor and Robert even?? Gay people are real and they’re in Europe?? You don’t speak about your friend like that and don’t desire them carnally. Just sayin.
Graphic: Murder, Violence, and Death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Stalking, Child death, Mental illness, and Body horror
Minor: Schizophrenia/Psychosis
rat_king6767's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Grief and Incest
Moderate: Body shaming, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Body horror, and Death
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
kaz_brekkerrr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Violence
pizzaisjesus98's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Dysphoria, Abandonment, Emotional abuse, Grief, Mental illness, Stalking, Panic attacks/disorders, Confinement, and Death
Moderate: Self harm, Violence, Gaslighting, Xenophobia, Terminal illness, Classism, Animal cruelty, Child death, Chronic illness, and Medical content
Minor: Suicide attempt, Animal death, Injury/Injury detail, Incest, and Forced institutionalization
parenthesis_enjoyer's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Child death
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Death of parent
aestheticexit's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicide, Death, Child death, Death of parent, Violence, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Animal death
It’s grisly at points. There’s descriptions of decay, dead bodies, and murder.k1313's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Murder, Incest, Death, and Death of parent
Minor: Forced institutionalization, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Medical content, Misogyny, Stalking, Gun violence, Classism, Racism, Sexism, and Violence