A review by samchase112
Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley

adventurous dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The whole series of my life appeared to me as a dream; I sometimes doubted if indeed it were all true, for it never presented itself to my mind with the force of reality. - Frankenstein

Thus the harrowing tale of Frankenstein and his monster begins. This was such a creative and well-told story which I enjoyed to the very end. Mary Shelley is such an excellent writer; her frame narrative perfectly fit the story she was telling, as it allowed readers to sympathize with both Frankenstein and the creature, as well as get an outside perspective through Walton. She warns us not too take creativity too far - there is a line between science and destruction, and we cannot cross it.

I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel...The fallen angel becomes a malignant devil. Yet even that enemy of God and man had friends and associates in his desolation; I am alone. - the Creature

The edition I read - the penguin edition - was a great edition! I felt that the book was set up well and easy to understand. Walton's letters were a major part of Volumes I and III, with the creature's story as the bulk of Volume II. This edition was also great because it included the author's introduction as well as notes on the 1818 and 1831 editions (this edition was based on the 1831 copy).

I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other. - the Creature

I absolutely loved this book, and I would definitely recommend it as an easy-to-read classic.

Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be his world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow. - Frankenstein

Reread: March 2021

The DRAMA, the ROMANCE, the HORROR!

Mary Godwin Shelley, you are a master.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings