Ratings195
Average rating3.8
A monster assembled by a scientist from parts of dead bodies develops a mind of his own as he learns to loathe himself and hate his creator.
Reviews with the most likes.
I loved this book. I especially liked its format and will look for some more books written by Mary Shelley. It still baffles me how she was able to write this when she was only nineteen.
It's a shame I could never get around to reading this - because this is a masterpiece, in the truest sense of the word.
All of us know the gist, as Frankenstein's monster is a huge part of popular culture - Victor Frankenstein, a committed science student, discovers the secret of ‘animation' - the process by which life is injected into a body. He then attempts to create a sentient creature, and does so - but repulsed at his own creation, he deserts the creature. What happens in the novel is simply repercussions for the same.
But what really made the novel work was its maddeningly beautiful prose, and the sheer tragedy of the villain, Frankenstein's monster. Deprived of human affection due to his monstrous appearance, you feel for him, even though your sympathies are strongly tested. But Shelley's command of the language is unparalleled - you can visualize the downfall of both Victor and his creation, and it is just heart-rending to witness.
Another striking thing about the novel is the pacing - it is simultaneously beautiful and wretched to witness. It is an exercise in futility to think of all the ‘what-ifs', alluded so casually by Shelley at numerous parts of the novel. In fact, at some point, you just have to stop to take a deep breath, because it is so pulse-pounding.
I was thinking Frankenstein would be another one of those ‘classics', solely read because it's on all of those ‘best of all time' and ‘trope creator' lists. I will gladly admit though, that I have never been more glad to be proven so wrong.
Well, my feelings about this book are not defined yet. The media campaign has been done around Frankenstein made me think it would be a horror story but I was very disappointed because the story was too slow and heavy. At times I seemed to be reading the story of a suicidal-manic rather than a scientist. The narrative was too boring and Victor Frankenstein a man appeared weak and with overly dramatic feelings. It seemed as if all men were too idealized characters and they seemed more passionate about the exaltation of suffering and pain. Moreover, at no time mentioned the real name of the monster and I don't understand why everyone calls him with the name of his creator.
However, I found interesting from the point of view of the monster. It made me think of a facet of humanity in which I hadn't pondered before. In conclusion, I still don't know if I hate or love this book.
This book was actually deep? And not scary at all? Talk about a plot twist. Didn't expect that at all.
Featured Prompt
14 booksA good antagonist can mean a lot of things. It can be anything from realistic and relatable to pure evil. Some of the best villains are the ones that stick with us (and sometimes haunt our dreams)....