Book Review: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Book: 165

Rating: 4.5/5

In 2020 I learned that Frankenstein is actually the name of the doctor that created 'the monster'. Myself, along with several others I know, assumed the creature in the story is Frankenstein ('the monster' is never referred to as Frankenstein in the book). Whoops!

I figured ending October with a prime spooky read is the way to go: and what better way to do it with the book by a young female author that pretty much invented science fiction and the modern horror genre?

You've heard of Frankenstein: a story about a young scientist who creates a 'monster' who brings tragedy to his life. Even though knowing the jist of the story going into it, it didn't take away from my reading experience at all. I loved reading about the gothic but incredibly relevant themes of taking responsibility for your actions, fearing those that are different from you, and loneliness and isolation. You truly empathize with Frankenstein's creation (I don't want to call him a monster, he just wants a companion!!!). And really; it's Dr. Frankenstein's rejection, disgust, and alienation of his creation that truly turns it into a monster. Shelley's use of a frame story and multiple POV's made it impossible to put down: I love a story within a story and liked reading from the 'monster's' perspective.

I find that classics can be really hard to get into: the vernacular is so different from what I'm used to reading. With Frankenstein, I felt the writing was so approachable and easy to read. Also, I'm fully obsessed with Mary Shelley now knowing the was only 18 when she wrote this book, and it was written out of an informal competition with her future husband and Lord Byron on who could write the best horror story. After dreaming about a scientist who had created life and was horrified at what he had made- she had the inspiration for her story.

P.S: This cover recreation picture was my brilliant sister's idea (and she snapped the pic)! The three spider bites I got while laying on the ground to get this pic was totally worth it.