Reviews

Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Shelley

smolherbivore's review against another edition

4.0

I was forced to read Frankenstein by my 12th grade Language Arts teacher. Sometimes books we read in school are boring, but I thoroughly enjoyed Frankenstein. Shelley's ability to write is magnificent and interesting. Her way with words kept me wanting to read more. This is definitely a must read for everyone.

sydedavis's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

sidodevilleduval's review against another edition

dark medium-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

burgundyjaguars's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• 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

4.0

renjamin's review

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

miss_merna's review against another edition

5.0

Frankenstein is undeniably one of the most brilliant novels ever written.

How can anyone read passage from Frankenstein like the one below and not think so?

“How can I move thee? Will no entreaties cause thee to turn a favourable eye upon thy creature, who implores thy goodness and compassion? Believe me, Frankenstein, I was benevolent; my soul glowed with love and humanity; but am I not alone, miserably alone? You, my creator, abhor me; what hope can I gather from your fellow creatures, who owe me nothing? They spurn and hate me. The desert mountains and dreary glaciers are my refuge. I have wandered here many days; the caves of ice, which I only do not fear, are a dwelling to me, and the only one which man does not grudge. These bleak skies I hail, for they are kinder to me than your fellow beings. If the multitude of mankind knew of my existence, they would do as you do, and arm themselves for my destruction. Shall I not then hate them who abhor me? I will keep no terms with my enemies. I am miserable, and they shall share my wretchedness. Yet it is in your power to recompense me, and deliver them from an evil which it only remains for you to make so great, that not only you and your family, but thousands of others, shall be swallowed up in the whirlwinds of its rage. Let your compassion be moved, and do not disdain me. Listen to my tale; when you have heard that, abandon or commiserate me, as you shall judge that I deserve. But hear me. The guilty are allowed, by human laws, bloody as they are, to speak in their own defence before they are condemned. Listen to me, Frankenstein. You accuse me of murder, and yet you would, with a satisfied conscience, destroy your own creature. Oh, praise the eternal justice of man! Yet I ask you not to spare me; listen to me, and then, if you can, and if you will, destroy the work of your hands.”

And I'm even more amazed by the fact that Mary Shelley wrote this when she was in her teens. Mary Shelley is a genius.

cassa's review against another edition

Couldn't get past Victor's personality and ramblings, unfortunately.

jskells's review against another edition

4.0

Frankenstein is unlike anything else I've read. It's easy to see how it inspired and continues to inspire so many books, movies, and other forms of media even today, 0ver 200 years later.

I strongly suggest learning about Mary Shelley and the backstory of Frankenstein before beginning it - how and why the story was created adds to the atmosphere.

gabrielle_erin's review against another edition

4.0

A literary masterpiece, of course. 4.5 stars.

_lizzy_02's review

dark mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• 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

5.0