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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
dark
slow-paced
I actually liked the first 2/3 more than the last bit, but still very much enjoyed my read
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
When I watch Frankenstein films, I always tend to love the creature more than his creator, so I find it odd that while I read this I became enamored with Victor. He was foolish and selfish and almost constantly in a state of (self-induced) melancholy and melodrama, but all of those despairing statements were beautiful. I actually found most of the creature's narrative slow and rather boring, but that is most likely because I have seen his story in film so many times. Most of the book is Victor's account and I ironically found it refreshing.
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This has been my all-time favorite book since childhood, and rereading it now feels both nostalgic and profound. It still evokes the same awe and curiosity I once felt, but with a deeper understanding of its themes.
Frankenstein reminds me of how fragile life truly is. Victor’s actions, driven by grief, resonate with me deeply because if I had the power to bring back a loved one, I know I would face the same crossroads. His refusal to accept death, though unorthodox even in his time, is painfully human. What strikes me most is how his ambition, meant to create life, only spiraled into more death and despair. His regret and endless blame toward his creation echo throughout the story, making the tragedy feel inevitable.
The novel beautifully shows that losing someone requires us to grieve properly and honor their memory, because every decision we make can alter the course of our lives. I found myself reflected in his ambition, his grief, and even his blindness to his own flaws. I cried over the deaths of his loved ones as if they were my own. Despite his action, I could never truly hate him for his choices. He is a morally gray, deeply flawed, and yet profoundly relatable character.
For me, Frankenstein is not just a gothic classic but a timeless meditation on grief, ambition, and the tragedy of mortality. To accept death means accepting that one day even memories may fade, and that is perhaps the greatest sorrow of all.
Frankenstein reminds me of how fragile life truly is. Victor’s actions, driven by grief, resonate with me deeply because if I had the power to bring back a loved one, I know I would face the same crossroads. His refusal to accept death, though unorthodox even in his time, is painfully human. What strikes me most is how his ambition, meant to create life, only spiraled into more death and despair. His regret and endless blame toward his creation echo throughout the story, making the tragedy feel inevitable.
The novel beautifully shows that losing someone requires us to grieve properly and honor their memory, because every decision we make can alter the course of our lives. I found myself reflected in his ambition, his grief, and even his blindness to his own flaws. I cried over the deaths of his loved ones as if they were my own. Despite his action, I could never truly hate him for his choices. He is a morally gray, deeply flawed, and yet profoundly relatable character.
For me, Frankenstein is not just a gothic classic but a timeless meditation on grief, ambition, and the tragedy of mortality. To accept death means accepting that one day even memories may fade, and that is perhaps the greatest sorrow of all.
Reading Frankenstein was such a rewarding experience. It’s incredible to think that Mary Shelley began crafting this story when she was only a teenager, and that it all originated from a gathering of ghost stories.
I especially loved the layered storytelling—the story within a story within a story. Hearing the events unfold through the perspectives of Walton, Frankenstein, and the creature gave the novel a unique depth. The introduction and end notes were also invaluable, providing nuance and insight into the craftsmanship behind the novel. They really helped me appreciate not only the themes, but also the historical and literary context that shaped the work.
The only real drawback is that the story is undeniably heavy and often depressing, as that is not my usual literary interests —but that’s part of what makes it so powerful. Knowing this going in helped me embrace the tragedy and still find joy in the beauty of the writing and the originality of the concept.