Reviews - Frankenstein in Baghdad

1.46k reviews for:

Frankenstein in Baghdad

Ahmed Saadawi

3.6 AVERAGE

berlinbibliophile's review against another edition

3.0

challenging dark informative tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Very interesting. Not sure what to think of the very end, but very interesting nonetheless.

margaretleonard's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark funny mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

hthill25's review against another edition

3.5

dark medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Although I was confused at times with what was happening, the concept of this book was unique. I just think it's an audiobook you should be locked in to because there are quite a few characters you need to be keeping track of. Seeing as this is not the type of book I typically read, I found it enjoyable and thought provoking.

katelynanton's review against another edition

3.75

dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

agwood32's review against another edition

4.0

“Anyone who puts on a crown, even if only as an experiment, will end up looking for a kingdom.”

this novel was written in 2013, set in the aftermath of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003. The author, Ahmed Saadawi had worked as a journalist in Baghdad and this novel was inspired by his personal experiences during that time.

Frankenstein in Baghdad examines how difficult it is to practice justice in countries that are destabilized by militarism and globalization. what does it look like for someone who tragically loses their life under these circumstances to receive retribution? where is the line between victim and criminal? really interesting ideas, personally not the easiest prose for me to work through, but ultimately worth it.

♎️