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mages_and_pages's review against another edition
1.0
I was really looking forward to reading this book for my literature class. however, I was extremely dissapointed with the story and I found the book actually quite irritating at times.
arielleslibrarycard's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I really enjoyed the themes that were discussed in this book:
(1) The responsibility and accountability that comes with the knowledge and power of science -- just because we have the power to do something, does not mean that we should, simply in the name of science.
(2) The concept of fate vs. free will and nature vs. nurture -- how society can really shape our narratives and how we choose to identify ourselves. Was I really meant to be a monster? Or did society just believe that I was?
(3) The desire for belonging and community; and how loneliness (whether self-inflicted or forced upon someone) can be equivalent to death
(4) The endless and empty path that comes with seeking vengeance
(5) The injustice that comes with judgement and biases rather than fair evidence
For a book that was written centuries ago, I would have to say it was pretty advanced for its time. I can imagine how unique this concept was and how the themes in this book stimulated conversations / discussion.
The only issue that I had with this was the writing style -- while the chapters are short, the sentences are long and quite laborious to read. It felt very dragging at times, and I really had to take a break in between some chapters to allow my mind to breathe a bit. It wasn't that the choice of words were difficult to understand, but that the sentence constructions were just really lengthy, as well as some descriptions. Though this is a hit or miss for some readers.. it just wasn't my cup of tea.
But if it weren't for this issue I had with the book, I'd probably rate this higher for the plot, characters, and themes.
(1) The responsibility and accountability that comes with the knowledge and power of science -- just because we have the power to do something, does not mean that we should, simply in the name of science.
(2) The concept of fate vs. free will and nature vs. nurture -- how society can really shape our narratives and how we choose to identify ourselves. Was I really meant to be a monster? Or did society just believe that I was?
(3) The desire for belonging and community; and how loneliness (whether self-inflicted or forced upon someone) can be equivalent to death
(4) The endless and empty path that comes with seeking vengeance
(5) The injustice that comes with judgement and biases rather than fair evidence
For a book that was written centuries ago, I would have to say it was pretty advanced for its time. I can imagine how unique this concept was and how the themes in this book stimulated conversations / discussion.
The only issue that I had with this was the writing style -- while the chapters are short, the sentences are long and quite laborious to read. It felt very dragging at times, and I really had to take a break in between some chapters to allow my mind to breathe a bit. It wasn't that the choice of words were difficult to understand, but that the sentence constructions were just really lengthy, as well as some descriptions. Though this is a hit or miss for some readers.. it just wasn't my cup of tea.
But if it weren't for this issue I had with the book, I'd probably rate this higher for the plot, characters, and themes.
kayle19's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
littlebit5417's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jj_ashwood's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
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
4.0
woniesdesk's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-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
3.5
dayoldtea's review against another edition
2.0
Being required to answer 122 questions about the most ridiculous and trivial bits of the book totally destroyed any modicum of enjoyment I may have once had for it.
The entire book is this:
Pgs 1-30: Background and random stuff
1 page of action
30 pages of him being in "utter agony with the bitterest remorse" and getting sick.
1 page of action
20 pages of a monster whining about his life
30 pages of Frankenstein whining
1 page of action
10 pages of conclusion
It's needlessly dragged out. While Shelley introduces some interesting ideas- the relationship between creator and creation, the concept of how monsters are really created (with hate and fear)- it's hidden in so much crap that it makes you want to gouge your eyes out with dull carrot sticks rather than read it. There's a way to make utter agony and whining for an entire book interesting, and Shelley doesn't manage to do it. If it weren't required reading I would've given up the 50th time he used the word "wretched"- probably around page 25.
Now, off to read brain-rotting fluff as a reward for slogging through this.
The entire book is this:
Pgs 1-30: Background and random stuff
1 page of action
30 pages of him being in "utter agony with the bitterest remorse" and getting sick.
1 page of action
20 pages of a monster whining about his life
30 pages of Frankenstein whining
1 page of action
10 pages of conclusion
It's needlessly dragged out. While Shelley introduces some interesting ideas- the relationship between creator and creation, the concept of how monsters are really created (with hate and fear)- it's hidden in so much crap that it makes you want to gouge your eyes out with dull carrot sticks rather than read it. There's a way to make utter agony and whining for an entire book interesting, and Shelley doesn't manage to do it. If it weren't required reading I would've given up the 50th time he used the word "wretched"- probably around page 25.
Now, off to read brain-rotting fluff as a reward for slogging through this.
sarahsbookchat's review against another edition
3.0
Well that’s done. Glad I read it, just for the classical references in modern day literature or movies (now I correctly know what they are talking about), but not something I’d rave about or ever read again. Although, I feel like I’m appreciating it and thinking about it more now that it’s over…
.
I do also though have amazing respect for Mary Shelley who thought this up and wrote it at age 18-19. There is definitely beautiful language and it is a very original and clever. Imagine writing something that is still being read and studied over 200 years later! YTG’s!
.
I do also though have amazing respect for Mary Shelley who thought this up and wrote it at age 18-19. There is definitely beautiful language and it is a very original and clever. Imagine writing something that is still being read and studied over 200 years later! YTG’s!
angushchan's review against another edition
5.0
It’s beautiful, it’s tragic, it’s compelling, it’s so bloody good