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A review by marleyrollins
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
5.0
What is there to say about this book that hasn’t been said more eloquently a million times before? It’s a classic for a reason.
The writing is exceptional (especially considering Mary Shelley wrote most of it in an evening at a party at the age of 18, probably under the influence of some substances), the pacing is far better than most classics, and the imagery has created one of the most indelible monsters in all of horror, even if nowhere in this book occurs the phrase ‘it’s alive!’, Igor doesn’t exist, and the monster is not conjured during a lightning storm.
There’s probably few people in literature I like less than Victor Frankenstein- he’s arrogant, spineless, whiny, he’s in love with his sister, and he basically abandons his own child (the monster) rather than take accountability for his own ridiculously ill-judged actions. He’s the WORST. Also he faints all the time, what is up with that? Ugh.
This book is incredible, and it explores the idea of nature vs nurture really beautifully in the character arc of the monster. Although it’s made in ugliness, it is perverted by cruelty and mistreatment. But before it went on a vengeful murderous rampage, it was this soft, gentle thing that basically just wanted daddy to love him. We can all sympathise with that…maybe less so with all the killing.
If you’re a bit intimidated by classics, I would say 100% try this one out because it won’t disappoint. Plus it’s super short so it won’t feel as arduous as reading something like Middlemarch for example.
Probably one of my favourite books of all time.
The writing is exceptional (especially considering Mary Shelley wrote most of it in an evening at a party at the age of 18, probably under the influence of some substances), the pacing is far better than most classics, and the imagery has created one of the most indelible monsters in all of horror, even if nowhere in this book occurs the phrase ‘it’s alive!’, Igor doesn’t exist, and the monster is not conjured during a lightning storm.
There’s probably few people in literature I like less than Victor Frankenstein- he’s arrogant, spineless, whiny, he’s in love with his sister, and he basically abandons his own child (the monster) rather than take accountability for his own ridiculously ill-judged actions. He’s the WORST. Also he faints all the time, what is up with that? Ugh.
This book is incredible, and it explores the idea of nature vs nurture really beautifully in the character arc of the monster. Although it’s made in ugliness, it is perverted by cruelty and mistreatment. But before it went on a vengeful murderous rampage, it was this soft, gentle thing that basically just wanted daddy to love him. We can all sympathise with that…maybe less so with all the killing.
If you’re a bit intimidated by classics, I would say 100% try this one out because it won’t disappoint. Plus it’s super short so it won’t feel as arduous as reading something like Middlemarch for example.
Probably one of my favourite books of all time.