A review by kristinetp
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

Would I read it again? No. HOWEVER.....

 The themes of this book really stick with me. Reading through Victor's and the creatures relationship knowing that it is reflective of the struggle of motherhood made it a much more interesting read. I think there is a lot to take away about struggling with regret and resentment as a parent figure, specifically as a mother figure. There is a lot to take away about being the offspring in that kind of dynamic. Mary Shelley was really ahead of her time for exploring these themes and especially in this way, being the catalyst for science fiction as a genre, which has become male dominated. 

Good vs Evil is another theme that felt prevalent to me as well. Are people inherently good or evil? Are people born wicked or do they have wicked thrust upon them? 

There were a lot of things I liked and a lot of things I didn't like. I think some things were really dragged out, but I can see how playing the long game like that really gives in to the fact that depression can be all consuming.

Overall, I'm glad to have revisited this book and to find that I still really resonate with the themes.
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