A review by sarasbooks
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

fun fact: until now i always thought that Frankenstein was the name of the monster, turns out it's the name of the guy that creates him. 

I have to admit that Frankenstein was never a story that i was interested in reading before because I had this distorted idea that Frankenstein was supposed to be a creepy, scary story. But after reading a few recent reviews for this book, I decided to give it a try because after all, it didn't seem to be a "Halloween story".

Indeed, the beauty of this story isn't what many people think it is. This is a heartbreakingly sad story.

You get to see how human this creation is. He's this scientific experiment created by an ambitious man and is brought into this hostile and judgmental world that rejects him, which slowly makes him turn into a villain. This is why this story is so tragic. It made me feel so much emotion and empathy for this monster who wanted to show his good side but never got a chance.

The complex characters of Victor Frankenstein and his creation, that remains nameless, makes the reader realize that there's not only the distinction between good or bad.

It's a story about human nature, loneliness, isolation, philosophy and the relationship between creator and creation.

I also loved Elizabeth, and Caroline. Those two characters were very good-hearted and admirable.

I was so in awe of Shelley's storytelling and exceptional writing. The descriptions of the landscapes of Switzerland really contributed to the extraordinary atmosphere of this book

I already can't wait to reread it to grasp even more the depth of this wonderful story.

"Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change."

"I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel..."

"I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous."

"Man," I cried, "how ignorant art thou in thy pride of wisdom!"

"I could not understand why men who knew all about good and evil could hate and kill each other."

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Death, Murder