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A review by katewhite77
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a book I experienced rather than read.
I have been wanting to Frankenstien for a while, not because I particularly like gothic horror (I don't) but because it is part of our literary heritage and pop culture to the point of almost being folk loric.
Then, an opportunity to take part in a readalong presented itself. A readalong is like a bookclub, but you all read the book together and 'check in' at agreed intervals, so you discover the book together. It was so much fun.
Not only that, but we did it using the Audrey audiobook app. The audiobook comes with a guide written by someone with a deep understanding and appreciation for the text. It's like having the best English lit lesson, but you don't have to write an essay afterwards. For instance, the bit in guide that stood out for me was an explanation of racial attitudes of the time. I would have read the text completely differently had I not known that bit of contextual information.
Were it not for the factors outlined above I don't think I would have made it through because this is a bleak tale or fable warning against hubris, not pushing science so far that we do more harm than good, appreciating what you have not what you want (living in the moment) and what it is to be a parent.
Although this book was heartbreaking, it is a classic, and I am so glad to have read it and with such a lovely bunch of thoughtful people
I have been wanting to Frankenstien for a while, not because I particularly like gothic horror (I don't) but because it is part of our literary heritage and pop culture to the point of almost being folk loric.
Then, an opportunity to take part in a readalong presented itself. A readalong is like a bookclub, but you all read the book together and 'check in' at agreed intervals, so you discover the book together. It was so much fun.
Not only that, but we did it using the Audrey audiobook app. The audiobook comes with a guide written by someone with a deep understanding and appreciation for the text. It's like having the best English lit lesson, but you don't have to write an essay afterwards. For instance, the bit in guide that stood out for me was an explanation of racial attitudes of the time. I would have read the text completely differently had I not known that bit of contextual information.
Were it not for the factors outlined above I don't think I would have made it through because this is a bleak tale or fable warning against hubris, not pushing science so far that we do more harm than good, appreciating what you have not what you want (living in the moment) and what it is to be a parent.
Although this book was heartbreaking, it is a classic, and I am so glad to have read it and with such a lovely bunch of thoughtful people
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Body horror, Child death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Murder, and Violence