A review by carolinebl
Frankenstein: The 1818 Text by Mary Shelley

challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Frankenstein is such a famous story, but my expectations were quite wrong. I enjoyed the end of the novel, the plot of which I knew less. I understand why it is considered a seminal work, and has inspired so many adaptations, but I did not love it.
The voice of Frankenstein’s monster felt implausible; how could he really have developed such a complex vocabulary? I enjoyed hearing of his early days of life, but it felt like Shelley was unwilling to sacrifice her style for the good of the story.
The narrative voice was interesting,
removed as it was from the main events, though this again brought up issues for me of the detailed recollection of conversations… is my memory just so poor that this seems ridiculous?
Perhaps I am too pedantic over these details, and should focus instead on the novel in general. I found both Frankenstein and his monster deeply unlikeable.
I’m not sure how others genuinely champion the selfish and destructive monster. Both of them should have just offed themselves!
The parallels between Frankenstein and his monster were the most powerful aspect, alongside Shelley’s commentary on superficiality and the beautiful depiction of nature. I want to visit Switzerland, but also to study this novel in more depth… perhaps I would gain a more positive impression.
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