Review by pozo67 - Frankenstein (Collins Classics)

pozo67 's review for:

Frankenstein (Collins Classics) by Mary Shelley

4.75

challenging dark reflective sad tense slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Made me shudder, cry then shudder again! Deep book that made me think a lot - more protagonist vs antagonist than hero v villain although the creature is really scary and does imo some unforgiveable things. Found the relationship between Elizabeth and Victor really weird - at the time would it be seen as normal to essentially adopt a girl so your son could marry her later? To me, that's a sibling. But it made more sense of why the monster thought Frankenstein could just be made for him. The language (a result of lasting the test of time!) and the philosophy slowed down my reading but I do like to think, pretty philosophical novel with no easy answers. Considering the time, it was fairly progressive about class and race, while the old fashioned notions of gender weren't modern but were brilliantly chivalrous rather than misogynistic (Elizabeth must be protected at all costs!). I think next time I read, I'll hold off til winter - it was hard to imagine all the ice on a sunny day! Skipped rather too fast over the scary bits at times.

Content Warnings