I have been excited to read and review this book for some time. It’s existed in popular media for other 200 years in some shape or form. The Monster is iconic, likely taking residence in our own psyches. This book was probably the first horror science fiction book to gain immense notoriety. I believe Mary Shelly was a teenager when she completed this work, which is incredible even in of itself. Imagine being 18 years old and formulated a classic work from a weekend at a bombastic Lord’s residence.
It’s a story of a man’s creation. A rich story of what can happen if a progeny is marooned and abandoned. The existential concerns of the Monster are concerns we all have. Who will love me? Where do I belong in this world? The author paints the anger of abandonment and desolation so vividly in the Monster’s dialogue. His suffering becomes our own. This monster is very familiar. Consistently I found myself asking ” Who is the wretch, the Monster or Dr. Frankenstein?”
It’s a story of a man’s creation. A rich story of what can happen if a progeny is marooned and abandoned. The existential concerns of the Monster are concerns we all have. Who will love me? Where do I belong in this world? The author paints the anger of abandonment and desolation so vividly in the Monster’s dialogue. His suffering becomes our own. This monster is very familiar. Consistently I found myself asking ” Who is the wretch, the Monster or Dr. Frankenstein?”
I found myself trying to decide the stance I would take during this wonderful adventure. Do I side with the mad scientist that creates a creature and later abandons said creature to wreak havoc? Do I then also empathize with the Monster who takes life and threatens his maker to create a companion? The dynamics flow in this work so effortlessly that it leaves us with these duplicitous questions. Likely intended by its wise author.
Overall I recommend this read an 8/10 for its incredible story and lesson. A bit of caution because the English is dated compared to contemporary speech.