Shannon's Review - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Title: Frankenstein

Series: N/A

Author: Mary Shelley

Genre: Fiction, Science Fiction, Horror, Classic

Publisher: Barnes Noble Classics (for above version)

Received: Purchased

Release Date: Jan 2005 (above version), Jan 1818 (original)

Pages: 223

Rating:

Author Mary Shelley’s Official Websites:

(image from Britinnica.com)

Website:

None

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Scientist Victor Frankenstein is obsessed with finding a way to reanimate human life after death. After he successfully fulfills his desire he immediately regrets it, condemning the new horrific life form to live in hiding.  As Frankenstein’s new monster learns to understand those around him and his own existence he begins to hate his creator. The monster enacts revenge on Victor by taking away those he loves, only stopping if the doctor does what the monster asks for.

The very start of the book reminded me of Moby Dick, at least the little I read of it.  Victor Frankenstein obsession with creating life is very much like Ahab’s obsession with finding the whale. Then the middle of the book was like The Picture Of Dorian Grey which a book I really liked and very much about doing good or evil and how it affects those around yourself. It ends again like Moby Dick as Victor new obsession directs him. The middle of the book had me interested because it is really a discussion on what being human is or could be, and regret. Actually, it is about even more than that so much you could a book about and people probably have.

I for one not a fan of the scenes where Dr. Frankenstein was channeling Ahab from Moby Dick. His obsession is part of the reason I couldn’t finish Moby Dick.  Luckily Frankenstein is much shorter than Moby Dick.

I am glad I took the time to read this.  It is a book that is so much different than what the movies and tv have done. In fact, there is so much difference in the movies I am really curious why or how they came up with things...like the character Igor...no where in the book.  The monster having a square head and bolts on the neck...nope not in the book. I am not a big fan of most classics but this one that I did enjoy.