Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Spoiler-Free Synopsis:

This famous novel follows Victor Frankenstein’s endeavors to create life on his own and unnaturally. After forming this living creature, he runs away in horror, and spends the rest of the novel dealing with the monster’s threats on his friends and family. While that is the simple plot of the book, there are a plethora of details and complications that highlight elements of human philosophy, gender dynamics, and virtues, making Frankenstein an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Spoiler-Free Review:

One of my favorite books ever. I’m writing this only a month after finishing it but I honestly can’t wait to read it again. Mary Shelley is incredibly talented, with beautifully-written lines coming together like a movie in your head. I was utterly intrigued by Shelley’s insertion of herself as Margaret Saville, a background character and observer. In addition to this, she seemed to mirror the obnoxious Victor Frankenstein off of her own husband, Percy Shelley. Thus, in addition to being entertained by the plot itself, I enjoyed Shelley’s 1831 introduction and comparisons between her life and the novel. I also appreciate the skill required to write such an unlikable main character and still maintain a compelling plot. I honestly didn’t like a single character but still fell in love with the book. When I get around to reading it again, I will be sure to update my thoughts on it.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!!

Tabbed Quotes:

“I had a dearer pleasure than this, which was the formation of castles in the air—the indulging in waking dreams—the following of trains of thought, which had for their subject the formation of a succession of imaginary incidents” (1831 Introduction)

“Sir Isaac Newton is said to have avowed that he felt like a child picking up shells beside the great and unexplored ocean of truth”

“It is decided as you may have expected, all judges had rather that ten innocent should suffer, than that one guilty should escape..” (86)

“My spirits were elevated by the enchanting appearance of nature: the past was blotted from my memory, the present was tranquil, and the future gilded by bright rays of hope, and anticipations of joy” (115)