Often subtitled "The Modern Prometheus," this novel explores the consequences of man's quest for god-like power. It follows Viktor Frankenstein whose creation of life leads to tragic results.
»I, the miserable and the abandoned, am an abortion, to be spurned at, and kicked, and trampled on.«
The novel explores themes of creation, responsibility, and the ethical limits of scientific exploration. Mary Shelley's work challenges readers to consider the implications of pushing the boundaries of knowledge and the impact such actions can have on both the creator and the created.
Born in London in 1797 to a philosopher and a feminist, Mary Shelley grew up in an intellectually stimulating environment. At just 18 years old, she wrote Frankenstein during the fateful summer of 1816, known as the Year Without a Summer while staying at Lord Byron’s villa by Lake Geneva, Switzerland.
Inspired by German ghost stories and a writing challenge from Byron and her husband, she began several stories, but Frankenstein was the one that became a hit. Published anonymously in 1818, it quickly became a classic, establishing her as a pioneer in Gothic literature.
If you’re expecting iconic lines like “It’s alive, it’s aliiive!” or a mob with pitchforks storming Dr. Frankenstein’s castle, this book might disappoint or surprise you. This line actually only appears in the films and not in the original novel.
Instead, the book offers a much deeper, introspective experience, almost like a psychological study that explores themes of loneliness. I found the way the characters, especially the monster, are portrayed with such depth very compelling. For its time, the story was probably quite terrifying, but today’s readers might find the horror more subtle. To truly appreciate it, you need to immerse yourself in its dark atmosphere and let your imagination fill in the gaps and do the rest.
Mary Shelley is credited as one of the first science fiction writers, creating the archetype of the mad scientist who experiments on humans. Considering this, her influence on works, like The Fly become more visible.
To fully grasp Frankenstein it helps to view it in the context of its time — it’s nearly two centuries old. Back then, medicine relied on absurd techniques compared to today’s advanced practices. The novel focuses less on the technical details of how the monster is created and more on the questions it raises.
One of the most rewarding aspects of reading this book is seeing the origin of the iconic monster that we know from various adaptations and references in popculture. You'll notice how many modern works have been inspired by this story. One example that I’m a big fan of is Urasawa’s Monster. This manga clearly draws inspiration from Shelley’s novel but offers a completely new take on it.
Honestly, many readers, particularly those who enjoy classic literature, struggle with picking up books by female authors, often due to the historically limited number of classic works by women. And precisely because of that, Shelley's Frankenstein stands out as a timeless must-read for every classic novel fan.
I recommend Frankenstein to those who appreciate classic literature and gothic fiction. Its exploration of ethical and philosophical questions, as well as its early contributions to science fiction, make it a compelling read. Ideal for fans of dark, thought-provoking narratives.
