FRANKENSTIEN

by Mary Shelley

The Original Science Fiction Masterpiece by Mary Shelley

Step into the haunting world of Frankenstein, the groundbreaking novel by British author Mary Shelley that forever changed the landscape of horror and science fiction. First published in 1818, Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus tells the chilling tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but obsessive scientist who dares to defy nature by creating life itself. His monstrous creation—larger, stronger, and more intelligent than any human—soon spirals out of control, leading to devastating consequences.

Often mistaken for the monster, Frankenstein is actually the name of the man behind the experiment. This gothic classic explores deep themes of ambition, isolation, and the dangers of unchecked scientific advancement, serving as a stark warning about mankind’s reach exceeding its grasp during the dawn of the Industrial Revolution.

A masterful blend of Romanticism and early science fiction, Frankenstein is widely regarded as the first true sci-fi novel and remains a cornerstone of literature. Its influence can be seen in countless books, films, and adaptations, earning it a permanent place in popular culture.

Frankenstein book, Mary Shelley, horror classic, science fiction novel, gothic literature, monster story, timeless classic, Victor Frankenstein, original Frankenstein, literature masterpiece.

Genres: Classics, Horror, Science Fiction, Fiction, Book Club

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2025

About the author

See Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley

Reviews

[Bryher · Rating 3 out of 5]

victor was annoying

[Melina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took me way too long to finish this book but wanted to reread the this for the themes of hubris, science and nature. Frankenstein is just a bad dad and his monster isn’t a monster until he abandons him. I enjoyed the theme of human hubris and justice. Threw me back to my sixth form English class.

[Maya Brindle · Rating 3 out of 5]

B-U-N-C BUNS: B. u. n. c. buns.
This is buns.
THIS BOOK IS SO BORING IT MAKES ME WANT TO EAT THE BOOK. NOW LET ME JUST PUT IT STRAIGHT THIS IS NOT BUNS BUT IT IS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS IS SO BORING I'D RATHER WATCH PAINT DRY. NO OFFENSE TO MARRY BUT MAYBE THINK AGAIN WHEN WRITTING VICTOR TELLING HIS STORIES ABOUT HIS LIFE CUT TO THE CHASE PLEASE. B U N C BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS BUNS

[Sophie Levy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was proof I got stupider because I lowk struggled with it even though I read it in college and remember enjoying…. But it was fine like I get why it’s a classic and I thought about the themes so there’s that

[Prakruti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a classic that reads well and remains relevant even after a couple of hundred years have passed since it was first written 🤯

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written,sad story but too much endless harping on about Victor's mental torment...got that from day one when monster was created. Poor Elizabeth had a pathetic life too. Could have gotten through the story much quicker. It was insinuated the tale was written overnight at a ghost story weekend? 🤔

[Marlo Ferrante · Rating 2 out of 5]

Holy yap

[Emilia Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

After the release of the new Frankenstien movie about a month ago and the mixed reactions I'd seen online, I figured that I should give this classic a try. I went into the story with high expectations, and they were definitely met. What originally seemed like a "monster story" turned out to be something far deeper, with much more emotion, philosophy, and development than I would typically see in a book with only around 300 pages. It was a fascinating read, that really provoked reflection and debates of nature vs nurture, and I found myself sympathizing with both Victor and the creature at times.
I think that one of the central themes, isolation really stuck with me. The loneliness that both Victor and the Creature experience fuels their poor and often times self destructive decisions throughout the novel. I also though that Shelley shifting narrators was a powerful choice that brought into question the role that perspective plays and how subjective truth is.
I personally really enjoyed this, and I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy a slower paced book with character depth and philosophy. However, if you are looking for a fast paced, action packed story, this may not be for you.

[Kira · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect way to end my October reads… and I honestly can’t believe I waited until I was 40 to finally read this classic.

This story is so much more than a tale of horror…it’s a haunting reflection on loneliness, isolation, and the desperate lengths one will go to be understood. It makes you question who the real monster truly is: the creature who longs for love and acceptance, or the man who created him and abandoned him out of fear.

Things I loved:
-The writing….how it begins with letters and unfolds into Frankenstein’s confession, creating this layered, intimate storytelling style.
-The creature’s voice..his chapters were my favorite. His pain, longing, and search for belonging broke my heart.
-The themes of grief and madness..how loss and guilt can completely consume a person until they become unrecognizable.

Mary Shelley truly crafted a masterpiece that is both terrifying and tragically human.

[Laci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a huge classics person unless it’s classic horror tbh. And as someone who loves horror, why I haven’t read this until now idk. I have had it on my shelf for forever.

Victor and the Creature are so morally gray. You feel for them, but also get frustrated by their choices. It’s dark, emotional, and full of loneliness, obsession, and heartbreak. Victor’s obsession and fear make him as flawed as the Creature he abandons, and the Creature’s anger and revenge are heartbreaking but also understandable Shelley digs into what it means to be responsible for your actions, the pain of isolation, and the consequences of playing with forces beyond your control. Even after 200+ years, it still makes you think, feel, and question who’s really the “monster.”

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was required to read this book years ago in high school and not only did i not read it in its entirety, but i thought it was boring and difficult to understand. now that my frontal lobe has developed i picked this up again, and i couldn’t be more glad that i did! this book’s themes of grief and loneliness were woven beautifully throughout the story and made me feel deeply for the characters (especially the monster). the writing is beautiful and how the author describes nature in certain scenes made me feel like i was present in the book. i still can’t believe how much i enjoyed this book and i honestly don’t know how im gonna move on from this!!

[Samantha suddarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclaimer: If you biggest struggle in life is not within yourself than this book probably is not for you.

The book Where all the darkest parts of me got to spend time in the light. Dauntingly beautiful. This book will never be casual to me. The amount this book has resonated with me will forever haunt me. The characters - mary Shelley - The history. It's easy to understand why this book is still around today. Hands down my favorite classic to date And firmly on my top ten Favorite books List

[Mickael Barbieri · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was completely different from anything I had in mind about Frankenstein (for instance, I’d never have guessed that the story takes place in Geneva and the Alps). Mary Shelley is a great author, for sure. The way she made me connect with the monster and feel its pain at being loathsome and alone was remarkable. After finishing it, I thought of the movie Nymphomaniac by Lars von Trier. In a way, the film relates to Frankenstein by depicting a horrifying story told by someone in a moribund state — though in this case, the monster and the creator are united in the same body.

[Brando Socarras · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good: The creature unveils how morality is based on aesthetics and that a person spurned by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.

Bad: Frankenstein, despite his supposed genius, makes a bunch of really dumb decisions in going against the creature that led to the deaths of Henry, Elizabeth, and by association his father.

Why would he swing at this super human? Why would he admit his plan to kill him instead of fooling him into a disadvantageous position to ultimately kill him?

Also, Frankenstein has no spine. He’s a real whiner.

[Beth Wellstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant novel and definitely a great classic. I love the way the story was written and how it continually makes you think about who is the 'real villain' of the story. It is quite a sad novel which was unexpected.
4⭐️ from me as I found it quite difficult to read in the beginning due to the 'rambling' of the first character (it is due to the period of writing though so I guess not rambling!).

[Emma Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“How dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge”
I believe that quote is a perfect lesson this book demonstrates. The more and more the monster and Victor learn, the worse and worse things appear to get.
I loved this book because it gave so much to take out of it. There are so many lessons, concepts, and emotions to take away from this one singular book. I love a book like that. While at first it was hard to understand, it became easier to read and I fell in love with it.

[Adem Dervishaj · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 (Only lost half a star because I do feel like victor rambles on far too much and it makes some parts a chore to read. I understand why/ Its symbolism and it being apart of the romantic movement)Amazing nonetheless

Classic and timeless. Don’t even get me started on how the monster doesn’t have a name or his modern media representations

[Emma Rosina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Frankenstein is a classic and for good reason. I did struggle to get fully into the book but once I was immersed I really loved it. The way that Shelley makes the reader feel bad for the Monster is so clever and added a certain depth to her story that we wouldn't originally get.

[Lydia Hooton · Rating 4 out of 5]

With all the adaptions coming out (though they are too scary for me 😅) and it being Halloween week I thought I should finally read this book. I can see why this is a classic and how it shaped literature following its release. I felt like the themes and the complexity of the monster and Frankenstein were really well written and I was gripped the whole way through.

[Anna Baynes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Halloween read!!! Such an excellent story. Mary Shelley’s writing comes across so modern and refreshing. Victors lack of empathy for the monster he created broke my heart, why didn’t he make him a companion :((( Feel like this story still had lessons to teach us. The best classic I’ve read in a while.

[Kapi · Rating 5 out of 5]

no puedo más que expresar amor hacia el libro
frases memorarebles:
"No hay más doloroso para el alma humana que la calma mortal de la inactividad y la certeza que nos privan tanto del miedo como de la esperanza."
"Pero es así, el ángel caído se convierte en pérfido demonio"

RIP Criatura hubieras amado WAOLOM? de Taylor Swift

[Clwaddoups · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a book club pick and the best way for me to finally read this. Just for me, it was ridiculous and frustrating. Discussed as a piece of literature it was amazing - all those themes, a trailblazing genre, a 19 year old Victorian girl. Fantastic! Literally. (:

[Avery Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually finished this yesterday so ima go back and fix that in a sec <3

Im so glad my bsf Mike got me to read this, I loved it. I t did feel a bit slow at times but it was def good.

ᴺᴼᵂ ᴾᴸᴬᵞᴵᴺᴳ : ₗₒᵥₑ ₛₜₒᵣy - ᵢₙdᵢₗₐ
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47

[T.J. Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The old English makes this a more challenging read than I originally anticipated however it’s refreshing learning new things as you read. Many words I had to look up definitions which definitely slowed me down. The fiend was written with great depth of character. Overall and enjoyable read.

[adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

frank and the creature are goth incels??

[Kay Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well the creature is also Frankenstein because he’s like Victor’s son

[Silas Bucket · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars on the dot!
Going to correct everyone when they reference Frankenstein as a monster now!
Really enjoy how Shelley has written this. Shoutout!

[Haliemarie Ungermah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t help but feel bad for the monster despite his flaws and to be abandoned by his creator :( forced to lived in exile due to appearance

[Brooke Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Victor, can go sit syrup....let the bees get him.

[Mili · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read and I was not aware of how sad this book actually is🥺