Reviews

I'm fairly certain I read (or attempted to read) this in 8th grade, and it was our book club selection for Oct/Nov Biere Library Storytime Book Club because my cohost has never read it and wanted to get to it, with fall feeling perfect for this!

It was a little bit of a struggle to finish, as I kept falling asleep (peril of reading at night), which is an interesting contrast to another member who found she couldn't read it at night because she'd have terrible nightmares. I think I also lagged because I felt like Victor mostly laments his situation despite having the ability to take action on it, such as telling literally anyone earlier about his creature running around strangling people, or warning his loved ones, orrrrrr even making any kind of effort to parent his offspring.

Like my friend Amber's review notes,

Broke: Frankenstein is the monster
Woke: Frankenstein is the creator of the monster
Bespoke: Frankenstein is the monster

For all his bad feels, Victor seems truly unrepentant about bringing new life into this world without taking responsibility for his actions, and as a result all of the bloodshed really could've been avoided, in my opinion. One of the themes that came up in book club is how this could be read as a commentary on parenting, with Viktor reflecting on how supportive and doting his were while abdicating any responsibility whatsoever over The Creature, bringing him into this world without guidance and being appalled at what he is after having to fend for himself (would not pass an IRB review, I think). I found the Creature to be a more compelling point of view than Victor, even though it's creepy to be peeping on your neighbors (makes sense as a means to learn how to speak and read, though!)

I recall when I first read this being surprised at how articulate the Creature was, given the pop culture osmosis depiction shows a shambling undead abomination groaning. The Creature is merely a construct with higher stamina who just wants to live but is rejected by all humans he encounters... I found it interesting his plan was to go away to the wilds of South America, which to 1818's eyes must have felt like a truly remote place.

One of our book club regulars is German, and he was delighted to inform us about how Ingolstadt is one of the oldest universities in Europe and talked about other places Victor travels and how next time he visits his homeland, he's going to try to stay at some of the same places- glad to inspire travel plans!

sidharthvardhan's review against another edition

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5.0

I think we should read it more like a thought experiment rather than a horror story. It doesn't scare you and it may not seem most logical at times. As in children's stories, you have to believe author when she says that monster speaks up or can quote Paradise Lost or the many coincidences that could make guys at Disney feel shy.

The author tries to raise some questions regarding duties of a creator of which may be read as allegory on god, government or parents; depending on what angle you pick. Author doesn't give a explanation as to how monster was given life and makes Frankenstein to repeatedly reject any requests to declare his secret - his little victory over his short comings.

The monster gains' one's compassion rather then fear. The fact that he should stay unnamed goes on to symbolize the injustice he met, at the hands of his creator. The creature despite his appearances is not born monster but is made one by creator's abandonment and social prejudice. The part where he narrates his story is the best one. Such as when he is slowly learning about the concept of beauty and his own monstrous nature:

"Sometimes I tried to imitate the pleasant songs of the birds but was unable. Sometimes I wished to express my sensations in my own mode, but the uncouth and inarticulate sounds which broke from me frightened me into silence again."

He is almost human, with the need for love or for friends and tries to fit into the society but falls prey to social perception and is only then turned into a monster.

"If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!”

Even after becoming a monster, he demands from Frankenstein that later should make him a female companion -promising in return, a retreat to forests.

As far as science is concerned, the book argues against blind passion for curiosity sake.Frankenstein comes out as true villain of the story for his blind obsession. It is easier to feel for monster than for the scientist. Through out the book he is lead by his emotions rather than reason. Annoyingly, he keeps getting ill every few pages and giving accounts of travels, unnecessarily prolonging the book and at times making it boring. However Mary would have wanted you to feel for both Frankenstein and monster.