Frankenstein

Por Mary Selly

De repente, vi la figura de un hombre en la distancia. Avanzaba hacia mi posición con velocidad sobrehumana. Daba brincos sobre las grietas del hielo, donde yo había caminado con sumo cuidado: su estatura, pude comprobarlo a medida que se acercaba, sobrepasaba la de los hombres, temblé; la vista se me nubló y me sentí desmayar, pero los vientos helados de la montaña lograron restaurarme. Me di cuenta, a medida que la figura se acercaba, de que se trataba del demonio que había creado. Vaya visión tremenda y aborrecida. Comencé a temblar de rabia y horror, pero tomé la decisión de esperar su acercamiento, para luego trenzarme con él en un combate mortal.

• Idioma: Español
• Editorial: Panamericana Editorial
• Fecha de lanzamiento: 22 ago 2023
• ISBN: 9789583067310

Vista previa del libro

Primera carta A la señora Saville, Inglaterra

San Petersburgo, 11 de diciembre de 17…

Te dará gusto saber que ningún desastre ha acompañado el comienzo de una empresa a la cual has asociado tan desafortunados presagios. Llegué ayer, y mi primera tarea consiste en asegurarle a mi querida hermana mi bienestar, y la creciente confianza en el éxito de mi proyecto.

Me encuentro ya muy al norte de Londres, y a medida que camino las calles de San Petersburgo, siento que la brisa fría del norte sobre mis mejillas me tiempla los nervios y me llena de satisfacción. ¿Puedes entender este sentimiento? Esta brisa, que viaja desde las regiones a las cuales me propongo avanzar, me ofrece una muestra de aquellos climas glaciales. Animado por este viento de promesa, mis sueños se tornan más fervientes y vívidos. Tratan en vano de convencerme de que el polo es el trono del hielo y la desolación; siempre acude a mi imaginación como la región de la belleza y el deleite. Allí, Margaret, el sol siempre está visible; su amplio disco bordea en todo momento el horizonte y difumina un esplendor perpetuo. Allí —con tu venia, querida hermana, confiaré en los navegantes que me han precedido— el hielo y la nieve se disipan; y al navegar sobre aguas calmas, flotaremos hasta una región que sobrepasará en maravillas y belleza todas las regiones que hasta la fecha han sido descubiertas en la Tierra habitable. Es posible que no haya ejemplos de sus productos y características, en tanto el fenómeno de los cuerpos celestes sin duda se encuentra en aquellas soledades por descubrir. ¿Qué no se puede esperar de una zona de luz eterna? Quizá allí pueda encontrar el asombroso poder que atrae las agujas, y es probable que sea capaz de regular miles de observaciones celestiales, que únicamente están a la espera de este viaje para pasar de ser excentricidades a verdades por siempre consistentes. Saciaré mi ardiente curiosidad con la visión de una parte del mundo que nunca ha sido visitada y pisaré por primera vez la tierra que nunca ha sido pisada por el pie del hombre. Son estos mis incentivos, y son suficientes para conquistar todos los miedos de peligros o de la muerte misma, y me inducen a comenzar este difícil viaje con la alegría de un niño que por primera vez se embarca en un bote, con sus amigos, para explorar el río que lo vio nacer. Aun así, suponiendo que todas estas conjeturas sean falsas, no puedes refutar el beneficio inestimable que le concederé a la humanidad hasta la última generación, al descubrir un pasaje cercano al polo para los países cercanos, que de momento les toma muchos meses atravesar; o al establecer el secreto del imán que, de ser posible, puede efectuarse únicamente gracias a un emprendimiento como el mío.

Estas reflexiones han disipado la agitación con la que comencé esta carta, y siento que mi corazón resplandece con un entusiasmo que me eleva hasta el cielo. Nada logra que mi mente se tranquilice como lo hace un propósito inalterable, un punto sobre el cual el alma fija su ojo intelectual. Esta expedición ha sido el sueño principal de mis años tempranos. He leído con auténtica pasión los informes de los varios viajes que comenzaron con el propósito de llegar al norte del océano Pacífico a través de los mares que rodean el polo. Quizá recuerdes que la biblioteca de nuestro buen tío Thomas estaba compuesta únicamente por libros que narraban los viajes realizados con el afán de descubrimiento. Mi educación tuvo grandes vacíos, pero siempre tuve pasión por la lectura. Esos volúmenes constituyeron mi formación día y noche, y mi familiaridad con ellos hizo que aumentara el dolor que sentí de niño al enterarme de que mi padre, al morir, le había prohibido a nuestro tío que me permitiera seguir la carrera de marinero.

Estas visiones se desvanecieron cuando leí con detenimiento y por primera vez a aquellos poetas cuyas efusiones embelesaron mi alma y la llevaron hasta el cielo. Así que me convertí en poeta, y por un año viví en el paraíso de mi propia creación. Llegué a imaginar que podría obtener un nicho en el templo en el cual los nombres de Homero y Shakespeare están consagrados. Estás familiarizada con mi fracaso, y con lo difícil que fue para mí llevar tal desilusión. Pero justo en ese momento heredé la fortuna de nuestro primo, y mis pensamientos volvieron al rumbo de su preferencia temprana.

Han transcurrido seis años desde que resolví la empresa que ahora me dispongo a ejecutar. Puedo, incluso ahora, recordar la hora exacta en que decidí dedicarme a este gran proyecto. Comencé habituando mi cuerpo a la adversidad. Acompañé a los cazadores de ballenas en varias expediciones al mar del Norte. De manera voluntaria soporté el frío, el hambre, la sed, el deseo de dormir; a menudo trabajé más fuerte que los marineros durante el día, y dedicaba mis noches al estudio de las matemáticas, la teoría de la medicina y aquellas ramas de las ciencias físicas de las cuales un aventurero naval puede obtener las más grandes ventajas prácticas. Dos veces me inscribí como ayudante de primer oficial en un ballenero groenlandés y aprendí a obedecer y a admirar. Debo reconocer que sentí algo parecido al orgullo cuando el capitán me ofreció un lugar permanente en el barco, y lo hizo con toda seriedad; tal era la estima en que tenía mis servicios.

Y ahora, querida Margaret, ¿no merezco alcanzar un propósito mayor? Es posible que mi vida haya transcurrido en medio de comodidades y lujo, pero prefiero la gloria a todas las tentaciones que la riqueza ha puesto en mi camino. Ay, ¡que alguna voz favorable responda afirmativamente! Mi valor y mi resolución son firmes, pero mis esperanzas fluctúan y mi espíritu a menudo se desconsuela. Estoy a punto de embarcarme en un viaje largo y penoso, cuyas exigencias demandarán todas mis fuerzas. No solo tendré que subirles el ánimo a los demás, también debo sostener el propio cuando los suyos comiencen a decaer.

Esta es la época más favorable para viajar dentro de Rusia. Con sus trineos se puede viajar rápidamente sobre la nieve; el movimiento es agradable y, en mi opinión, mucho más cómodo que el de las diligencias de Inglaterra. El frío no es excesivo, si vas envuelto en pieles —un modo de vestir que he adoptado por completo, pues hay una gran diferencia entre caminar la cubierta y permanecer sentado sin moverse por horas, y la falta de ejercicio hace que la sangre se congele en las venas—. No tengo ningún deseo de perder la vida en la ruta postal que une San Petersburgo y Arcángel.

Saldré para dicha ciudad en unas dos o tres semanas, y mi idea es alquilar un barco allá. Esto puede hacerse fácilmente pagándole el seguro al dueño. Luego puedo contratar tantos marineros acostumbrados a cazar ballenas como crea necesarios. No pretendo navegar hasta junio. ¿Y cuándo volveré? Ah, hermana querida, ¿cómo puedo responder a esta pregunta? Si tengo éxito, es posible que pasen muchos meses, incluso años, antes de que nos volvamos a encontrar. Si fracaso, me verás pronto, o no me verás nunca.

Adiós, querida mía, extraordinaria Margaret. Que el cielo deje caer sus bendiciones sobre ti, y que me salve para que pueda, una y otra vez, testificar mi gratitud por toda tu bondad y amor.

Tu hermano que te quiere,

R. Walton

Segunda carta A la señora Saville, Inglaterra

Arcángel, 28 de marzo de 17…

¡Qué lento pasa el tiempo aquí, rodeado de hielo y nieve! No obstante, he dado un segundo paso en mi empresa. He alquilado una embarcación, y en el momento estoy ocupado en la selección de mis marineros; aquellos que ya he contratado parecen hombres en los que se puede confiar, y ciertamente dan la impresión de ser intrépidos.

Sin embargo, hay un deseo que hasta ahora no he podido satisfacer. Su ausencia se siente como el mal más severo. No tengo ni un amigo, Margaret. Cuando brille gracias al entusiasmo de mis éxitos, no habrá nadie para participar de mi alegría; si me encuentro sitiado por la desilusión, nadie se ocupará de mis aflicciones. Debo consignar mis pensamientos en el papel, lo sé; pero este resulta un medio pobre para la comunicación de los sentimientos. Necesito la compañía de una persona que pueda comprenderme, cuyos ojos respondan a los míos. Puedes pensar que soy un romántico, querida hermana, pero siento con amargura la falta de un amigo. No tengo a nadie cerca, ninguna persona gentil y valerosa, que posea una mente cultivada y amplia, cuyos gustos se parezcan a los míos, que apruebe o enmiende mis planes. ¡La manera en que tal amigo repararía los fallos de tu pobre hermano! Soy apasionado en la ejecución, y me muestro muy impaciente ante las dificultades. Y lo peor es que soy un autodidacta: los primeros catorce años de mi vida fui tan salvaje como el que más, y lo único que leí fueron los libros de viaje del tío Thomas. A esa edad conocí a los celebrados poetas de nuestra patria; pero únicamente cuando vi que no podía hacer nada al respecto cuando, caí en la cuenta de la necesidad de hablar otros idiomas además del de nuestro país. Ahora tengo veintiocho años, y siento que en términos prácticos soy más inculto que muchos chicos de quince. Es cierto que he reflexionado más, y que mis sueños son más grandes y ambiciosos, pero les falta equilibrio, como suele decirse en la pintura. Es de esta forma como necesito un amigo que tenga el suficiente tacto para no despreciarme por romántico, y que me tenga el suficiente cariño y me ayude a controlar mi mente.

Soy consciente de que estas quejas no tienen sentido; es casi seguro que no encontraré ningún amigo en la inmensidad del océano, y tampoco aquí en Arcángel, en medio de comerciantes y gente de mar. Sin embargo, algunos sentimientos relacionados con lo mejor de la naturaleza humana se ponen de manifiesto de vez en cuando. Mi lugarteniente, por ejemplo, es un hombre de increíble valor e iniciativa, que desea vehementemente la gloria. O, para ponerlo de manera más explícita, es de lo más avanzado que puede encontrarse en su profesión. Es inglés, y en medio de todos los prejuicios nacionales y profesionales, no ha sido ablandado por la sofisticación, de manera que mantiene algunas de las más nobles características de la humanidad. Lo conocí por primera vez a bordo de un ballenero, y cuando supe que se encontraba desempleado en esta ciudad, con facilidad lo convencí de ayudarme en mi empresa.

Es un muchacho de excelente disposición, y son notables su amabilidad y la benevolencia de su disciplina. Por esto, y por su bien conocida integridad y su intrépido carácter, hice lo posible por contratarlo. Una juventud pasada en soledad, sumada a tus cuidados amables y femeninos, han refinado de tal forma mi carácter que casi no puedo superar la intensa repugnancia que me produce la brutalidad que suele ejercerse en los barcos; nunca he creído que sea necesaria, así que cuando supe de un marinero conocido por su bondad, y por el respeto y obediencia que la tripulación le profesaba, me sentí afortunado de poder asegurar sus servicios. Primero escuché de él de una forma romántica, gracias a una mujer que le debe la felicidad de su vida. De manera breve, expongo un hecho de su vida: algunos años atrás amó a una joven rusa de fortuna moderada, y habiendo amasado él mismo una suma considerable de dinero por su trabajo, el padre de la chica accedió a la unión. Antes de la ceremonia había visto solo una vez a su futura esposa; en aquella ocasión, la mujer, cubierta de lágrimas y tirándose a sus pies, le rogó que la liberara de su responsabilidad, pues confesó amar a otro, a un pobre diablo que su padre nunca aceptaría. Mi generoso amigo calmó a quien le suplicaba, e informándose del nombre de su amante, abandonó de manera instantánea su cometido. Ya había comprado una granja con su dinero, en la cual pensaba pasar el resto de sus días. Le obsequió esta propiedad a su rival, junto con el dinero que había conseguido, a fin de que comprara ganado. Luego trató de convencer al padre de la chica para que accediera a su matrimonio con el amante. Pero el viejo se negó en redondo, pues se sentía obligado moralmente con mi amigo. Al enterarse de la inexorabilidad del padre, mi amigo dejó el país, y no volvió a él hasta que se enteró de que la mujer se había casado según sus deseos. «¡Qué hombre más noble!», dirás. Esto es innegable, pero también carece por completo de instrucción; es silencioso como un turco, y sobre él se cierne una suerte de ignorante descuido que hace que su conducta sea tanto más extraordinaria, por cuanto le resta el interés y la simpatía que de otro modo concitaría.

Pero no creas, porque me quejo un poco, o porque puedo concebir un consuelo para mis tristezas que jamás conoceré, que flaqueo en mi propósito. Este es tan fijo como el destino. Y mi viaje se encuentra demorado únicamente a causa del clima. El invierno ha sido terriblemente duro; pero la primavera trae la promesa de que todo irá bien, y se estima que llegará pronto. Así que podremos salir antes de lo que esperamos. No haré nada con prisa; me conoces lo suficiente para confiar en mi prudencia y consideración cuando me encuentro a cargo de la seguridad de otras personas.

No puedo describir lo que siento ante la cercanía del comienzo de mi empresa. Es imposible comunicarte la sensación que me hace temblar, a partes iguales de placer y miedo, con la perspectiva del inicio del viaje. Iré a regiones inexploradas, a la «tierra de la neblina y la nieve»; pero no asesinaré a ningún albatros, por tanto no debes temer por mi seguridad, o volveré a ti tan deteriorado y en un estado tan lamentable como el viejo marinero de Coleridge. Sonreirás ante esta alusión, y yo te revelaré un secreto. A menudo le he atribuido mi apego y mi total entusiasmo apasionado a los peligrosos misterios del océano, a la producción de este poeta moderno, acaso el más imaginativo. Le hace algo a mi alma que no estoy en capacidad de entender. En el fondo soy un hombre práctico, un trabajador que ejecuta con perseverancia y esfuerzo; pero, aparte de ello, hay en mí una pasión por lo sorprendente, una creencia que se mezcla en todos mis proyectos y me lleva más allá de los caminos más comunes de los hombres, incluso a océanos indómitos y a las regiones inexploradas que me propongo recorrer.

Deseo finalizar retornando a las cosas que me son más queridas. ¿Volveré a verte, después de haber atravesado océanos inmensos y regresar por el extremo más meridional de África o América? No osaré esperar tales éxitos, y sin embargo no tolero lo contrario. Por lo pronto, sigue escribiéndome cada vez que puedas. Es seguro que tus cartas me levantarán el ánimo. Te quiero con toda la ternura del mundo. Recuérdame con cariño, en caso de que nunca más vuelvas a saber de mí.

Tu hermano que te quiere,

Robert Walton

Tercera carta A la señora Saville, Inglaterra

7 de julio de 17…

Querida hermana:

Te escribo estas líneas deprisa para decirte que estoy bien, y que mi viaje va bien avanzado. Esta carta llegará a Inglaterra gracias a un buque mercante que vuelve a casa desde Arcángel. Es innegable que tiene más fortuna que yo, que no podré ver mi tierra natal quizá en muchos años. Me encuentro, no obstante, de buen ánimo: mis hombres son audaces y al parecer tienen firmeza de carácter, ni siquiera los bloques de hielo que nos pasan continuamente e indican los peligros hacia los que avanzamos parecen hacer mella en ellos. Ya hemos alcanzado una zona de alta latitud; pero estamos en pleno verano, y pese a que no hace tanto calor como en Inglaterra, los vientos del sur, que nos empujan con rapidez hacia las costas que con tanto ardor deseo conquistar, traen consigo un grado de calor renovador que no me esperaba.

Hasta ahora no ha ocurrido ningún incidente que merezca la pena consignar en una carta. Un par de fortísimas tormentas y la aparición de una gotera en cubierta son accidentes que marineros con experiencia apenas considerarían dignas de mención. Me sentiré satisfecho si nada peor que esto ocurre durante nuestra travesía.

Adiós, mi querida Margaret. Ten por seguro, por mi propio bien, y por el tuyo, que no iré apresuradamente a encontrar el peligro. Me mantendré tranquilo, perseverante y prudente.

Pero el éxito coronará mis esfuerzos. ¿Por qué habría de ser de otra manera? Hasta ahora he trazado un camino seguro sobre los mares, y solamente las estrellas han sido testigos de mi triunfo. ¿Por qué no proseguir sobre el indómito y sin embargo obediente mar? ¿Qué puede detener a un hombre resuelto y de corazón determinado?

Mi espíritu se hincha y se desboca de manera involuntaria al pensar en todo esto. Pero debo terminar. ¡Que el cielo bendiga a mi querida hermana!

R. W.

Cuarta carta A la señora Saville, Inglaterra

5 de agosto de 17…

Hemos sufrido un accidente tan extraño que no puedo proseguir sin consignarlo, pese a que es muy probable que nos veamos antes de que esta carta te encuentre.

El pasado lunes (31 de julio), casi estábamos rodeados de hielo: se cernía sobre la embarcación en todas las direcciones y apenas nos dejaba lugar para navegar. Nuestra situación era ciertamente peligrosa, sobre todo porque estábamos rodeados por una espesa niebla. Así que allí estábamos sin poder hacer nada, esperando a que la atmósfera y el clima cambiaran un poco.

Cerca de las dos, la neblina se disipó y pudimos observar, en todas las direcciones, planicies de hielo vastas e irregulares, que daban la impresión de no tener fin. Algunos de mis camaradas comenzaron a quejarse, y yo mismo empecé a llenarme de ansiedad, cuando un extraño espectáculo de repente concitó nuestra atención y nos distrajo de nuestra propia situación. Hacia el norte, más o menos a unos ochocientos metros, vimos un pequeño trineo arrastrado por perros. En él, un ser de figura humana, pero al parecer de proporciones gigantes, estaba sentado y dirigía a los animales. Observamos su rápido progreso con nuestros telescopios, hasta que se perdió en los distantes montículos del terreno.

Esta aparición disparó nuestro asombro. Según nuestros cálculos, estábamos a muchos kilómetros de cualquier tierra conocida; pero esta visión parecía demostrar que, en realidad, no estábamos tan lejos como pensábamos. Por otro lado, cercados como nos encontrábamos por el hielo, era imposible seguir su camino, que habíamos observado con tanta atención.

Más o menos dos horas después de esto, sentimos que el agua se agitaba debajo de nosotros, y antes de que se hiciera noche el hielo se deshizo y liberó nuestra embarcación. Sin embargo, nos quedamos quietos hasta el amanecer, pues temíamos topar con alguna de aquellas masas gigantescas que se quedan flotando tiempo después de que el hielo se rompe. Aproveché estas horas para descansar un poco.

Cuando se hizo de día, apenas hubo luz, salí a cubierta y encontré a toda la tripulación hablando con alguien en el mar. Se trataba, de hecho, de un trineo como el que habíamos visto antes, que había llegado hacia nuestra posición durante la noche, sobre un gran pedazo de hielo. Apenas uno de los perros estaba con vida; pero había un hombre allí, a quien los marineros intentaban persuadir de que subiera a bordo. No se trataba, como el otro viajero daba la impresión de ser, de un habitante salvaje de una isla por descubrir. Era un europeo. No bien subí a cubierta, mi lugarteniente dijo:

—Aquí está nuestro capitán: él no permitirá que usted muera en mar abierto.

Al notar mi presencia, el extraño se dirigió a mí en un inglés de acento extranjero:

—Antes de subir a su embarcación —dijo—, ¿podría tener la amabilidad de decirme hacia dónde se dirigen?

Podrás concebir mi sorpresa al escuchar tal pregunta de un hombre al borde de la muerte, y de quien era normal suponer que mi barco podría convertirse en un recurso que no cambiaría por toda la riqueza del mundo. No obstante, respondí que nos encontrábamos en medio de un viaje de descubrimiento y nos dirigíamos al polo norte.

Al escuchar esto pareció satisfecho, y accedió a subir a bordo. ¡Dios mío!, Margaret, si hubieras visto al hombre que capituló por su seguridad, tu sorpresa no habría conocido límite. Sus extremidades estaban a punto de congelarse, y su cuerpo se encontraba terriblemente consumido por la fatiga y el sufrimiento. Nunca he visto a un hombre en tan malas condiciones. Intentamos cargarlo hacia el interior, pero apenas le faltó el aire fresco, se desmayó. Lo llevamos de nuevo a cubierta, y tratamos de reanimarlo frotándolo con coñac; incluso le dimos algo de beber. Apenas dio señales de vida, lo envolvimos en sábanas y lo dejamos cerca del calor de la estufa de la cocina. Volvió en sí muy despacio, y tomó un poco de sopa, que le hizo bien.

De este modo pasaron dos días hasta que pudo hablar. A menudo temí que todo lo que sufrió lo hubiera privado del entendimiento. Cuando resultó evidente que se estaba recuperando, lo pasé a mi propio camarote y lo cuidé en la medida que mis responsabilidades me lo permitieron. Nunca vi una criatura más interesante: en sus ojos se ve generalmente una expresión salvaje, incluso de locura; pero hay momentos en los que, si alguien tiene un acto de bondad con él, o incluso si le hacen un servicio insignificante, toda su expresión se ilumina con un rayo de benevolencia y dulzura que hasta entonces nunca había visto. Pero generalmente se encuentra melancólico y al borde de la desesperación; y algunas veces rechina los dientes, como si no pudiera soportar el peso de todo aquello que lo oprime.

Cuando mi invitado dio muestras de que se estaba recuperando un poco, tuve dificultades para mantener a raya a los hombres, que deseaban formularle mil preguntas. No permití que su curiosidad ociosa lo atormentara, pues es evidente que el estado de su mente y de su cuerpo depende por entero del reposo. Una vez, sin embargo, el lugarteniente le preguntó por qué había venido tan lejos en un vehículo tan extraño.

De inmediato su semblante asumió un aspecto de profunda melancolía, y respondió:

—A buscar a quien se me escapó.

—Y el hombre al que perseguía, ¿viajaba de la misma forma?

—Sí.

—Entonces creo que lo hemos visto. La víspera de que lo recogiéramos a usted, vimos a un hombre que viajaba sobre el hielo en un trineo tirado por perros.

Esto despertó la curiosidad del extraño, y debido a ello formuló una gran cantidad de preguntas respecto a la dirección que el demonio —como lo llamaba— había seguido. Poco después, cuando nos quedamos solos, me dijo:

—Ciertamente he despertado su curiosidad, así como la de sus hombres, pero sin duda usted es muy considerado para hacer más preguntas.

—Así es: sería impertinente y poco humano de mi parte importunarlo con más preguntas.

—Y sin embargo, usted me rescató de una situación extraña y peligrosa. Con benevolencia me ha devuelto la vida.

Poco después me preguntó si creía que el rompimiento del hielo había destruido

Comentarios para Frankenstein

[james_knupp · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

The novel that (in the minds of many) started the genre of science fiction. This original portrayal of Frankenstein's monster is much more interesting than our modern depiction of the slow, unintelligent beast. The story does hold up really well despite being 200 years old, but if you're not already a fan of 19th century prose, it's not the easiest read.

[martialalex92 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Things I learned

1. Nothing like the Mel Brooks movie
2. Viktor Frankenstein was a weepy little bitch
3. Interesting when viewed as one of the first horror novels, yet the monster was more human than expected

[evelynnygren · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Where do I even begin with this book. Well, first off, I, having listened to the broadway musical about Frankenstein—and having heard from others what happens in this book, went into this story with quite a few set expectations. Perhaps if I had had no prior knowledge of the contents of this novel, my level of interest would have been higher, but I guess I'll never know.

What I do know, however, is that while there were a few points in the story that differed from the broadway musical, the general timeline and scope of the plot matched exactly to what I had heard about from others. The story wasn't amazing (I think this has to do with the fact that it was written in a different era and therefore the structure of the prose is much more florescent), but it was surprisingly easy to follow, which is most likely why this book is recommended when one starts to read classical literature.

All in all, the entirety of Frankenstein by Mary Shelly was just solidly good; no more, no less. I am glad I started with this on my classical-literature journey, but I was not as impressed by it as I thought I would be. I would agree with others who have read this story in saying that I liked hearing about the process of this frightening tale's creation more than I did in reading the thing itself. Nevertheless, I would still recommend people read this if only to have said you've read it and know about it.

[lpg3d · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I went into this book expecting villagers with pitchforks and torches. It's not like that at all. To me, it's a very philosophical book about what it means to be human. In some ways, the monster was more human than Victor Frankenstein.

I highly recommend this Barnes and Noble edition since the end notes add immeasurably to the enjoyment of reading this book. The forward by Mary Shelley is also very worthwhile.

[lorisbook · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

Last month, I posted that I had purchased another copy of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I was recently asked about the book so I have posted some of my impressions here.Mary Shelley (then Mary Godwin) wrote Frankenstein in 1816 after being creeped out by a dream. Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a horrendous monster during a scientific experiment.My estimate is I saw the movie 50 years after it was first released in 1931. I saw the movie prior to reading the book and was initially, confused as to who was Frankenstein. I thought the actor Boris Karloff was when in fact he was Dr. Frankenstein's creation."A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe they're being to me. I might in process of time (although I now found it impossible) renew life where death had apparently devoted the body to corruption."Shelley used 3 narrators' perspectives in Frankenstein. Most people will tell you that it's created this way so one might understand the complexities of time and the structure of the novel. I believe Mary may have used 3 perspectives because she was in competition with Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and physician John Polidori to see who could create the best horror story. And Mary likely imagined each of them narrating different scenes as a way to boost her own creativity.Regardless, Mary really rocked it at 18 - not only in giving us an alarming horror story but in making us think in terms of questioning our perspective and recognizing the flaws of humanity. Victor Frankenstein repeatedly left no room for doubt that tragic events would happen by saying, “Destiny was too potent, and her immutable laws had decreed my utter and terrible destruction.” Using references to destiny, and omens of terrible destruction, lead us all to grab onto our Eyeore brain and we begin to believe that Frankenstein is destined for a hapless fate. Frankenstein might have us all believing that each species of an organism does not and cannot change. As if no alternative were ever possible. However, he could have thought, "What is my ultimate goal? How can I change so I am encouraged to experience life's possibilities?" Yes! Frankenstein could have manned up and changed his perspective and chosen a different path! Instead, he gives his creation life which wreaks havoc. As the memory of past misfortunes pressed upon me, I began to reflect upon their cause—the monster whom I had created, the miserable daemon whom I had sent abroad into the world.One parallel between Victor and the monster is that they become recluses/ social outcasts. And Frankenstein eventually recognizes his world is decaying and him along with it. Like the archangel who aspired to omnipotence, I am chained in an eternal hell.In closing, Mary lost a child in 1815 amongst controversy of that time involving living bodies versus inorganic ( dead) bodies. The following year she wrote this gothic horror story (science fiction) which was published in 3 parts in 1818.It's important to note that, Frankenstein may have recalled his mother Caroline's words on her deathbed “Alas! I regret that I am taken from you; and, happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you all? But these are not thoughts befitting me; I will endeavor to resign myself cheerfully to death, and will indulge a hope of meeting you in another world.” In Frankenstein's final words, Yet why do I say this? I have myself been blasted in these hopes, yet another may succeed Frankenstein realizes someone will succeed at what he has failed. Perhaps Frankenstein, himself, will be awakened in another world.

[benkaboo-51322 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Summary: Driven guy takes things a bit too far and ends up creating something that destroys everything:

Things I liked.

Introducing the main protaganist through the eyes of a secondary category. This reminded me a bit of Gatsby and Nick.

Good questions/ideas: The 'Other', obsession, what is human etc. Good fodder for thinking/rethinking about what you believe.

Things I thought could be improved:

Main character is pretty whiney, and doesn't really take a lot of responsbility for his actions. It makes him hard to relate to a bit unlikeable. Given most of the story is told through his eyes that's a problem. I'd probably recommend giving him a bit more self-awareness at the end, preserving his stupidity in the main story, to increase the sense of empathy and connection with his tale.

Some of the plotting is a bit far fetched and obviously contrived to drive the story. In particular I remember when he decides to reveal his secret to Elizabeth but only 'after' their fateful wedding day. If he was going to be truthful with her wouldn't he/she do it immediately. .

Highlight:

Probably when the 'other' spoke for the first time. Hollywood had taught me to expect one thing. I was pretty taken aback and appreciated the variation.

Lessons Learned:

Chill out in life or you might find the object of your obsession ends up wrecking all the good things you have in your life.

[michael_lilly-1 · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

Ground breaking, but the style is tedious. Too much angst -- over and over.

[christilee394 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

“I do know that for the sympathy of one living being, I would make peace with all. I have love in me the likes of which you can scarcely imagine and rage the likes of which you would not believe. If I cannot satisfy the one, I will indulge the other.”― Mary Shelley, FrankensteinAfter reading Frankenstein, I HAD to read it again. Even after that, I skimmed through it because I knew I could catch more, and I didn't want to miss anything. After revisiting this Gothic, romantic classic, I zealously attacked the internet to read essays, class studies, theses… basically, anything that could take me farther in. I knew there was more I could catch; the sense of abandonment, ego, temper with new technology, obsession, revenge, sympathy, the duality of mankind (aka: good vs evil), the list can go on and on.“I ought to be thy Adam, but I am rather the fallen angel...”― Mary Shelley, FrankensteinThere isn’t really anything I can say that hasn’t already been said about this classic. Two take aways I delighted in are, first, Mary Shelley’s vivid, poetic, stately language that shows the intensity of the emotions. Secondly, in society, unfortunately, looks do matter. Just because one can, doesn't mean one should. Respect and take responsibilities of new technologies and as a creator, whether parental or of inventions, one must take on the responsibility of their creation.This book managed to stay with me days, nights and weeks after reading. Wanting to discuss its contents with anyone that would participate. For myself, that is the mark of a GREAT read, one where long after the last page is read, my mind is unsettled and wants to devour more!“There is something at work in my soul, which I do not understand.”― Mary Shelley, Frankenstein

[yarb_1 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

A few themes I especially enjoyed this time:1. Imagination and the Arctic. On the first page, Walton enthuses about the imagined North polar utopia beyond the region of ice: "there snow and frost are banished; and, sailing over a calm sea, we may be wafted to a land surpassing in wonders and in beauty every region hitherto discovered"; "I shall satiate my ardent curiosity with the sight of a part of the world never before visited"; "I try in vain to be persuaded that the pole is the seat of frost and desolation; it ever presents itself to my imagination as the region of beauty and delight." It's the perfect analogue of Victor's besetting ambition, and the first letter ends with Walton's remarks on the joys of sled travel, contrasting abruptly with the succeeding (indelible) image of the Monster driving his sled North. The polar regions are ready-made blank canvases for the imagination — c.f. Arthur Gordon Pym or The Thing, just for a start. Places of disorientation where compasses go haywire and horizons dissolve.2. The young Shelley's sublimity. She's at pains here to play up Victor's annoying rationality, his anti-Romantic habit of analysis. This is in contrast to Elizabeth who is a pure poet. "While my companion [Elizabeth] contemplated with a serious and satisfied spirit the magnificent appearances of things," Victor tells us, "I delighted in investigating their causes. The world was to me a secret which I desired to divine." Victor's tale is cautionary against the literal and rational. "Darkness had no effect upon my fancy" he reminisces — bad child, not frightened of bugaboos. Partly this is the fault of his permissive parents and liberal upbringing, his parents, "possessed by the very spirit of kindness and indulgence," allow his unnatural childhood proclivities free rein; partly it's just the way he is. If we concentrated more on "simple pleasures", even the history of the New World would be less sad: "If the study to which you apply yourself has a tendency to weaken your affections, and to destroy your taste for those simple pleasures in which no alloy can possibly mix, then that study is certainly unlawful, that is to say, not befitting the human mind. If this rule were always observed; if no man allowed any pursuit whatsoever to interfere with the tranquillity of his domestic affections, Greece had not been enslaved; Cæsar would have spared his country; America would have been discovered more gradually; and the empires of Mexico and Peru had not been destroyed." Wow!3. The horror. Amidst this novel's thematic smorgasbord, I think maybe we forget how disturbing it is. Shelley turns a couple of immaculate phrases in the service of the Weird — how about "who shall conceive the horrors of my secret toil as I dabbled among the unhallowed damps of the grave or tortured the living animal to animate the lifeless clay?" Bone-chilling! The way the Alpine lightning portends the Monster's reappearence in Victor's life! Or the image of the Monster lifting the curtain of Frankenstein's bed and peering in soon after having been animated! Unforgettable images. At the same time, isn't it the Monster's ugliness that's really the root of all his problems? If he weren't so misshapen and repulsive, he'd presumably be pitied and have no trouble fitting in what with his native intelligence, empathy, fidelity and good-heartedness. It's always his disfigurement that wrecks things for him. So, and not to deny the smorgasbord, isn't this at heart a simple tragedy about narrow-mindedness, petty cruelty, mistrust of the deformed or Other? Shut up, of course it isn't just that!I had completely forgotten about the Irish interlude. Like Dracula, this novel is front-loaded: the Monster's tale which occupies the central section is kinda slow and soppy. But it works. Easily one of my favorite novels and hard to think of a more influential one, or rather, one with a bigger influence beyond literature.

[ekerstein-986148 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Impressed and fascinated by this book. I would give it 5 stars although I found it overwrought at times.

It's an allegorical tale. There's much more here beyond the popular idea of a monster conceived by lightning. The birth of the monster actually only takes up one paragraph.

There's a biblical analogy to be made. Except this Adam has no Eve. A child reckoning with his maker. Reckoning with God for his imperfect form. Tormenting his maker until they both share each other's miseries.

[charon07 · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I never tire of the story of meeting one's maker, whatever form it should come in. This is a classic treatment of that theme.

I first read this years ago, and my recent re-reading offered me a different perspective. I was formerly eager to find heroes and villains, and who can help but feel sorry for the poor creature, abandoned by his maker and rejected by human society? Who can help but find fault with Herr Frankenstein for his fickleness, instantly despising the creature he worked so long and so obsessively to bring into being?

Now I find the moral dilemmas less clear-cut. Still, a fascinating study about one's moral responsibilities to others, whether creator or created or just cousin on the family tree.

[jsabrina-219220 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

"Frankenstein" the book is very different from the impressions of the story I'd gained from movie images. "Baron Von Frankenstein" is not a nobleman, nor a mature or near-elderly man. He's a very bright college kid who gets obsessed with the idea of understanding the secret of the life force. There is no castle, no giant lab, no lightning storm. . . just a rented room in a student boarding house. In fact, Shelley's Frankenstein is adamant about sharing nothing about how he creates his monster, lest others share his sad fate.

The "monster" is the true hero of the book -- an ugly creature abandoned by his creator in the moment of his uncanny 'birth.' Although at first animal-like, he gradually grows into the sensibilities of a man, with an instinct to do good. But his sincere efforts to be good, and to win his way into community, are rebuffed at every turn, and these disappointments hurt him to the point of furious revenge.

Victor Frankenstein spends most of the book wallowing in guilt and depression, unable to either see the capacity for virtue in his creation or provide it with the means to have a peaceful existence. The monster, his twisted mirror, is a wretch battling desperately for companionship, love, knowledge, and justice.

This is definitely a novel written in another time. The story is revealed through the letters of an ambitious sea captain who stumbles into the final chapter of the larger story. Everything is related as memory, and there are far too many pages of Frankenstein moaning about his unhappiness. It's not an adventure story or a horror story or an action-adventure. Instead, it's a moral tale played out in fantastical circumstances, leaving the reader to judge who, in the end, is the true monster.

[librolindsay · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I admit that I approached Frankenstein with a little apprehension. I have the unfortunate and somewhat unfounded tendency to assign most books (esp. British Lit) written before, say, 1850 or so with an assumption that they will be stuffy, slooooow-going, and filled with archaic language. How wrong I was! Even through an English degree, this book somehow eluded me. I'm really glad to have finally read it, and I think I might consider it to be one of the most engaging and provocative of the "classics" I've yet read.
My familiarity with Frankenstein, or Frankenstein's monster I should say, was restricted mostly to Halloween images. I haven't seen the classic film (which I am now more enticed to view), so my idea of Frankenstein was of a somewhat beastly but overall gentle oversized man with lots of stithces. This book, as I thankfully found, paints a much more vivid and complex picture, and I found myself constantly going back and forth in sympathizing with Victor and the monster. I ultimately side with the monster, but the book confronts very complex sociological issues of creation, parenting, and responsibility that necessitates a lot of reader involvement to really understand the characters and issues. Despite that I could guess just about every major event and that some of the language was a little dated (of course is was written in 1818), the story still hooked me along to the very end, creating an avid curiosity in the plight of every character. No longer will what I once viewed as "stodgy" classic literature deter me!

[sarahlh-41506 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

I can't believe it took me this long to read this!

(It's more of a 3.5 than a 4 but sshhhh, don't tell Mrs. Wollstonecraft.)

It kept me riveted, but god, I can't imagine having to sit in a boat on a choppy sea and listen to Dr. Frankenstein alternate between an elaborate recollection of his ENTIRE LIFE and violently crying for what was probably at least an hour, if not more, of his life.

[eurohackie · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A lonely English sea captain sets sail for the North Pole from his base in Russia. As he grows closer to his destination, his crew rescues an emaciated form from the icy waters. Their mysterious guest slowly recovers his strength, then relates (to the captain, at least) an incredible story: he is chasing a monster - a demon - of his own creation, with a mixture of fear, vengeance, and determination.I was surprised to find a frame story; though why, I'm not sure - quite a few novels from this time period are constructed thus. There is a hint of Dracula as well, with the epistolary style of this frame. But of course the meat of the work is in the 23 chapters between these letters, one in which Victor Frankenstein confronts quite a few existential questions around the idea of what it means to play god.This is quite a compelling tale, not the least reason being that its written in such a manner as to suggest that Frankenstein is insane, and has been for most of his adult life. The fact that he falls into illness the very same night that he gives his horrible creation life, and continues to have these spells of illness any time he has a 'confrontation' with the creature, gives pay to that idea. The fact that he, alone, is aware of the creature's existence and is the only one who ever speaks with him is another reason for thinking thus. I spent most of the book trying to decide if this was some sort of phantom delusion or if his personality had somehow split into two conscious entities. Either way, the idea that he was blaming himself for his monster's crimes from the start, and pursuing him to the literal ends of the earth, makes the idea of him literally chasing himself into craziness all the more likely.I'm no great critic of literature, so I suppose no matter how you interpret it, there are still lots of thought-provoking ideas and questions here. What does it mean to create another sentient being? Do you have a charge to care for it? Can you really close Pandora's box after opening it? What does it mean to be an outcast on the basis of qualities you can't control? Does a complete absence of love or support lead to a life of evil and vengeance? There's certainly lots to chew on.I never read this book when I was a kid, and have grown up with the popular culture ideas of Frankenstein('s monster). I'm not sure I would have truly appreciated it without a bit of life experience behind me, so I'm glad I'm reading it for the first time as an adult.

[fence_2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Just as with Dracula most of us are familiar with the story of Frankenstein and his creation, even if popular culture often refers to the monster by that name. It probably suffers a little because so many of us think we know the story, why should we read something that we already know about. But it is worth a read.

Framed by the letters of an Arctic explorer to his sister, the main body of the novel is made up of Frankenstein relating his past to Capt. Walton. Frankenstein urges Walton to listen to him, and to learn from his mistakes, to not let his passion take over his life. It may be the end of him, as Frankenstein’s has destroyed his. He tells of his childhood in Geneva, of growing up a happy child, of heading off to college in Germany where his ambition first surfaces. He believes he knows how to create life. And so, of course, he sets his mind to doing just that, only for this passion and enthusiasm to ruin his life.

I had read Frankenstein as a teenager, but I’ll admit to remembering very little of it, and reading it this time around I just couldn’t get over how selfish the good doctor is.

I know, it is a first person story, so obviously we are going to get his point of view, his thoughts and emotions. But he never even tries to put anyone else first. At more than one point in the story he mentions that another character is sad, or tormented, but each time he follows up by saying that if only this character knew how bad he himself were feeling they would be put to shame. No one could possibly *feel* as much as Frankenstein.

And never once does he take responsibility for his own actions. He created the “monster” and promptly abandons him, yet, while he acknowledges guilt (although that may just be him putting himself at the centre of the entire world) he later says that he is blameless. Blameless!

Despite Frankenstein’s flaws this is a great read. Or possibly because of his annoyances, they certainly make him more of a character, its just a pity that there is no one else in the novel to balance him out. Yes, the monster gets to tell his tale, and you can’t help but pity him, despite his actions, but he isn’t enough to truly balance out Viktor’s influence.

[booklove2 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

First, this book shoulda coulda been called 'Frankenstein's Creature' or 'Frankenstein's Monster' to prevent the endless confusion about the name on the cover.  Also, it just sounds better.  Most Frankenstein projects seem to focus on the creation of the creature, but in the narrative itself, it is mostly bypassed, which as I reader, I'm not sure if that's a positive or negative.  This book has many more layers than any iteration of the story that I've seen before.  BUT since the book is so short, possibly those layers shouldn't even be there.  For example, the cottagers history seems extra and takes focus away from Frankenstein and his monster.  But I love the first part, sailors on a ship surrounded by ice seeing one sled go by, then the next day, seeing the other sled go by.  Then the ice breaks apart.   So mysterious and haunting.  But reading this now, since the story is so embedded in everything, 200 years later, readers know who is on those sleds!  The story is short and sometimes scattered, with the narrator somehow mostly needlessly bookending Frankenstein's story and then the monster's story.   Most of the book I was wondering if Frankenstein had been imagining the monster, as most other characters don't see the monster at all.  But I was proved wrong on that theory.  I'm glad to have this foundational classic under my reading belt.

[zoes_human · Calificación: 1 de 5 estrellas]

Yes, it's a classic with a kernel of genius in it, but it is also long-winded, pedantic, and tiresome. DNF at page 34.

[david_masumba · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

This is a gramatically powerful book that is set in Geneva and has a very dark romance about it. It does enlighten you to the sadness of the view of outsiders.

[jzacsh-533759 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

I loved the story, I just hated the book. Ok, let me rephrase. I loved the plot, the overall concept, the characters, the sub-stories that take place. They were all fun. I hated how long it was. It could have been written in ½ or less of the length seen here. So much of the book is just the main character talking about his inner feelings repeatedly and with only the slightest variation.

If it weren't for that (feeling it was dragged out), I'd give it 3-4 stars. Not 5 stars, because I found the main character unbelievably helpless and lacking in any planning capability. I don't just mean in the obvious reaction to Frankenstein about taking responsibility for your creations, but the fact that he's told repeatedly what his adversary's actions will be. Instead, Frankenstein plans zilch and then is devastated when his adversary follows through exactly as promised. Come on.

Of course, I think some of these things are just the book being from 1818, so I'm guessing if I'd have read it then, I'd have enjoyed it 5-stars much.

[kimmeyer-1 · Calificación: 2 de 5 estrellas]

I know this is classic, but it is also boring. Frankenstein, the doctor, is whiny and single-minded. He's the villain of the book from my perspective. The monster at least exhibits some personal growth and emotional depth, but he's absent from much of the book. I was just reading words on a page much of the time without engagement and only made it through thanks to it being a buddy read.

[ragwaine · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

It took me 50 years, but I finally got around to reading this classic. It was totally different than what I expected, which was something more like the movie, which I watched in its entirety for the first time after I finished and have to say that I liked the movie better than the book. I can imagine Shelley turning in her grave when the movie came out since the monster in the book was very articulate and it had so much more meaning. I love flowery writing, but wow she could go on and the self-hate of both Frankenstein and the monster got really repetitive and boring; it was like hearing someone whine about self-made stress over and over again.

[mbmackay · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

In 2015 The Guardian published a list of the 100 best novels published in English, listed in chronological order of publication. Under Covid inspired lockdown/social distancing, I have taken up the challenge.Everyone knows "Frankenstein" but I was under the mistaken impression that the name referred to the created monster, while I now know it to be the name of the creator. The "monster" doesn't seem to have a name.Mary Shelley published the book at 21 years of age. It is an amazing feat. While it is a little patchy, and the tone inconsistent, the book is a great read, and is famous and remembered for good reason.

[booktsunami · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

Somehow, over all the years I have managed to escape reading Frankenstein. Of course I knew the general idea...mancreates monster but I was unaware of the moral complications introduced into the plot.Yes, it's a horror story originally developed as a "ghost story" by Mary Shelley, laid up in Geneva with husband and Lord Byron as the next door neighbour. (As an aside, I have a feeling that I've seen Byron's name carved into the dungeon wall in the Chilon Castle at Montreux on Lake Geneva). Ah yes...I just checked up on it and that's correct but he wrote a poem about a prisoner in the dungeons here...and signed his name.I felt I know the area around Geneva that Mary was writing about ...and the lake etc because I've spent a bit of time in Geneva and grown to like it. Also I've travelled across the border to Chamonix ...another site where Frankenstein met up with his monster creation.Mary has actually written quite a thriller. It did keep me on the edge of my seat wondering about what twist the plot would take. And I must admit I had some sympathy for the monster created by Victor Frankenstein who was abandoned at birth by his creator. He really wanted to be good ...and had some good natural instincts but was abandoned by his dad/creator and never given any decent sort of upbringing. Maybe he might have turned into a good citizen if Victor had "done the right thing" as a creator/dad.I found myself questioning the possibility of the monster being to lie secluded so close to the family of Felix without being discovered....then realised I was questioning this trivial aspect of the tale without really questioning how Victor in a few short years had acquired sufficient knowledge to create a living being. Actually, not a bad story ....hope that it doesn't give me nightmares. I give it four stars.

[bell7_1 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

A man traveling to the North Pole by boat recounts in letters to his sister how he came across one Victor Frankenstein, a young man who told him a wild story of creating life - only to be horrified by his creation.Frankenstein is one of those books whose images from the movies have probably impacted our our pop culture-driven perception of what they are about more than the original subject matter. That being the case, I was frequently surprised by the text itself and exactly how things played out. Despite relaying the story to a sympathetic listener, Frankenstein comes across as really weak and cowardly in his inaction though much of the story. This reader's sympathy was much more with the creature who did not ask to be made and was given a miserable existence of being feared and hated wherever he went. The flowery language of its time took some getting used to, and I certainly gave my brain a bit of a workout trying to wrap my mind around some of the long and involved sentences. An engaging read that, at just over 200 pages, isn't too daunting of a classic to try.

[beauxarts79 · Calificación: 4 de 5 estrellas]

The seedbed for all our contemporary posthumanism, but I could have done with a happier ending.

[lucky2loki · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

The nesting narrative is very effective, and the story -- considering its time, and of course the lack of the archetype 'Frankenstein' in previous literature -- is perhaps surprisingly inventive. It rarely goes in the directions one might at first expect, even when familiar with the basic story beats. The intertextuality is also intriguing to me (thankfully this edition had elaborate endnotes for a lot of these references), and I'm particularly fascinated with the monster's self-identification with both Adam and Lucifer from "Paradise Lost". The novel is additionally quite short, making for a brisk read. That said, it also has a lot of meandering. Dr. Frankenstein's constant dread and anguish takes up a lot of pages (understandably), the monster's (admittedly great) soliloquies the same, as do small side-stories and travel descriptions (less understandably and less great), and this combine to making the plot feel a bit slow at times by my 2020 standards. All in all a novel I found to be good enough to be worth reading for its immeasurable impact on not only popular culture but the world in general, but probably a bit too dreary and dragged out for me to ever decide to revisit now that I've read it once.- Loki

[bobbybslax · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

The writing seems stiff at times, but maybe that's just the time in which it was written. Whatever the case, the story and characters present a complex emotional tragedy.

[nodosaurus · Calificación: 3 de 5 estrellas]

The story is well-known, but differs from the movies. The story is mostly about Dr. Frankenstein’s reaction to his creation, it is verbose but well-written.The first parts of the book seemed long and slow, it gets bogged down in long Victorian dialogs. I almost gave up on it. But once the monster is created, the story improved dramatically.It is all about the relationship between the monster and Dr. Frankenstein. It is a love-hate relationship on part of the monster, and repulsion from Dr. Frankenstein. This gave me some problems as Frankenstein started as a scientist with a purely rational approach to the work. Once the monster is created he became immediately repulsed without getting to know or understand the monster, he is completely driven and consumed by his emotions. It felt out of character given the first part of the book.Unlike the movies, the monster is very intelligent and capable. He learns to survive on his own, then teaches himself language. Driven by the cruelty of man, his one goal is to find love. I found the monster much more interesting than Frankenstein. He eloquently tells his tale and wins he heart of the reader, but not of Frankenstein who continues his revulsion to the monster.It is an interesting read. Like many books of the day, in my opinion, it would do well with an update to the characters and dialog. But it is worth the read.

[thetruebookaddict · Calificación: 5 de 5 estrellas]

I can't believe I waited so long to read this book. I've read Dracula three times. I recently watched the film, Mary Shelley. I immediately picked this up to read. While somewhat more wordy than Dracula, in my opinion (I enjoy Dracula's epistolary format), I liked its insight and observations on mankind. How we so often have difficulty looking beyond the physical appearance to what the person is like inside. How we judge and underestimate on appearances alone. I would even go so far to say that Shelley's "monster" was symbolic of women and how they were treated in her time. Judged by gender/outward appearance; believed not capable of anything beyond typical womanly tasks. Certainly not capable of writing a novel such as Frankenstein!

I will definitely reread at some point. I bet there is a great audio version available.