“Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.”
This book tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a monster in an unconventional scientific experiment.
I am ashamed to say that I have only very recently read Frankenstein, and let me tell you, it is nothing like what I expected it to be. Reading the actual text vs. watching all the film adaptations are two very different experiences.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The writing is gorgeous and the plot is very compelling. I found the relationship between the creator and the monster especially fascinating. Victor essentially pushes scientific limits by creating life out of an inanimate body, and truly believes that what he is doing will make a difference in the scientific realm. Unfortunately, this scientific creation produces horrible consequences for Victor, which he literally runs away from. He detests his creation, and the monster suffers terribly- longing for love but was treated with hate and disgust instead. This ill-treatment forced him into isolation from society, as everyone would only see him as a detestable monster. It is hard not to feel for the monster and his loneliness, and we see how his need for revenge is the epitome of "hurt people hurt people". Victor, on the other hand, neglected to consider the negative impact that his scientific creation would have, and I found him to be arrogant and quite unlikeable.
I loved that we got the perspectives of both creator and monster, and Shelley's writing was exceptional in executing their inner turmoil. If you only watched the film adaptations and never read this book, I urge you to read it!
This book is part of my Top 100 Books of All Time Challenge.
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