Book review: Frankenstein

Frankenstein- Mary Shelley

You know I love books. I love books in the way a mother loves her child. I don't ever stop reading, even if that means I have to read the back of a crisp packet! However, I've never read much in the way of classics. When I was younger, I tried to read Sense and Sensibility (or was it Pride and Prejudice?) and found it so dry that I was totally put off reading literature from the early-1800s. However, there is still that little emo kid still inside me that is drawn to all gothic and mysterious, so when Frankenstein was offered as a selection of the Mirror Book Club, I didn't even need to think about it. Let me tell you, I am glad I gave it a shot!

To be honest, I found the beginning dull and dry. The first volume recounts the background of Victor Frankenstein (the man who creates the monster, which does not have a name) and, although crucial to understanding his motives later in the novel, it is a little hardgoing. What I found interesting was how Shelley skips so quickly over Frankenstein's making of the monster. Maybe I wasn't paying attention but suddenly, he was lamenting how ugly his creature was. I expected more of a build up.

Once the monster is created, however, the story gets moving. Frankenstein panics at how hideous his creation is and, in his flustered state, loses track of his monster which disappears for a couple of years before Frankenstein's younger brother is killed. Later we found out that the beast spent these years observing a French family, learning their language and ways but, when rejected by the family that he grew to care for dearly, he wreaks havoc upon his creator's life, killing all who are dear to him.

I found Frankenstein to be a self-obsessed and self-pitying character. Instead of finding solutions to his problem, he fixates upon seeking revenge, which only leads to more destruction. He despises himself for creating such a monster and laments the loss of his potential life. However, I also found myself wondering about his sanity. Again and again, he finds himself at the body of a loved one, with the monster just out of sight, slipping in and out of his vision and, at one point, is even charged with the murder of a friend. Is his monster real or is it in fact an aspect of his own personality?
This question was addressed in an interesting essay included at the back of my edition. It considers the possibility that both creator and creation are one and the same, reflections of each other, and discusses religious symbolism- both are simultaneously God-like and Satanic in their motives. Together, they form a trinity of man, God and Devil. 

Shelley's novel is fraught with symbolism and forewarning. It is beautifully constructed and ultimately a tragic warning against the dangers of pride and vanity. It's changed my mind about 1800s literature, and I can't wait to read more! 

Buy Frankenstein here

Affiliate links have been used in this post.