'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley - A Review

And this is why we don't play God.

Rating - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre - Science - fiction, Gothic, Horror

Themes - ambition, knowledge, revenge, community

Similar Books/ Plays - 'Dracula' - Bram Stoker, 'Macbeth' - William Shakespeare, 'Wuthering Heights' - Emily Brontë

'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley opens with Captain Robert Walton on his voyage to the North Pole in the pursuit of knowledge and glory, until he comes upon a man upon the ice about to die. His crew saves him and Walton nurses the man back to health. He soon learns that the mysterious man's name is Victor Frankenstein, who narrates his story of ambition and knowledge and how in an unorthodox scientific experiment, he created a living creature, a monster who goes on to create chaos through violence and murder. Written when Mary Shelley was only 19 years old and considered the novel which established the science - fiction genre, 'Frankenstein' is an action packed novel filled with drama and violence, creating a hooking and exciting read.

This novel is probably my favourite classic. The writing switches from multiple perspectives through letters and flashbacks, allowing the reader greater insight into the internal motivations of the characters, especially the monster. Although we detest the creature for his diabolical deeds, we sympathise with him for his loneliness and isolation which drives him into violence. Likewise, Frankenstein is equally a morally ambiguous character, where we can sympathise for his losses yet criticise him for his misguided actions: creating the monster in the first place and neglecting his own creation once he had finished his experiment. I particularly liked the use of natural imagery, used in the novel to inspire awe and fear, a continuous motif which mirrors the mood of the scene and the internal disposition of the characters. Yet underneath the violence and murder, Shelley could be addressing a wider, more sentimental issue on the importance of community and social acceptance, perhaps criticising the judgemental and prejudiced nature of society. Moreover, 'Frankenstein' contains some of the most iconic lines I have ever read in Literature, I hope I can quote them to somebody one day. They live rent free in my head, ready to use on the go. 

 A play I consider similar to 'Frankenstein' is 'Macbeth' by William Shakespeare. The novel could be considered the tragedy of Victor Frankenstein, just like 'Macbeth' is the tragedy of its' own protagonist, both driven to their end by un-controlled ambition and the desire for what is beyond their capabilities. 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker, like 'Frankenstein', explores the horrors of a supernatural creature and 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Brontë shares the same complex narrative of multiple point of views (seems like a staple of the Gothic genre?), but 'Frankenstein' is definitely a much simpler read.

Overall, for its engaging narrative, iconic writing and stunning exploration of themes such as ambition and community, 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley easily get all five stars. Loved it.