Frankenstein

by Mary Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Frankenstein cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Gothic
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Paperback • £3.00–£14.99 Hardback • £7.99–£21.99 Board book • £7.99
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Format • £2.84–£18.04
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Technical
  • ID: 1905
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2026-01-11
  • ISBN: 9780486282114
  • Publisher: Courier Corporation
  • Published: 1994-10-21
  • Formats: 269
  • Reviews: 4

Frankenstein, a novel that has left an indelible mark on the horror genre, emerged from a casual challenge issued by Lord Byron during a stormy summer in Switzerland. Mary Shelley, then a young Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin, rose to the occasion, crafting a story that would speak to the deepest fears of humanity. Her creation, the anguished monster brought to life by Victor Frankenstein, has become an iconic figure in literature, inspiring countless adaptations and interpretations./n/nThe novel's enduring success lies in its exploration of themes such as the limits of human ambition, the consequences of playing god, and the isolation and alienation that can result from both. Shelley's vivid and evocative prose brings to life a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is chilling, making Frankenstein a cornerstone of Gothic literature and a must-read for any fan of the genre.

Reviews
Dark Longbox · 2025-10-14
brilliant 4.50

A brilliant, flawed, and absolutely essential horror novel that every modern reader should experience.

Dark Longbox's review praises 'Frankenstein' as a brilliant and essential horror novel, despite its flaws. They argue that the novel's exploration of themes such as ambition, rejection, and the perils of creation makes it a timeless classic. The reviewer believes that 'Frankenstein' is a must-read for modern readers, as it challenges our understanding of what it means to create and be responsible for one's creations. They acknowledge that the novel may have its flaws, but these do not detract from its overall brilliance and enduring relevance.

Quick quotes

    A brilliant, flawed, and absolutely essential horror novel.

    Modern readers who disagree with me are WRONG.

    This is the kind of novel that challenges our understanding of what it means to create and be responsible for one's creations.

Novel On My Mind · 2025-06-30
loved 5.00

The reviewer loved the strong moral of the story and found the consequences brutal. They enjoyed it even more on a second read.

The reviewer was deeply moved by the strong and resonant moral of the story, finding the consequences particularly brutal and impactful. They mentioned that reading it a second time made the experience even more enjoyable, highlighting the depth and richness of the narrative. The reviewer appreciated the timeless themes and the emotional weight of the story.

Quick quotes

    I loved how strong and resonant the moral of the story was.

    The consequences were brutal.

    And on the second read, it was so much easier to appreciate the depth and richness of the narrative.

We Need to Talk About Books · 2024-03-26
brilliant 4.50

The book is a timeless tale of ambition, rejection, and the perils of creation. It challenges readers with its Gothic themes.

The reviewer praised 'Frankenstein' as a timeless tale that explores themes of ambition, rejection, and the dangers of creation. They highlighted the book's Gothic elements and its ability to challenge readers' perspectives. The reviewer appreciated the depth of the story and its enduring relevance, making it a significant and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Frankenstein: a timeless tale of ambition, rejection, and the perils of creation

    Mary Shelley's Gothic masterpiece challenges our understanding

    The novel's themes are as relevant today as they were when written

Reddit - r/books · 2023-04-11
brilliant 4.50

The book is loved for its realistic and understandable actions of both Victor and the Creature, making it difficult to identify a clear villain.

The reviewer expresses a deep appreciation for the book, highlighting the realistic and understandable actions of both Victor and the Creature. They find it challenging to identify a clear villain, which adds to the complexity and depth of the story. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to make readers question their own beliefs and values, making it a compelling read beyond the genre of horror. The book is seen as a timeless exploration of these themes, making it a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature.

Quick quotes

    I really loved it. Both Victor and The Creature acted in realistic, understandable ways.

    Trying to identify a clear bad guy is very difficult.

    The first masterwork of science fiction, and defining work of SF horror.

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