Frankenstein in Baghdad

by Ahmed Saadawi
Frankenstein in Baghdad cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Horror
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 7724
  • Added: 2025-12-16
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780143128809
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2018-01-23
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Frankenstein in Baghdad is a gripping and darkly humorous novel that captures the surreal reality of contemporary Iraq. The story follows Hadi, a scavenger who collects human body parts from the rubble of U.S.-occupied Baghdad, stitching them together to create a corpse. His intention is to give the parts a proper burial, but when the corpse goes missing, a wave of eerie murders sweeps the city. Reports surface of a horrendous-looking criminal who cannot be killed, leading Hadi to realize he has created a monster that feeds on human flesh. The novel is praised for its white-knuckle horror and profound exploration of the human condition. It is a finalist for the International Booker Prize and has been lauded by critics for its ingenious storytelling and profound impact. The author, described as 'Baghdad’s new literary star,' blends elements of horror and dark humor to create a devastating yet essential read.

Reviews
Righter of Words · Righter of Words · 2019-12-28
good 3.50

The book is well-written with a fascinating core plot and decent characters, but it suffers from some pacing issues and a convoluted narrative. The exploration of themes such as identity and the impact of war is compelling.

This novel is a well-crafted story with a fascinating core plot and well-developed characters. The author's exploration of themes such as identity, violence, and the impact of war is compelling and thought-provoking. However, the narrative can be convoluted at times, and the pacing issues may detract from the overall reading experience. Despite these flaws, the book offers a unique and engaging take on the Frankenstein story, set against the backdrop of a war-torn city. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in contemporary literature. The characters are well-developed, and the story delves deep into the psychological and emotional impact of war on individuals.

Quick quotes

    Fairly well-written, with a few decent characters and a fascinating core plot.

    However, it suffers from some pacing issues and a convoluted narrative.

    The exploration of themes such as identity and the impact of war is compelling.

Reading and Watching the World · 2019-11-30
intriguing 3.75

The book is a complicated narrative with a diverse cast and multiple plot strands, combining mordant humor with gothic elements. It offers a fresh perspective on the Frankenstein story, set in a war-torn city.

This novel is a complex and layered story that weaves together multiple narratives and characters, creating a rich tapestry of life in a war-torn city. The author's use of mordant humor and gothic elements adds a unique twist to the classic Frankenstein tale. The diverse cast of characters brings depth and authenticity to the story, making it a compelling exploration of the human condition. The book's themes of identity, violence, and the search for meaning are explored with nuance and insight, making it a thought-provoking read. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    A complicated book with a diverse cast and many strands and sub-strands of plot.

    Combines a sort of mordant humour with gothic elements.

    Offers a fresh perspective on the Frankenstein story, set in a war-torn city.

The Guardian · Nadifa Mohamed · 2018-02-16
intriguing 4.00

The book is a strange, violent, and wickedly funny retelling of Frankenstein set in war-torn Baghdad. It blends dark humor with a gripping narrative that explores the consequences of war and the human condition.

This novel is a unique and captivating take on the Frankenstein story, set against the backdrop of a city ravaged by war. The author masterfully combines elements of horror and dark comedy to create a narrative that is both chilling and humorous. The characters are well-developed, and the story delves deep into the psychological and emotional impact of war on individuals. The book's exploration of themes such as identity, violence, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world makes it a compelling read. The author's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a standout in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    A strange, violent and wickedly funny retelling of Frankenstein set in Baghdad.

    The novel blends dark humor with a gripping narrative that explores the consequences of war.

    The characters are well-developed, and the story delves deep into the psychological and emotional impact of war.

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