A good read if you like Romantic era literature, philosophy, & of course, HorROR! I could really feel the influences of ETA Hoffman & Goethe, who Shelley credits in the novel by quoting and referencing numerous times (among many others). With all of its dramatic speeches, exclamations (not to mention imprecations!) this book is meant to be read aloud, AT FULL VOLUME. Frankenstein is also interesting for its depiction of contemporary views of Switzerland, women in society, child rearing, criminal justice, republicanism, science, travel, &c. I'm sure Mary Shelley's views were a little outside the norm, but it is still interesting to read.