Books that are built on references to other books are sometimes the coolest pieces of literature to read.

Frankenstein in Baghdad is one of those books where I think the concept is better than the execution, but this is also the last book I had to read for class this semester, which may have contributed to me not enjoying it as much. It's not a bad book by any means - I really enjoyed the themes and references - but I thought the storyline was a bit less enticing than some other books I read this semester.

The entire formatting of the book resembles the original Frankenstein in multiple ways. Not only does it replicate the framing narrative devices used in the original, but the inclusion of multiple POVs that are connected but still separate feels Frankensteinian in that it's the combination of many different lives and stories into one being. I knew going into it that there would be references, but the parallels were subtle in many places, and the novel contains a level of self-awareness as it even acknowledges the original Frankenstein as existing in this world.

I personally loved the themes of this book. There's tons of symbolism, and I found the discussion of justice (especially divine justice) to be particularly intriguing. Even though I didn't personally love the characters and found the storyline to be a bit slow, I liked the backdrop of post-American invasion Iraq, especially because it related to other readings from my history classes for this semester.

It's not a book I would reread necessarily for enjoyment, but I do think the themes were executed well, and it's a book that weighs heavily on the mind. Frankenstein in Baghdad is a deep read in general, and it's so fun to pick apart the references in it if you've read the original Frankenstein.