Despite not being a fan of Victorian literature, this classic gothic text by Mary Shelley fully captured my attention. Frankenstein is truly gripping and is underpinned by deep philosophical questions. There is something here to capture every type of reader: from the casual peruser, to the tabber and analyser.

I don't think I need to go into too much detail about the plot because I feel like its a book that everyone knows, but I'll briefly sum it up. In a time ripe with scientific advancement, Shelley begs the question: does the ability to do something mean we should do it? Frankenstein succeeds in creating life, a fantastic scientific achievement, but his creation is not what he intended. Less beautiful creature, more horrifying monster.

And yet, Shelley presents Frankenstein's monster as an extremely eloquent being who finds comfort in the beauty of nature and feels the isolation of his horrendous features. What he wants most is a companion to spend his life with, away from the cruelty and hatred of humanity who fail to see past his exterior. His creator, Frankenstein, denies him this honour and tragedy follows him. There's a mirroring effect between humans/God and the monster/Frankenstein, which itself raises more questions about the nature of evil.

This novel awoke my desire to explore and analyse. I wish I had studied this text at university, there's so much packed in this book that I'd have loved to explore. You know you're a literature geek when you just want to write an essay on a recent read! I think that's partially why it was a 4* for me (and a general distaste for Victorian texts) and not a 5 - I couldn't get as deep into it as I would have enjoyed.

Shelley's writing style comes across as relatively modern when compared to other Victorian writers. It is very simplistic and to the point, without too much of the classic Victorian scene-setting and class indications. Though there are times when the prose can get a little flowery, these are often as plot points to help hammer home Shelley's points.

A relatively quick read and very atmospheric for this spooky month. If you haven't read it yet, then this is the perfect time to give it a go - and don't be intimidated by its classic status, its one of the easiest classics to get into and certainly more accessible (for me anyway!) than Dracula. Plus, there are lots of copies available for really low prices or completely free: so no book buying bans will be broken!

Copy of the review as posted on my blog: https://proseamongstthorns.wordpress.com/2020/10/15/frankenstein-by-mary-shelley-book-review/