This book in one word: Melodrama.

This book in two words: MAJOR Melodrama.

This book in five words: A melodrama of Frankenstein proportions.

And so on.

I really wanted this to impress and entertain being that it is considered the first sci-fi horror story of its time and also Ms Shelley and her mum (Mary Wolstencraft - Google her) lived such unconventional lives for their times, however the constant "Woe is wretched me!" (there were a LOT of wretches and wretched-ness in this book) tone just took all my attention away from the plot. Also, what was with the story within a story within a story set-up? Or rather, story within a story within a very long letter from a boat that actually had no means of sending the letter? Forgive me Mary, but it just didn't swim with me.

However, I'm glad I read it and I'm glad I don't have to again. If that makes sense.