Frankenstein by Mary Shelley was our fifth book for Quill Quotes Book Club! Classics won the genre vote and Frankenstein was the clear winner for the book vote. We split the book in half and had two discussions. Everyone enjoyed the book more than they thought they would with the average rating being 4.5 stars!
Book Stats
- Title: Frankenstein; Or, The Modern Prometheus
- Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
- Genre: Classics, Horror, Science Fiction
- Publication Date: Jan. 1, 1818
- Pages: 280
- Est. Reading Time: 8 hours
- Rating: 4/5 Stars
- Get the Book: Amazon or Gutenberg (free e-book)
Plot Summary
Dr. Victor Frankenstein becomes obsessed with an unethical science experiment. Eventually, he succeeds and creates a monster. Then Dr. Frankenstein must face the moral dilemma of what to do with the sentient monster he created.
Thoughts on Frankenstein
I thought I knew what Frankenstein was about, turns out I only had a very vague idea. First off, I was expecting a much more intense awakening of the monster. I was expecting a flash of lightning and an “IT’S ALIVE! MUHAHAHA!” evil scientist moment like from all the movies and retellings. Second, I thought he would be green with neck bolts. Third, I had no idea Frankenstein’s monster could speak and speak well. I thought he could only moan and grunt.
We were all pleasantly surprised with the writing. Even though the book was first published in 1818, over 200 years ago 😱, it was still decently easy to read. The Old English slowed me down a little but I was expecting to struggle. Also, even though it is considered horror it’s not super scary, at least not in a gory sense.
Mary Shelley’s writing was amazing! She made it very difficult to decide who the bad guy is. I felt sorry for both Frankenstein and his monster for various reasons. I honestly don’t know what I would have done in Frankenstein’s position.
Favorite Quotes
“Learn from me, if not by my precepts, at least by my example, how dangerous is the acquirement of knowledge, and how much happier that man is who believes his native town to be the world, than he who aspires to become greater than his nature will allow.”
– Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
‘Cursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust? God in pity made man beautiful and alluring, after his own image; but my form is a filthy type of your’s, more horrid from its very resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and detested.’
– Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
“Am I to be thought the only criminal, when all human kind sinned against me?”
– Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
Final Thoughts on Frankenstein
I really enjoyed this book and can’t believe it’s over 200 years old! I see why Mary Shelly is considered the mother of science fiction. The story is still very relevant today and her writing made me feel for both Frankenstein and his monster. This is a book I know I want to reread in the future. If you want to see our more in-depth thoughts check out our book club discussions.
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