Book: Frankenstein

Written By: Mary Shelley

Reviewer: Rabneet

Rating: 4/5

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein centers on Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who develops an obsession with pushing the boundaries of science. He builds a live being, but the consequences resulting from that decision makes him face loneliness, dread, and responsibility. The narrative alternates between the creature’s loneliness and Victor’s ambition, illustrating how both characters struggle with wanting to fit in but not knowing how to deal with the outside world. Despite being written in the 1800s, the book’s gothic setting and emotional strain make it shockingly relatable as a reader.

The novel’s ability to make you consider the true identity of the “monster” was what I found the most intriguing.  The most fascinating aspect was the creature’s point of view, which truly caught me off guard because it was far more sentimental than I had anticipated.  The topics were powerful even though the wording was a little slow at times.  Teens, in my opinion, will relate to the emotions of belonging, pressure, and the need to be understood.