Frankenstein

Frankenstein is a classic, gothic, science-fiction novel written in 1818 by Mary Shelley. The 1931 Hollywood movie inaccurately portrayed the book’s main character as a mad scientist with evil intentions, and the monster as a ruthless killing machine.  In reality, however, the book is almost completely different from the movie. The original story of Frankenstein follows the tragic life of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and studious Swiss scientist who attempts to create life from a mixture of organs and chemicals. Although Frankenstein accomplishes his goal, he is disgusted and repulsed by the “monster” he creates. The "monster" though, isn't a cold-blooded murderer; he's simply misunderstood by his grotesque physical features, and learns only hatred for those who chase him out of cities.  The novel tells us about the details of both his life and the tragic life of his creation.

Mary Shelley, the author, was born in 1797 as Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin. Her father, William Godwin, was a writer and political philosopher and her mother, Mary Wollstonecraft, was a prominent feminist. Both of her parents were radical, innovative Enlightenment thinkers whose thoughts deviated considerably from the "norm” of their time. Although Mary’s mother died shortly after Mary’s birth, her father’s intellectual circle of friends included novelists, poets, and philosophers.  And, to say the least, Mary Shelley's father and her father’s friends influenced her dramatically. These revolutionary thinkers influenced her to write about futuristic ideals, and Mary subsequently wrote the book Frankenstein in this vein.

Compared to other classic novels like Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a relatively easy read. The story line is easy to follow, interesting, and very suspenseful at times. It is not only a great book for school reports, but also a great one for literary analysis.  I love science fiction books in general, and this is one of the best ones I have ever read.  Don’t miss your opportunity to check out this book at the Mar Vista Public Library!