Tales & Tomes

Pages: 280
Published: 1818
Genre: Gothic Fiction, Classic, Science Fiction

Spoiler-Free Synopsis:
In one of literature’s most haunting tales, young scientist Victor Frankenstein becomes obsessed with unlocking the mysteries of life itself. When he succeeds in creating a living being, the result is not triumph but tragedy. The “monster” he brings to life becomes a mirror for human ambition, isolation, and morality, forcing both creator and creation to face the consequences of playing god.

My Thoughts / Review:
Frankenstein is one of those timeless novels that continues to surprise readers, even those who think they already know the story. Beneath the gothic horror lies a deep, philosophical exploration of humanity, responsibility, and the cost of unchecked ambition. Mary Shelley, writing this at just 18 years old, created not just a monster story but a profound meditation on what it means to be human.

Reading this book today, it’s astonishing how modern it feels. The themes of alienation, the pursuit of knowledge, and moral accountability are as relevant now as they were two centuries ago. Shelley’s prose is lush and emotional, filled with vivid imagery of nature and decay that heightens the story’s eerie atmosphere.

What struck me most was how much empathy Shelley evokes, not just for Victor, who’s consumed by guilt and fear, but for the creature itself. Far from a mindless beast, the monster is thoughtful, eloquent, and heartbreakingly aware of his own loneliness. Their dynamic feels tragic, cyclical, and deeply human.

This isn’t a fast-paced horror story. It’s a slow, immersive unraveling of ambition, guilt, and the boundaries of creation. Every reread offers new meaning, and that’s what makes it a true classic.

Favorite Moment Highlight:
A quiet confrontation between creator and creation, achingly intimate and tragic in its honesty.

Would I Recommend It?
Without hesitation. Frankenstein is essential reading for lovers of gothic literature, moral dilemmas, and emotionally complex storytelling. Whether you’re revisiting it or discovering it for the first time, it’s a novel that will make you think long after you’ve closed the final page.

✨ Loved my review? You can grab your own copy of Frankenstein on Amazon!

I am excited to watch the new Frankenstein movie. The global release will be on Netflix, November 7th, 2025!