I picked up this classic thinking I knew what to expect, but Shelley's original story completely surprised me. Written by an 18-year-old Mary Shelley, it feels shockingly modern in its questions about science and humanity.

The Story

The book opens with letters from an explorer, Robert Walton, who finds a desperate man named Victor Frankenstein adrift on the ice. Victor tells Walton his tragic tale. He was a bright, curious student fascinated by the secrets of life and death. In a fever of obsession, he pieces together a new being from parts and brings it to life. But when the creature stirs, Victor is filled with immediate horror and disgust. He abandons his creation, hoping it will just go away. Of course, it doesn't.

Why You Should Read It

What gripped me wasn't the gothic horror, but the profound sadness at its core. Shelley makes you see things from both sides. Victor isn't a mad scientist; he's a passionate kid who bit off more than he could chew and failed to take responsibility. And the Creature? He's not a mindless monster. He's an intelligent being, newborn and utterly alone, learning that the world—starting with his own father—finds him hideous. Their story is a devastating look at what happens when creation goes unchecked by compassion.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves a story that makes you think. If you enjoy complex characters, moral dilemmas, and a plot that's more about psychological terror than jump scares, you'll be hooked. It's a must-read for science fiction fans to see where it all began, and for anyone who's ever wondered about the line between brilliant discovery and terrible mistake.