A review by chuuyaswaif
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

adventurous dark emotional funny reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0


Not to be a cheesy fuck, but the way Mary characterized the ardent longing for love in Frankenstein was fantastic. I know it’s mostly celebrated for its depiction of horror and its cautionary reverential view of science, but the human philosophies were *insane* and I love that in a story. Before picking up this book, I thought Frankenstein's Creature would be the obvious antagonist. Midway through, I realized that wasn't really fair because my BFF Mary wanted her novel to speak out about prejudice against appearances. When I felt *that shift,* I should have guessed this book would spare me no mercy. But of course, the brilliance that is me, I kept telling myself that “It’s fine! We got through the worst part,” and “it couldn’t possibly get any worse,” but Mary Shelley was rolling on her grave at this naive, repentant creature (me). The fact that a blind man was the only character that accepted The Creature is a testament that humanity is callous and ironically blinded by its own prejudice. What’s more, there’s something poetically beautiful about a tragic character who’s only experienced the darkest of human neglect but continues to cherish life with all its successions of agony: “Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.” Fucking insane. With all due respect, if Frankie Jr. ever decides to go on a human killing spree, I would defend him in a heartbeat—Hell, I'd help him! I’m serious; The Creature has me looking up Frankenstein fanart and giggling at 2 AM.  Ask me how I am, and I will talk about The Creature for hours. The alienation could make anyone insane; The Creature announced vengeance against Victor, and I cheered! I didn’t feel any sympathy for Victor after he abandoned Frankie Jr. Like bruh if I were your child/creature, I would've wanted you and your family dead too! But more importantly, it was hilarious that Victor wanted to kin God. He’s like me drinking something expired because “I won’t die from this. I’ve defied death again and again;  I’ll go by my terms!” And then, two hours later, I get the runs. (I’m not ashamed to admit this, hot people have stomach problems—let’s move on)  Speaking of secrets, I get why Victor didn’t come forward about this entire ordeal, but come on, man. Jail time is so much better than losing your loved ones! Secrets provoke chaos, and Victor could have saved himself so much trouble if he just confessed. Homie really screwed himself up by keeping this science project under wraps! Frankenstein was just one big family soap opera, and I loved it. It’s so fucking funny that one family meeting would have done them wonders! And honestly, I’m being sincere about this because Victor had a really supportive family. I’m sure they would’ve listened to him (they should adopt me). In many places, Mary's prose was heartbreaking, introspective, reflective, dark, and yearning. The myriad of messages about love, loss, depression, agitation, isolation, neglect, kindness, and existentialism was all so wonderful. I can’t believe I almost didn’t read this because some loser in my English class said the prose was bland; that motherfucker! Also, the macabre themes just brought it all together for me. The whole concept of raising the dead!? DEAD THINGS? I fucking snort that shit down like it’s a narcotic. But on a more solemn note, I love that this tragedy is a love letter to kindness and comradeship. I loved it.