Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

Review by Tammy Robson

Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein at the tender age of 19, an age by which she had ran off with a married man and been associated with the scandals of Lord Byron. Whilst spending one summer holed up in a chateau, away from the prying eyes of the press, Frankenstein was born.

Written in an age of scientific enlightenment including advances in chemistry and medicine, this tale is less about the method and more about one mans obsession to create life and the creations subsequent obsession to destroy his father. The story covers a short period of Dr Victor Frankenstein’s life but takes place in numerous locations across the UK and continental Europe. Told in a series of letters recounting conversations with Dr Frankenstein and described in detailed glory the story is easy to read. You do get a sense of despair not only for Dr Frankenstein but also his creature and you are kept enthralled to the very end, wondering how the conflict will ever be resolved.

It is easy to see why Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein has stood the test of time and influenced so many books and films. A classic read.

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