Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. 

4/5 rating. 205 pages.

Book #40 of 2020. Read June 21, 2020.

This is Mary’s classic horror story of Mr. Frankenstein and his monster. But if you think this is the story that Hollywood has told you, you are going to be surprised.

Mr. Walton is the narrator of this story when he meets Mr. Frankenstein who tells him his harrowing story of the monstrosity he had made. His monster, unlike the Hollywood versions, is an eloquent, lyrical being who only wants to be accepted and loved! Just as in the movie versions he is continually misunderstood.

After being spurned by everyone including Frankenstein, the “daemon” confronts his creator with an ultimatum that leads to a harrowing, and deadly adventure.

This is a great book and a classic. I would recommend everyone reading this if they are fans of dark, adventure stories.

Quotes:

“You have hope, and the world before you, and have no cause for despair. But I – I have lost every thing and cannot begin life anew.”

“Before, I looked upon the accounts of vice and injustice, that I read in books or heard from others as tales of ancient days or imaginary evils; at least they were remote and more familiar to reason than to the imagination; but now misery has come home, and men appear to me as monsters thirsting for each other’s blood.”

“Ah! while we love – while we are true to each other, here in this land of peace and beauty, your native country, we may reap every tranquil blessing – what can disturb our peace?”

“The sight of the awful and majestic in nature had indeed always the effect of solemnising my mind and causing me to forget the passing cares of life.”

“Life, although it may only be an accumulation of anguish, is dear to me, and I will defend it.”

“Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend.”

“But he found that a traveller’s life is one that includes much pain amidst its enjoyments. His feelings are forever on the stretch; and when he begins to sink into repose, he finds himself obliged to quit that on which he rests in pleasure for something new, which again engages his attention, and which he forsakes for other novelties.”

“Heavy misfortunes have befallen us, but let us only cling closer to what remains, and transfer our love for those whom we have lost to those who yet live.”

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