The Dark Quest for Life: A Book Review of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein"

We all have heard of Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his monster he created. Some of us may even have seen the 1930's black and white film. Few of us, though, have actually read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

The author of the classic book had a dark and sad history. Her mother died when she was young and her father did not take much notice of her. She eloped with an already-married poet Percy Shelley. During her marriage, she wrote Frankenstein (subtitled The Modern Prometheus, after the Greek Titan who was said to have created mankind).

SUMMARY

    The Swiss Frankenstein family was quite well-to-do. On top of that, their son Victor was brilliant. He grew up as a scientist, promised to marry his childhood friend Elizabeth. Unfortunately, Victor became obsessed with creating life out of an inanimate object. To his utter horror, he succeeded.

   Frankenstein's creation (referred to as just the "Creature") terrorizes the Frankenstein family and their closest friends because of his hatred for his creator. He educates himself and then returns to do the final act of killing Frankenstein. I will not spoil the ending, as it is the climax of the entire storyline.

CONTENT

    It is no wonder Frankenstein became an instant classic. It had the makings of a wonderful story and chilled all who read it (as it still does today). Being a horror story, though, there is much violence throughout the book. There are at least three murders throughout the book.

   I recall no foul language and nothing inappropriate. There is a romance between Victor and Elizabeth and they eventually are married, but there are no inappropriate scenes.

   The book introduces some important topics such as knowing our creator. I doubt Mary Shelley was a Christian, but those who are long to know more and more of our Creator. The Creature is a fallen creation, just as the human race is. Unlike real life, there is no redemption to be found for the Creature or even Frankenstein. We are left at the end with the characters lost in despair and darkness. We know, of course, that Jesus Christ provides redemption. This is where Frankenstein and life differ.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Number of pages: 282

Author of book: Mary Shelley

Published in: 1818

Primary Audience: Teens, Adults