"No one can conceive the variety of feelings which bore me onwards, like a hurricane, in the first enthusiasm of success. Life and death appeared to me ideal bounds, which I should first break through, and pour a torrent of light into our dark world. A new species would bless me as its creator and source; many happy and excellent natures would owe their being to me."

Frankenstein

Remember those books called Great Illustrated Classics? I think I read all of them when I was a kid. That was also the only version of Frankenstein I have read. This is my first time reading the unabridged edition of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley-- Which is a shame because I do love classic horror and all the retellings and adaptations that come with it! I am talking about you The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (graphic novels) and Penny Dreadful (TV series.)

Frankenstein not only falls into the Classic Horror genre but also science-fiction and romanticism, as in the intense emotions and the attraction to science and nature. Meet Victor Frankenstein who becomes obsessed with scientific advancements and plunges into his research, which results in something so horrific he wishes he could take it back. His creation is a monster, a dead body brought to life, and must deal with the repercussions of his creation.

Now hear me out, the alternate title for this book should be Foreshadowing because that is all this book does. Not only is this book full of foreshadowing, but it also dives into the concepts of Nature vs. Nurture. Frankenstein is overjoyed that he can accomplish his creation, he has the power to bring the spark of life. But then he is horrified by his creation, and calls him "a wretch, a fiend, a monster." He doesn't realize that it is his actions alone that have caused this. That brings us to what a raging narcissist that is Frankenstein. Ugh, have you ever wanted to punch a character in the face so badly? He is so consumed and obsessed with his genius then plays a victim.

I did appreciate the themes and how this book paves the way for future stories. I just hated Victor Frankenstein SO MUCH. But it goes to show that what we see as monsters are just products of our society. The monster of this story is not the creature, it is Frankenstein. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

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