There are parts of the book that are very strong, vivid, and exciting, no doubt, but there were also parts that fell a bit flat for me. Don't get me wrong, it is a classic and I'm very glad that I read it. I just do not consider it a favorite. Yet, the descriptive passages about Frankenstein's monster are truly brilliant writing, as is the way that Mary Shelley manages to convince the reader to feel sympathy for the monster by the end, while also having readers be well aware of just how true the story is to the nature of mankind itself. Therein lies the true strength of the tale, and establishes why it is as famous as it is, even as some other elements were not as strong as it seemed they could be. It's definitely one that everyone should check out, even if they don't love it.
This book in some ways is more of a tragedy than a horror story. As you read it, you have to contemplate who is the monster; Frankenstein or his creation. Yes, the creation was murderous and revengeful but he was never given any of the love and companionship that he so greatly desired. He was misunderstood from the beginning because of his hideous form. Even his creator hated him the minute that he was formed. So sad.
Shelley's writing is definetely stodgy. But not in a bad way. Most of the 'Sci-Fi' back when was filled with stodgy writing, probably to sound a whole lot smarter than I am. However, the book was definetly slower than I thought it would be and a lot different from the Frankenstein I grew up watching. This monster would beat the bee-jebus out of the one in Monster Squad. All in all, I think its an OK read; GREAT if you are really into Frankie.
