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Rating: 
Summary: "Frankenstein"
Review: I started reading "Frankenstein" because I needed a book to read for school. I didn't know much about it except for what's in the various movie versions. It turned out to be a very dark, depressing, sad story about man with many problems, and a misunderstood outcast. When you watch the movie "Frankenstein", the monster that Frankenstein created was made out to be evil. This is not necessarily true in the book, however. In the book, you hear more of this outcast's story, as well as more of Frankenstein's story. In reading the book, you find out that the creature Victor Frankenstein created wasn't at all what the various movies presented him as. In most of the movies, the creature was presented as this illiterate, bumbling, stupid, ragefull, evil killer, but in truth, he was a kind, gentle, loving, smart creature. You also learn more about Victor's family, past, schooling, etc.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It was depressing, yet insightful. It was deep as well as enlightening. I also like how the book was set up. It was made up in letters from a man to his sister. The man was captain of a ship, and he found Frankenstein dying in the ocean. The man took Victor onto his ship, and Victor told the man his story. The book is Victor's story, written down by the man in a letter to his sister. I liked this book because of what I said as well as it giving me a new view on the story, because you see, all I had known of this story before was what was said in the movies. Now that I have read the book, the movies anger me. The movies anger me because they take the book out of context. They turn a wonderful, yet depressing, tale of a man and a creature into a story about a stupid killer of a creature and a crazy doctor.
All in all, this is a fantastic book that I recommend to anyone in high school or older. It is depressing, in some ways unrealistic, in some ways very realistic, but it's still worth reading. I gave it four stars. Definitely a very entertaining and interesting book.
Rating:
Summary: Its good
Review: A very imaginative story with alot of important themes. Its one of the few decent books I read in high school. Early science fiction is always cool. I would say that the pinnacle or romantic novels was probably Manzoni's The Betrothed.
Rating: 
Summary: Frankenstein one of the best works ever written
Review: Mary shelley's frankenstein, the famous novel by her, probably her best work despite her turbelous and personal history (she had a child out of wedlock and her relationships didnt last). the book was made into a slew of hollywood remakes from the earl 1930's version with boris karloff to the more modern one with kenneth brannagh (which is closer to the novel that previous movies). This is one amazing novel, it literally impacted many writers both male and female to come. even more amazing is that shelley was only 18yrs old when she wrote this novel. she truly was gifted and "frankenstein" despite it being one of her few great works still cemented for shelley as a great writer. I've been asked why i love this book and it's quite simple, shelley's takes an obscure plot, a man , victor frankenstein, a scientist using a dead cadaver to create life and bettering mankind creates a monster that terrorizes mankind. shelley thus takes this simple plot , and turns into a complex story with many different twists. beyond that, she uses this story to address some serious issues, all of which i will cover in this review: women's right, prejudice against those who are different from the rest of us, the battle of good vs. evil and of course do we have the right to sacrifice lives like Frankenstein does in the name of science? Shelley was ahead of the times she addressed many key issues that we have discussed even to to this day, so in effect I love her works because she was a visionary and to some extent almost a psychic predicting certain trends that would impact society as a whole for many years to come.: If you watched the old Universal 1930's version with Karloff you think you know what the book is about. Dr. Frankenstein creates a monster because he is mad and wants to rule the world. The monster is hideous and ugly and wants to kill everything. He does meets a blind man who seems to recognize the monster and little girl whom the monster kills after the girl scream. Everyone dies at the end. That's it. No that's not it, in fact it's hard to put in one paragraph why "Frankenstein" has become the timeless classic. In a couple of sentences, the novel brings many social messages into view and makes the audience through the character ponder these questions. By the end of the novel, some questions get answered, however some don't. Shelley leaves many parts of the novel open for interpretation (like Shakespeare did with his plays) so people could come with their own views The novel showcases the fight of "good vs. evil". But who is exactly evil, the intelligent but evil and unmoral Dr. Frankenstein or the hideous monster who has been scorned by society for his looks (like the Elephant Man). The novel showcases the question of "creation", more specifically "the creation and ending of life". Does Dr. Frankenstein have the right to do what he does with body parts in creating this being? Is Frankenstein's intention to create a serious of super beings to rule the world?
Why doesn't Frankenstein come forward for being the one responsible for the monster, when several murders including his family members get murdered by the hands of the monster?
As you can see Shelley's poses us with some serious questions some of which impact us as a society, questioning our morals? I loved this because questioning our morals nowadays seems to be at the bottom of our priorities (See Iraqi prison scandal). Some of the intriguing questions directed at us as potential scientists if we have the right to some extent go against God and create our own race of beings in our image? Who really is the monster here. Us or the monster?
Rating:
Summary: A moving, disturbing, depressing, but also touching tale
Review: Much like Bram Stoker's "Dracula", Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" is a story we all think we know, but really don't. Very few films have consciously attempted to follow the novel too closely (which shouldn't detract from the excellent James Whale/Boris Karloff film, or its masterpiece-sequel, "The Bride of Frankenstein). Thus, everything popular culture "knows" about "Frankenstein" does not originate from literature, but from films. This is a shame, in a way, because the novel itself is, if not the progenitor, an early vessel of so many archetypes found science fiction and horror.
The basic plot remained intact when transferred to other media. Swiss medical student Victor Frankenstein discovers the secret of life (which he never reveals, lest someone repeat the mistake). He then puts together a body, essentially a man, from various corpses. He then becomes horrified by the creature he has built, and abandons. The creature, suffering a great deal of neglect and abuse, still manages to get a thorough education, and learns of his lineage. After murdering Victor's younger brother, and framing the family maid, the creature tells his (admittedly) sad tale to his "father", and then demands a mate. Victor, in a panic, agrees, then thinks better of it at the last moment, destroying the new bride. In retaliation, the creature murders all of Victor's loved ones (including his wife), and leads Victor on a merry chase across the world.
Most probably know that Mary Shelley wrote this book in response to a challenge issued by Lord Byron, during a vacation at Lake Geneva. (Along with this story came John Polidori's "The Vampyre", the first English vampire novel.) Most probably also know that Shelley went on to write other works of imaginative gothic fiction. Still, her modern reputation rests with this book, understandably.
As stated, numerous archetypes (themes, plot lines, characters) are present here. The basic fear of what evil technology may bring along with the good is a central theme, as is the warning against playing God. So is the implicit admonition to be responsible in all things, be it during innovation or being a parent. The creature is, for all intents and purposes, an android-everyone from Gort to C-3PO owe their existence to the Frankenstein monster. And the monster that slays all but one protagonist is a staple of horror, be it traditional monster movies, like "Alien", or more realistic slasher movies like "Halloween".
But, as I noted at the beginning of this review, certain of these elements have been lost in most interpretations. The creature is actually intelligent, and well-spoken, quite different from the inarticulate grunts or slow, half-sentences of the movies (again, no disrespect to Karloff). Further, while the films have made lightening a staple of the creatures creation, Shelley never really explains the process (probably knowing that she might interfere with the plausibility of her work). Finally, one of the staples of the films is the explanation for the creatures "evil" nature. Often, the problem lies with the brain used, which almost invariably is a criminal brain, or is damaged before implantation. In the book, the creature is really a child that's horribly neglected, but with the strength and intelligence to strike back: id without superego, and without restraints.
Thus, "Frankenstein" will be a new experience for readers who have never experienced it. Unlike "Dracula", there aren't any moments where a reader might look up and suddenly realize how quiet it is in the house, or how dark it's gotten outside. In that regard, "Frankenstein" has not aged particularly well. Throughout, however, it is a moving, disturbing, depressing, but also a touching and beautiful tale. Those qualities have withstood the test of time. While it is not always a rollicking adventure, it is a rewarding read.
Rating:
Summary: More than a monster story
Review: Shelley's novel is so much more than a story about a monster. The whole mood of her novel is electrifying and startling. The sensation is similar to arriving at the very edge of a mountain precipice, gazing down, and feeling the enormity of life rush over you. This sense of vertigo is one of Shelley's gifts. She has the wild writer's mind and she can deliver the chills. One could argue her shocking sense of life was very similar to the later wildly popular french philosopher Jean Paul Sarte, and the theme of his sudden realization of the horror of existence. Shelley's gothic novel written in the age of romance has elements of both styles. But, it's her wild mind that makes this novel eerie, extraordinary and amazing. (Read intently and thoughtfully for best results.)
Rating:
Summary: A wonderfully gothic tale
Review: This book is a wonderful piece of literature. It forces the reader to question the origin of evil and wickedness--are people born that way, or is it forced upon them by those around them? Through the eyes of the "monster", the reader is able to see just how cruel and fearful people can be towards anything that is different than they are despite the many good qualities the "different" person may posses. In the instance of Frankenstein's creation, the reader comes to realize that he is in fact very intelligent, and a genuinely kind-hearted being who is unfortunately forced to be cruel in order to survive. The reader is able to sympathize with the "monster" as they see him seek to find love and acceptance in a world. This haunting novel is a timeless classic which will endure through all the ages.
Rating:
Summary: Its good
Review: This book was way ahead of its time when written. It is more about prejudice and not liking people because they look different, than a monster story. The "monster" created by Frankenstein is actually a very complex character with deep thoughts about philosophy and life in general. He strives for the acceptance of his creator who virtually abandons him. The book has virtually no similarity to the movie later produced with Boris Karloff. The only problem I have with the book is that Shelly never tells you how the monster is created (unlike the "it's alive" scene with lightening and electrodes that made up the movie). A true classic that will never get old.
Rating:
Summary: Poetic, tragic, compelling...
Review: This is a true piece of literary art that has been taken for granted. Inundated with images of Boris Karloff and others in green paint has made many people think they know the story of Frankenstein, but few really do. This is the story. It is one of the most chilling tales ever told, but also one of great contrast. There is tenderness, love, longing, tragedy, despair, loss, terror, hate, and a multitude of other themes coursing through the veins of this living work. If you have never had the pleasure, do yourself a favor and read this novel.
Rating:
Summary: classic in every sense of the word
Review: Though it must surely be impossible to choose the greatest horror story ever written, "Frankenstein", along with Bram Stoker's "Dracula", is certainly near the top of the list. There is so much to enjoy in this book, including some incrdibly tender and poignant excerpts regarding the death of a loved one. I need not say more-if you like horror, or are looking for a great female author, you should already have read this.
Rating: 
Summary: "cursed, cursed creator."
Review: Victor grew up reading the works of Paracelsus, Agrippa, and Albertus Magnus, the alchemists of the time. Toss in a little natural philosophy (sciences) and you have the making of a monster. Or at least a being that after being spurned for looking ugly becomes ugly. So for revenge the creature decides unless Victor makes another (female this time) creature, that Victor will also suffer the loss of friends and relatives. What is victor to do? Bow to the wishes and needs of his creation? Or challenge it to the death? What would you do?
Although the concept of the monster is good, and the conflicts of the story well thought out, Shelly suffers from the writing style of the time. Many people do not finish the book as the language is stilted and verbose for example when was the last time you said, "Little did I then expect the calamity that was in a few moments to overwhelm me and extinguish in horror and despair all fear of ignominy of death."
Much of the book seems like travel log filler. More time describing the surroundings of Europe than the reason for traveling or just traveling. Many writers use traveling to reflect time passing or the character growing in stature or knowledge. In this story they just travel a lot.
This book is definitely worth plodding through for moviegoers. The record needs to be set strait. First shock is that the creator is named Victor Frankenstein; the creature is just "monster" not Frankenstein. And it is Victor that is backwards which added in him doing the impossible by not knowing any better. The monster is well read in "Sorrows of a Young Werther," "Paradise Lost," and Plutarch's "Lives." The debate (mixed with a few murders) rages on as to whether the monster was doing evil because of his nature or because he was spurned?
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