Let's talk about a book that's so much more than its monster movie reputation. Mary Shelley wrote 'Frankenstein' when she was just 18, and it still hits hard today.

The Story

The book opens with explorer Robert Walton finding a man named Victor Frankenstein near death in the Arctic. Victor tells his tragic story. As a brilliant but obsessive student, he discovered how to create life. He builds a being from parts of corpses and brings it to life. But the moment he sees his creation move, he's filled with horror and disgust. He runs away, abandoning the Creature. The rest of the story follows the consequences of that abandonment, as the lonely, intelligent Creature seeks revenge on the man who gave him life and then rejected him.

Why You Should Read It

This book surprised me. It’s not just a spooky tale. It’s a deep look at responsibility. Victor creates life but takes no care for it. The Creature isn't born evil—he's made that way by neglect and cruelty. Shelley makes you feel for both of them. You see Victor's guilt and the Creature's desperate need for connection. It makes you think about science, ethics, and how we treat those who are different. The writing is gothic and moody, perfect for a stormy night.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a story with big ideas wrapped in a gothic adventure. If you enjoy classic literature, science fiction, or just a really good tragedy about bad choices, pick this up. It's a foundational book for a reason. Just be ready—it might ruin those old monster movies for you forever.