Frankenstein (Signet Classics)

Amazon groups reviews for the same story even when they are from different editions and in the case of Frankenstein the worst is that there are two similar but not identical versions. The first is the 1818 uncensored edition by e-artnow; the other is the AmazonClassics Edition, it doesn't say which version it is but after reading it is clear to me that it's the posterior 1823 edition. The 1818 edition is a bit more journalistic in the sense to show you the events and let you think your own conclusions, the 1823 edition is a bit more explicit in the moral judgment of the wretched Victor Frankenstein. But these differences are quite subtle... in my opinion it had been better if we just had the 1818 story, it's perfect. Both editions has X-Ray, about the differences I can say:* AmazonClassics Edition (2 stars):In the positive side the formatting is modern and professional, you can easily see that you are reading a letter for example; the typography is clean allowing you to read with more comfort. In the negative side is evil the lengths that AmazonClassics attempt to hide dates, there is no year of publication, which is a sin considering there are the two different versions from different years; the malign editor even hides the date that is in the preface, sobbing his hands in the excitement to draw the readers into the pit of despair.* e-artnow edition (3 stars):In the positive side it contains the pure text, it's a normal formatting, not excellent as the AmazonClassics but works, but it's more useful as it informs you about the edition used. I read it fast along the AmazonClassic so I didn't find errors but could not guarantee their non existence. In the negative side... I have no important observations, I don't like the cover, the cinema version doesn't correspond to the book.In conclusion although the AmazonClassics edition is comfortable sadly it seems there is an attempt to hide the mentioned years. I cannot recommend it. The e-artnow edition is good enough, less comfortable to read but still has X-Ray and the mentioned years as the author intended them are present.Taking aside the editorial aspect I loved a lot to read Frankenstein. Mary Shelley made, barely 20 years old, an awe-inspiring horror novel. In my opinion far more impacting than Stevenson's "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," with which it shares some characteristics. The creature, the creation of Victor Frankenstein, is human, he does terrible actions because he suffers, he has been abandoned by the man that donned life to him. Victor Frankenstein is the monster. Surrounded by persons that love him, even the creature could love him, he betrays them without compassion. He suffers but never for others but by the guilt of his lies being unleashed. Is crystalline that he only love physical beauty, Shelley is quite talented to make you feel like the witness of the mental struggle and physical stress of a dark hearted man.If there is something that reveal both the youth of Mary Shelly and her culture devoid of life experience is the fact that her characters triumph or fail through the study of books rather than from work, knowledge and reality. I felt Europe quite small too, it seemed like either the each of the characters bought the seven-league boots or that Europe is as big as a thematic park. But these are minor details for a classic whose reading at least once could enrich you.

Mary Shelley's timeless classic, Frankenstein, stands as a haunting testament to the human pursuit of knowledge and the consequences that accompany unchecked ambition. With its gripping narrative and profound exploration of moral and existential themes, this Gothic masterpiece continues to captivate readers even two centuries after its initial publication.Set against the backdrop of a gloomy and desolate landscape, the story follows Victor Frankenstein, a young and ambitious scientist consumed by his desire to conquer death and unlock the secrets of life itself. Driven by his insatiable thirst for knowledge, Victor embarks on a perilous journey that leads him to create a being out of stolen body parts. Yet, this act of creation soon turns into a nightmare, as the creature awakens with a bewildered consciousness, abandoned by its creator and left to navigate a hostile world alone.Shelley skillfully delves into the complex psyches of both Victor and his creature, exploring their parallel narratives and the consequences of their actions. Through Victor's internal struggle with guilt and remorse, Shelley exposes the moral ambiguity inherent in human nature, forcing readers to question the ethical implications of scientific advancement. The creature, often portrayed as a monster, is paradoxically both sympathetic and terrifying—a tortured soul seeking acceptance and love in a world that rejects him based on his outward appearance.The novel's narrative structure, presented through a series of letters and firsthand accounts, enhances the sense of impending doom and creates a chilling atmosphere of suspense. Shelley's evocative prose paints vivid images, immersing the reader in a world of darkness and despair. Her exploration of the themes of abandonment, revenge, and the nature of humanity provokes profound introspection and challenges the boundaries of empathy.Frankenstein stands as a cautionary tale, cautioning against the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the moral responsibility that accompanies human creation. It serves as a timeless reminder that knowledge without wisdom and compassion can lead to disastrous consequences.In conclusion, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a remarkable work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today. Its exploration of human ambition, the moral implications of scientific advancement, and the search for identity and acceptance makes it a thought-provoking and unsettling read. With its beautifully crafted narrative and complex characters, Frankenstein remains a masterpiece that forces us to confront our own humanity and the ethical dilemmas that arise when playing with the forces of life and death.

“Frankenstein has done more than any other story to define the anxieties of modern life. But it’s what it tells us about compassion that we need now more than ever.”, by Rebecca Lawrence (BBC Culture - June 13, 2018)If you think that because you have watched the movie adaptations you can skip this book, then you don’t know what you are missing.The movie obscured Shelley’s intentions.This is not a horror book.It’s a drama at its finest.The writing is fascinating!And if you add the audiobook narrated by Dan Stevens you will be transported to the era and be totally involved in the emotional rollercoaster.The writing is complex and vivid and expresses the anguish of both monster and creator.I thought the story was exceptionally well told and the writing definitely brought it to life.What I enjoyed the most is that we have the monster’s perspective.What an incredible imagination!The author was 18 years old and this book was written in 1818, so take that into consideration.What a great read!

Es una edición bonita, de buena calidad

the size of the font is readable, it’s not too small or too big, and the cover is pretty too!

Lovely story of love suffering & kindness all put together. A Classic story in a lot of different ways. GRIPPING 👍

Coming from one of the most authentic authoress of the British Romantic Age, Mary Shelly's Frankenstein delves into the repercussions of thirst for knowledge. The plot starts with an epistle of Walton to his sister describing his sea voyage and the story of rescued man called Victor Frankenstein whose knowledge of Natural Philosophy and chemistry makes him a creator of a "Daemon". He relates his story of making this creature who turned his life upside-down. As unbiased as it is, Mary Shelley also gets into the mind and experience of the creature. Though of eight feet, the creature is a new born child who was abandoned without any speech and knowledge of the world. The creature suffers in the hands of the country people, even from the people he has called "my protectors". When disregarded and ill treated by the people he loved, he follows his creator to make a deal with him. But when Frankenstein, out of human instinct, didn't abide to his demand, the creature goes mad with rage and starts killing the people Frankenstein loves. Towards the end when Frankenstein dies in Walton's ship, the creature, having no more purpose of life, goes away.From a reader's perspective, both the characters were well written and well developed. No one can be blamed for their endeavors. They have done what they thought would be the right thing to do. I have my sympathy for Victor Frankenstein but my heart cried for the creature. He has suffering having no fault of his own. The creature was more humane than humans. He has sympathy for everyone even though he has killed people out of sheer rage.The theme of Alienation is so powerfully depicted through the experience of the creature. Even though written 150 years before the concept of existentialism and absurdism were developed, this novel is concerned with mid-20th Century world. Involuntarily, Mary Shelley has prophesied the future of the succeeding generation.Undoubtedly this book has won over hearts all over the world and maintained its value and intensity for three centuries and will keep doing it for the centuries to come.