Frankenstein

The Modern Prometheus

This is a dramatically different story than the one prevalent and accepted as "Frankenstein" in popular culture. Here is a nuanced and profound examination of a creation's relationship with his creator. Suffering, described through both the creation and the creator, is explored extensively. Abandonment, desire, hope, rage, and tragedy are all present in abundance. One could easily replace the Monster with humanity and Frankenstein with God. And, in fact, it would be severely questionable if someone asserted that was not Shelley's intent.

Of course, this is also an exploration of humanity's obsession with the advancement of science and the potential fallout from such leaps. In this regard, I fully agree with many who view this as one of the earliest (if not the first) forays into science fiction.

Stevens does an amazing job with the narration and every word sprang out drenched with emotion. It was read almost as poetry, with perfect delivery and nuance.

All in all a brilliant listen and absolute required reading.

76 of 78 people found this review helpful

a very good reading of a classic tale

I always knew it was a book that influenced other works, but I now see that Frankenstein is one of the most complete and best stories of its kind (specifically, horror stories and stories about men toying with God's powers).

Also, narration was fantastic. Dan Stevens reads perfectly and his different voices are incredibly good and consistent. At one point, I went to look up whether the narrator was actually German because I heard these perfect little hints of accent during the chapters that are narrated by Victor Frankenstein. Yet during the chapters narrated by the monster, he does another voice that makes it immediately clear not only who is speaking, but that conveys really well the monster's unique mix of seductiveness and horror, sophistication and ignorance, misery and malice. Likewise for all other speakers in the book.

16 of 16 people found this review helpful

Amazing!

I've never liked to read and am new to audio books, so I don't have much of a basis for comparison, but this was incredible. The voices and feeling of the reader brought to the story a life that I would have never experienced had I tried to read it myself. I understand why this is a classic. It's an exquisite, deep tale of love, pain, and regret. Everyone should hear it.

37 of 41 people found this review helpful

Not what I expected

I purchased this book expecting a great story about a giant monster and the struggle to kill it. What I found was one of the greatest, and most emotionally complex stories I've ever read. By the end, I came to the inescapable conclusion that the villain/monster of the story is Frankenstein, not his creature. The creature is the victim. The victim of a creator so consumed with selfishness he abandoned his creation because of how the creation made him feel. Taken in proper context, the actions of the creature are understandable, but not excusable. There is always personal responsibility. But there is a modicum of understanding for the creature, abandoned to his fate by a cruel and selfish creator, who seeks vengeance on his creator for denying to the creature what he enjoys.

60 of 69 people found this review helpful

A great listen

What made the experience of listening to Frankenstein the most enjoyable?

I think Dan Stevens is one of the best audiobook performers I have ever heard. He brought this story to life. It was so easy to just get into the story and actually have sympathy for both Frankenstein and the monster he created. I did not expect that as I have always thought of this book as a horror story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The monster. I felt sorry for him and was surprised by that. When he told his story, the reader could understand how alone he felt . He enjoyed the beauty of the earth was eager to learn about the world and the people he encountered. He just wanted to be loved like everyone else, but that would never happen so he did indeed become a monster.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoyed listening to it a bit each night or in my car on the way to work.

Any additional comments?

You will come away with a new appreciation for this beautifully written work.

31 of 38 people found this review helpful

SUPERB IN EVERY WAY

I never had the opportunity to read Mary Shelley's classic horror story but listening to the incredible narration by Dan Stevens was a fantastic way to experience this masterful piece of writing. The book is at turns exciting, action-packed, sad and dramatic. Dan Stevens' nuanced performance captures every mood from every character. Three months after listening to this book and I'm still thinking about it. This could be my favorite Audible book of all time.

23 of 29 people found this review helpful

Great story. Great performance.

I had to read this book for my AP literature class, and it is by far the best book I have read for an English class so far. Mary Shelley was far ahead of her time, on terms of her insights into human nature. The narration was very good as well. Dan Stevens does a good job of creating a unique voice for each character.

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

What, no Bride of Frankenstein?

I have watched several Frankenstein movies and always thought I knew the story. Boy was I ever wrong. I did not know how lyrical and poetic the story really is. Mary Shelly's book is a wonderful story. I love Dan Stevens' narration as he made the story come alive.

18 of 24 people found this review helpful

ARE WE ALWAYS TO BE UNHAPPY?

HE IS SO GENTLE, YET SO WISE
All my reviews are aimed at people like me. I would like to be a top reviewer and have lots of followers, but I can not whore myself out and talk about how great this is. I am a blue collar worker who drinks beer, watches football and likes books with violence and sex. This is a great story because of it's history. Re-animation is a great subject and Shelly started it all. That is where it ends. This is a tragedy, full of TEARS. While I love the language for short periods of time, the constant whining and crying is grating. Victor Frankenstein is one of the biggest babies ever. If you are anything like me, you will not be able to stand this.

Dan Stevens is an excellent acting narrator, I hope to hear him in other works.

131 of 182 people found this review helpful

Perfect Reading

It's impossible to imagine a better rendering of Mary Shelley's classic novel. Dan Stevens imbues Shelley's ornate prose with intelligence and sentiment. The quality of the recording is first rate. In short, a peerless performance.

9 of 12 people found this review helpful