Excellent introduction! I think it's also interesting as we begin the novel to note that Victor Frankenstein is German and the perception of Germans, which only changed with the advent of World War I, was especially those of romantic and philosophers.
I will also add that for non-fiction geeks out there, the dual biography of Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollstonecraft (by many considered to be the founder of modern feminism), "Romantic Outlaws" by Charlotte Gordon is excellent (I especially enjoyed the audiobook). It has some spoilers, so it could be considered more of a follow up to this read.
This will be my third reading, but my first time since reading the biography, so I'm looking forward to it!
Thanks for sharing, Tim. I knew a little bit about it being linked to Germany but I’ll have to read up about that too. Will have to check out that biography as well, Shelley’s family is remarkable really.
Looking forward to having the opportunity to reread this magnificent novel and share insights with others. I've read it a few times, twice in academic studies, and I class it as one of my favourites, but as I get older my memory fades and it is certainly a book that rewards revisiting.
Thanks Shelby, it’s lovely to have you! Obviously you can dip in and out as much as you like - if you want to skip a book for whatever and pick up the month after then that’s all fine. Glad to hear the reading is going well!
Already on my bookshelves because I read it many years ago. My local theatre is staging ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’ from 31st Oct to 9th Nov. It’s the story of why she wrote the book. Looking forward to that.
I was 10 when I read this for the first time. This is also the book and author who inspired my love for writing. Thank you for bringing it all back to me. I am thrilled to be a part of this.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. I'm a grandma now. When my kids were young I read to them after dinner. I had 6. So no one had a personal bedtime story. My little kids were introduced to their older siblings books. And even as teens loved to be read to.
I have 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren. I loved passing down the books I read to them as littles to their littles. Reading to my grandbabies takes me back. I hope we have created the love for reading in our families that will continue to be passed on. Enjoy those littles. Time does fly!
I have the 1831 version but currently I am reading the 1818 for a class. I do not mind being a part of this despite the differences between the two versions. As long as it is okay for me to still be involved?
100%! Be great to have you on board. I’ve not read the original version but I understand the differences, while noteworthy, are not monumental or anything. You might have to be our expert on the original version!
I'm not sure if I can read in tandem this time, but I'm so excited to learn more about Frankenstein! My understanding of it has changed so much since I was little.
Lovely to have you with us either way! I feel the exact same way. I studied the play of all things when I was younger, but I've never read the book until now. Absolutely love learning about Mary Shelley too, she was an amazing woman.
It is indeed! I’m going to finish it over the next couple days so I can share relevant posts/writings but yeah, the main reason for setting this up was so I get to read these classics too!
Excellent introduction! I think it's also interesting as we begin the novel to note that Victor Frankenstein is German and the perception of Germans, which only changed with the advent of World War I, was especially those of romantic and philosophers.
I will also add that for non-fiction geeks out there, the dual biography of Mary Shelley and her mother Mary Wollstonecraft (by many considered to be the founder of modern feminism), "Romantic Outlaws" by Charlotte Gordon is excellent (I especially enjoyed the audiobook). It has some spoilers, so it could be considered more of a follow up to this read.
This will be my third reading, but my first time since reading the biography, so I'm looking forward to it!
Thanks for sharing, Tim. I knew a little bit about it being linked to Germany but I’ll have to read up about that too. Will have to check out that biography as well, Shelley’s family is remarkable really.
Looking forward to having the opportunity to reread this magnificent novel and share insights with others. I've read it a few times, twice in academic studies, and I class it as one of my favourites, but as I get older my memory fades and it is certainly a book that rewards revisiting.
Looking forward to discussing it with you!
It’s so funny that I decided to read this for the first time as well. I began October 1st, then I discovered your book club!
So glad to be a part of this!
It’s great to have you!
I'm halfway through and had convinced myself when younger that I wouldn't like it.
Thank you for doing this and also the subscription offer. I will do my best to take part!
Thanks Shelby, it’s lovely to have you! Obviously you can dip in and out as much as you like - if you want to skip a book for whatever and pick up the month after then that’s all fine. Glad to hear the reading is going well!
I’m super excited for the discussion! Thanks for doing this.
Me too! Lovely to have you on board, Lynne.
Already on my bookshelves because I read it many years ago. My local theatre is staging ‘Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein’ from 31st Oct to 9th Nov. It’s the story of why she wrote the book. Looking forward to that.
That's interesting, I've never heard of that being the play before. Certainly sounds cool though.
I was 10 when I read this for the first time. This is also the book and author who inspired my love for writing. Thank you for bringing it all back to me. I am thrilled to be a part of this.
It's great to have you on board!
Wow! Ten is young!
I thank my parents for sharing their love of reading great books. That opened up the world of writing for me.
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing this. I'm a grandma now. When my kids were young I read to them after dinner. I had 6. So no one had a personal bedtime story. My little kids were introduced to their older siblings books. And even as teens loved to be read to.
I have 4 daughters and 5 grandchildren. I loved passing down the books I read to them as littles to their littles. Reading to my grandbabies takes me back. I hope we have created the love for reading in our families that will continue to be passed on. Enjoy those littles. Time does fly!
That it’s pronounced “Frahn-Ken-steen”
Correct except in German, stien is shteen and stein is shtine.
Extremely well-known hit comedy Young Frankenstein? 🫠
Lol! I see I missed the joke! 😆
Go rent the movie, its a classic!
I should! I know it's my brother in law's fav
Stoked to read this book for my first time ever!
Yay, me too!
I have the 1831 version but currently I am reading the 1818 for a class. I do not mind being a part of this despite the differences between the two versions. As long as it is okay for me to still be involved?
100%! Be great to have you on board. I’ve not read the original version but I understand the differences, while noteworthy, are not monumental or anything. You might have to be our expert on the original version!
I'm not sure if I can read in tandem this time, but I'm so excited to learn more about Frankenstein! My understanding of it has changed so much since I was little.
Lovely to have you with us either way! I feel the exact same way. I studied the play of all things when I was younger, but I've never read the book until now. Absolutely love learning about Mary Shelley too, she was an amazing woman.
Oh is this your first time reading it first-hand too?
It is indeed! I’m going to finish it over the next couple days so I can share relevant posts/writings but yeah, the main reason for setting this up was so I get to read these classics too!
That’s so cool and such a win-win!
I’ve finished the book. First time I’ve read a novel on my phone.