12 Mar Book Review: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
A Retelling by Tanya Landman
A middle grade retelling of the classic tale of curiosity, imagination, and revenge. Far to the north, in the frozen seas of the Arctic, Captain Walton sees something that should not be there: a dog sled being pulled across the ice, with a man of gigantic proportions upon it. Days later, he comes upon a man on the brink of death—a man named Victor Frankenstein. When asked what led him to that frozen land, Victor tells his strange and harrowing tale of his life, his thirst for knowledge, and how it led to the creation of the creature who became a monster.
This is an enjoyable rendition of Mary Shelley’s classic horror. The book highlights many aspects of the original work. Unfortunately, if you’ve read the original, you’ll find much of the world-building and character development missing. Despite this, Frankenstein’s misery and the Creature’s loneliness are well portrayed, and the story flows naturally from one time frame to the next. It’s a short, easy read for those who love the story of Frankenstein but haven’t had a chance to read the full book.
It’s a good choice if you’re interested in classic literature but may not feel up for the size and complexity of the original story. While it’s missing certain aspects of the original, it retains the essence of the story.
I would rate it a 3 out of 5.
-written by Alex B, Teen Central Library Assistant
