Frankenstein

Even with this as assigned reading in high school, I didn’t even crack it open. Another case of missing out big time on a fascinating read. But I still maintain that there are many classic works that are just silly to hand to young people and expect them to appreciate.

Frankenstein is one that’s much more cerebral and psychological than the impression left by popular culture would have you believe. The high school sophomore picks it up expecting a scary monster story, and while it is one to a degree, it’s much more a psychological thriller than anything else. After Victor’s education and interest in scientific progress is introduced, the creature’s creation scene passes in a flash, the model for many a scene of cinematic terror. In the novel, it’s over in a couple of paragraphs. The science behind Victor’s work is not even explained one iota, which I actually enjoy. If this was published in 2025, a third of the book would be about the scientific process of Reanimation Science.

It’s a story about so many things other than “horror” (the section where you might find it on the shelf): the overreach of unrestrained rationalism, responsibility, loneliness and isolation, the limits of human knowledge, revenge.

If you’ve never read it, or it’s been a long while, I highly recommend.