So, you think you know Frankenstein? Time for a reset. Published in 1818 by a teenage Mary Shelley, this is the original.

The Story

Victor Frankenstein is a brilliant, obsessed university student. He discovers the secret to creating life and, in a fever of ambition, builds a man from parts he gathers. But when his creature opens its eyes, Victor is horrified by what he's made and abandons it. The creature, intelligent and sensitive but hideous to look at, is left utterly alone in a world that hates him. His search for connection and revenge against his creator forms the heart of this tragic, chase-filled story that stretches from Switzerland to the Arctic.

Why You Should Read It

This book shocked me. It's less about a rampaging monster and more about a broken father-son relationship. You feel for the creature. His loneliness is palpable. Shelley makes you ask: who is the real monster here? The ugly being who just wants love, or the handsome genius who created a life and then refused to care for it? The questions about science, ethics, and playing God are still incredibly relevant today.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves a story that sticks with you. If you enjoy gothic atmosphere, complex characters, and big ideas wrapped in a page-turning adventure, this is your classic. Don't be intimidated—it's a gripping, human story that just happens to be 200 years old. It's the birthplace of science fiction, and it's still one of the best.