Frankenstein

By: Mary Shelley

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

The tale of Dr. Frankenstein and the horrendous monster he unleashes on the world when he tinkers with the laws of nature had almost as strange a birth as the monster itself. It was the product of one of the most famous ghost story telling sessions in history. Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley and several others were stranded on the shores of Lake Geneva during a particularly sodden summer. They challenged each other to come up with the most ghastly and soul-rending story their sizable literary talents could muster, and the hands-down winner came from Shelley's wife - Mary Shelley.

The novel that emerged several years later has been recognised as one of the most chilling and gruesome horror stories ever written, and it is certainly one of the most famous. It's a moving account of a battle for independence, it's a warning against man's pride in his ability to change the world with his blind pursuit of science, it's a story of revolt and revenge and, most intriguingly, it was one of the first novels to be written where the narrator is not necessarily a reliable witness, and we are left to carve the truth of the matter out for ourselves.

This is an alarming book - in several very enjoyable ways.

Author Mary Wollstonecraft Godwin (1797-1851) was a novelist, dramatist, essayist, biographer and travel writer. She is, however, best known for her Gothic horror novel Frankenstein: or, the Modern Prometheus, published 1818. She also edited and promoted the works of her husband, Percy Bysshe Shelley.

Public Domain (P)2008 Silksoundbooks Limited

the standard for a classic.

an amazing story. and the narrator does an amazing job bringing the story to life. I would recommend that everyone read this book if you haven't already.

Brilliant book

I’m teaching this book next week and really enjoyed listening to it this time. Derek Jacobi is a fine narrator, as well as a great actor. And May Shelley covers numerous themes: the amorality of science, parenting, God, Romanticism, violence, and many, many more.

Expertly narrated

As fine a performance of this classic as could be possibly hope for. Very well done, indeed. Jacoby's ability to easily switch dialects really hits hardest when reading the Monster. A riveting listen.

Not a Frankenstein fan, but…

I read “Frankenstein” years ago. I had to force myself to finish after two previously failed attempts. It’s a classic so everyone should read it right? Wrong! I do not feel my life has been improved in any way by the reading of this book. It certainly did not bring me joy.
That baking said, I do appreciate the story much more having listened to Sir Derek Jacobi’s narration. He is the only reason I downloaded this audiobook. Jacobi has been a favorite actor of mine for years so I naturally gravitate to anything with his name on it.
Jacobi’s narration is superb and brings life and passion to Shelley’s tale that I found lacking on the printed page. If you must expose yourself to “Frankenstein” then I recommend this audiobook performance rather than reading it for yourself.

Derek Jacobi is a god

Derek Jacobi is a god and I will listen to any audio book he narrates.

Fantastic Audio

So sad to have finished this!! Love this audio and Jacobi was sensational. Gripping and addictive!

5 Stars

I absolutely love this book. The performance is compelling and the tale is 100% timeless.

Brilliant and haunting

I am so impressed with the performance and the brilliant, well developed writing and narrative arcs cautionary and prescient tale about hubris and consequence, the arrogation of female reproduction without female care, compassion, and bonding. The tragedy of the unmothered and rejected. In the spirit of the times, Frankenstein couldn’t mother his creation. He could not even name him. The systematic destruction of the innate nobility of the monster’s soul is painful and allegorical of the dehumanization of the impoverished and rejected of those in all societies.

I am moved and saddened. IMHO, there was beauty and nobility on both sides. Young Mary Shelley created a worthy masterpiece ,

absolutely loved it.

One of my favorite classics with a fantastic voice for each character. Brought my love of the story back to life!

Derek Jacobi and a classic piece of English Lit?

Amazing. Jacobi brings Shelly's work into vibrant life. I was spellbound by this audiobook. A brilliant performance of a truly original book. I thought I knew the story from the many interpretations in film and literature. The original book leaves any other version far behind.