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  • Frankenstein

  • By: Mary Shelley
  • Narrated by: Dan Stevens
  • Length: 8 hrs and 35 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (20,093 ratings)

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Frankenstein

By: Mary Shelley
Narrated by: Dan Stevens
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Editorial review


By Haley Hill, Audible Editor

MARY SHELLEY'S FRANKENSTEIN IS AN ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GRIEVING THE DEAD CREATIVELY

I was muscling through a difficult breakup and grieving the loss of my grandmother, who had passed away in the summer before my senior year of college, so I felt more than a little overwhelmed by the idea of writing my English department thesis that fall semester. Towards the end of September, when I still had not managed to select a research topic for my paper, my brilliant advisor, who knew that I was both fascinated with Gothic literature and rapidly running out of time, handed me her copy of Frankenstein, and gently urged me to read it over the course of a couple days. Frankly, she did not have to ask me twice to devour the classic with urgency.

I have always been a fan of the macabre, so I figured a story about a mad scientist who robs graves for body parts in order to sew together a creature would be right up my alley. That being said, I was immediately blown away by how many thrilling and thought-provoking layers comprise Mary Shelley’s iconic novel.

Of all the fascinating questions that Frankenstein raises, its most infamous has to be: Who is the monster, and who is the man? (That’s in addition to the notorious confusion around who the title refers to; Frankenstein is named for the monster’s creator, Dr. Victor Frankenstein, while his creation is simply referred to in the text as "The Creature," a choice that makes sorting out protagonist from antagonist all the more challenging.) The story is as much about corruption as it is about creation, and listening to Victor and his creature narrate their two perspectives while simultaneously making each other’s lives a living hell proves just that. What makes this story so essential is just how difficult it will always be to sympathize with one character entirely over the other.

A less frequently discussed fact about Frankenstein is that is an epistolary novel, making it perfect for audio! The story is bookended by letters that Robert Walton, a seafaring explorer in search of the North Pole, writes to his worried sister, in which he relays Victor Frankenstein’s shocking confession, which the scientist shares after being rescued aboard his ship. However, despite the riveting attention to detail within Walton’s letters, he ultimately leaves listeners with a question that I find just as fascinating as the last. Will he heed Frankenstein’s saga as a cautionary tale and reconsider following his own ambitions to the literal end of the Earth?

Continue reading Haley's review >

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Solo Narration - Male, 2013

Audie Award Finalist, Classic, 2013

Narrator Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) presents an uncanny performance of Mary Shelley's timeless gothic novel, an epic battle between man and monster at its greatest literary pitch. In trying to create life, the young student Victor Frankenstein unleashes forces beyond his control, setting into motion a long and tragic chain of events that brings Victor to the very brink of madness. How he tries to destroy his creation, as it destroys everything Victor loves, is a powerful story of love, friendship, scientific hubris, and horror.

Public Domain (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Featured Article: The 20 Best Classic Audiobooks to Listen to Again and Again


Classics are known for their timeless quality, their ability to endure through generations and still hold something significant for the modern listener—whether it’s commentary on a long-gone era or an ageless tale of adventure. In this roundup, each story is paired with an exceptional, show-stopping narrator who takes the tale to new heights. While you may have read some of these stories, you’ve certainly never heard them quite like this.

What listeners say about Frankenstein

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And So It Is Now I Know Why This is A Classic

I've always wondered about Frankenstein. Never saw the movie or read the book as I am not a big fan of horror. I enjoyed it much more than I expected. I was drawn in and held at times, but I thought it was a little drawn out and boring at others. That being said, I also thought it an amazing journey into the mystery of life and emotion. It is well worth listening too.

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a classic I love it

a beautiful story with tragic characters! I loved every second of this. the monster was my favorite and his story is so tragic and beautiful at the same time! ❤️❤️❤️

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A masterful telling of a classic!

Dan Stevens brings life and depth to an already wonderful classic. Highly recommend this addictive narration!

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Love it!

Second time listening and still one of my faves! Dan Stevens does an amazing job narrating.

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A different story than you're probably expecting

I had heard that this book is, for the better, nothing like the movies and images of “Frankenstein,” but I was still pleasantly surprised at how deep and moving a story it is. I'm sure countless essays and dissertations have broken down the themes and symbolism better than I can so I won't try, but I will say that I was touched by the story of the "monster" and of Frankenstein. The language is more formal and ornate than we're used to nowadays, but it was easy to understand and so pretty to listen to.

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A historically-appropriate reading of a classic

I have never formally studied this novel in any course but was very curious about the story given the background of Mary Shelley. Predictable plot lines do not interest me. Considering this, Frankenstein definitely delivers on the surprising aspects and I was very interested in the plot and detailed sub-plots throughout. The story was published in 1818 and has rich and complex classical English in typical Romantic style. I was pleasantly surprised with the story and it's commentary on egoism, revenge, and mortality. Dan Stevens narration shines and he evokes the tone I would expect a reader from 1818 to have. His voice for the monster really brings the character to life. Fabulous to listen to. Prepare for drama and lots of use of the word "wretched" !

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Terrific production of a classic

I can very much recommend thid audiobook version of Frankenstein. It is the later text, not the 1818 one, but this text may be the more well known version.

I thoroughly enjoyed it to the end.

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Surprisingly Different Than any Movie

The story was very philosophical, dealing with the human condition. The Great American Read list.

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AP Literature

I was only reading this book for my AP Literature class, but I actually ended up enjoying it. It's not the type of book I would read on the daily basis, but it was cool while it lasted. I also really liked the ending touch with the music to close off the book.

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Spectacular!☆☆☆☆☆

Nothing short of Spectacular! Stories aren't made like this anymore and that's unfortunate. The Narrator has the ability to move between characters and make you feel that each one was an individual that is hard to do and he did it so well. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be able to listen to such an Intriguing and Human story!♡

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