Frankenstein Audiobook By Mary Shelley cover art

Frankenstein

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Frankenstein

By: Mary Shelley
Narrated by: Dan Stevens
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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.

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Classics Horror Women's Voices Heartfelt Scary Funny Inspiring Witty Feel-Good Suspenseful Thought-Provoking Emotionally Gripping British Literature
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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 >

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What made the experience of listening to Frankenstein the most enjoyable?

I think Dan Stevens is one of the best audiobook performers I have ever heard. He brought this story to life. It was so easy to just get into the story and actually have sympathy for both Frankenstein and the monster he created. I did not expect that as I have always thought of this book as a horror story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The monster. I felt sorry for him and was surprised by that. When he told his story, the reader could understand how alone he felt . He enjoyed the beauty of the earth was eager to learn about the world and the people he encountered. He just wanted to be loved like everyone else, but that would never happen so he did indeed become a monster.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoyed listening to it a bit each night or in my car on the way to work.

Any additional comments?

You will come away with a new appreciation for this beautifully written work.

A great listen

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I have watched several Frankenstein movies and always thought I knew the story. Boy was I ever wrong. I did not know how lyrical and poetic the story really is. Mary Shelly's book is a wonderful story. I love Dan Stevens' narration as he made the story come alive.

What, no Bride of Frankenstein?

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The narration was excellent. Probably one of the best I have had in all my years of Audible listening.
Shelly's writing is excellent but I have to wonder about how a mind can invent a character(s) as so totally devoid of compassion outside of how things only affect themselves. To be so obsessed with only how everyone around them is there for their pleasure and self aggrandizement. Not to mention how Frankenstein seeks to create and then rejects his creation when it isn't "pretty". To reject or attempt to reject all responsibility for his actions. At least in the end he seems to realize his error but still takes no responsibility but only looks forward to escaping the consequences of his actions.

Very twisted

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This is a great story, but can be hard to read for those used to more modern writing. Dan Stevens really brings it to life. Loved every moment

Dan Stevens is a Treasure

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I tried a few other narrations and couldn't finish. This performance was good. Much more enjoyable. The story is...eh...I found I sympathized with the monster a lot and not Frankenstein. Is that typical?

Best Narration of this Story

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