Frankenstein

De: Mary Shelley

Narrado por: Dan Stevens

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.

A great listen

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.

What, no Bride of Frankenstein?

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.

Near Perfect

Where does Frankenstein rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have to say I have not listened to too many yet (5 total so far), but it is easily the best, and I honestly can barely imagine a better fiction audiobook (you can't really compare a fiction book to a non-fiction book).

The book itself is gripping and seems to offer something new after each read (this is the fourth or fifth time I've read Frankenstein in my life). It entertains and it enlightens. What's more, it is well-suited to the audiobook format since back and forth dialogue is sparse (most of the book is one character or another narrating for a length of time).

Dan Stevens' performance was also spot on. He really captured the emotion of the characters, and gave each one a unique voice (and feeling, if that makes sense) without going over the top.

The one critique I had was that I felt he may have made the Monster too pathetic. I normally have imagined the Monster having a more commanding and resentful tone than Stevens gave him. While I appreciated the new perspective Stevens' interpretation gave, I still tend to think that, at least in certain parts, a stronger willed Monster is called for.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Frankenstein?

The confrontation between Victor Frankenstein and the Monster.

What does Dan Stevens bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dan Stevens really brought the characters to life. Despite my small critique, his performance was near perfect, and generally evoked all of the right emotions. He really helps the reader feel the story.

If you could rename Frankenstein, what would you call it?

A Modern Prometheus

What a ride

Not at all the way its portrayed in movies and popular media. There's no mad scientist in a castle making a monster its a man struggling with his shame of what he created and what he does. I felt very much that the monster was a metaphor for homosexuality which I think really makes the story much deeper and more interesting. A fantastic read check it out if you havent yet

Groundbreaking

A trend setting literary work, loved the narrating and the pacing. Such an agonizing and heart wrenching cautionary tale.

Very twisted

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.

Best Narration of this Story

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?

How did I never read this!

The answer to my headline probably is that I saw the movie and it scared me too much to think of the book.. However, this is more than a book of horror. It is about a man solving the mystery of death; and when he does, he hates his very own creation. A very interesting tale.

Excellent narration

Examines the complicated and sometimes contradictory emotions we feel and the trouble we make for ourselves through a simple but poignant story.

Dan Stevens is a Treasure

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