Frankenstein: A Conversation in Comments

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What is your absolute favorite book and why?

Conversation in Comments

Emma: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Absolute gothic/ science fiction masterpiece and the fact she wrote it when she was 17–18 makes it all the more incredible.

Humzah: This book has so much depth. She foresaw the challenges of AI way ahead of her time. Not just that, the relationship between man and God, the injustice in the society, purpose of life, beauty and ugliness, I haven’t read anything like it.

Emma: Yes! Absolutely all of that! She was a visionary, yet doesn’t get half the praise of Aldous Huxley or George Orwell. I think it’s one of the most incredible books ever written. Her mother is fascinating too…

Humzah: Yep, her mother was amazing too. I find it arrogant [sic] when they call H.G. Wells and Julius Verne fathers of science fiction. Shelley was ahead of them. Frankenstein never named him. He called him fiend and demon as the story progressed. He never acknowledged his creation. He never took the responsibility that what that creature did was because he abandoned him. I think here there is a critique of Abrahamic God. Then there are passages that explore the utter loneliness that creature suffered. I think she saw herself in it. Not being understood. She was far ahead of her time. What’s your view about my interpretation of the book?

Emma: I agree completely. I studied Frankenstein at uni last year and wrote my thesis on Shelley and the correlation between the book and her real life. There’s a lot of biographical comparison, a lot of the tension between her and her own father and of course, the loss of a mother she never even met. She almost certainly had a number of mental health issues and traumatic experiences, but she was super smart and very perceptive for such a young person. For any person, actually! Such an emotional read. If I see a copy at a car boot or charity shop, I buy it. I’ve given away around 10 copies of it so far. It’s a life changer.

Humzah: Hey can we connect on FB? I love making book lover friends that have similar taste in books. Otherwise, have a good day.

Emma: Any fan of Mary Shelley is someone worth knowing! Of course.

Humzah: Done.

Humzah: also, can i post this conversation on my medium blog? I will use your initial EF if you are not comfortable for me to use you name. It will be like this blog.

Emma: sure, No problem. Just read the one you posted, interesting discussion about gone with the wind…