Frankenstein Check In
Hello all! How is your read of Frank coming along? What do you think of it so far? I have to admit that I'm behind on the schedule I set for myself, but not by much. I'm in Chapter 11 now - where are you? I liked the beginning of the story very much but I'm struggling a bit with the part I'm at right now; I'm finding it rather hard to believe that the monster is so articulate (but maybe that is explained later?).
Share your thoughts on the book so far in the comments and be sure to post a link if you've done any recaps or updates on your own blog.
Frankenstein Participants
Anna @ Anna's leesreis - Lezlie @ Books 'N Border Collies - Robin @ My Two Blessings - Michelle @ Fluttering Butterflies ~ Susan @ Plays With Needles ~ Stacey @ Unruly Reader ~ Becky @ Becky's Book Reviews ~ tokemise @ By Hook or By Book ~ Natasha @ Maw Books ~ Valerie @ Life Is A Patchwork Quilt ~ Nicole @ Linus's Blanket ~ Joanne @ The Book Zombie ~ softdrink @ Fizzy Thoughts (she's also hosting the Dracula read-a-long)
14 comments:
I still haven't started Frank yet, although I *know* I will finish by the end of the month. I plan to spend time with him during the 24 hour readathon next weekend, if not before! Do you think he'd be a better date early in the read-a-thon, or around midnight?
I agree, Frank is remarkably well-spoken. I'm on page 202, so I think we're close to the same place.
I'm also finding Frankenstein the man too whiny. For someone that actually created the monster, he's way too "oh poor me, I'm so depressed, my life sucks, blah, blah, blah." And then he goes and spends more of his dad's money (I'm assuming) and leaves for England for a few years. Yeah, life's rough.
Dracula, at least, wasn't moping around. And neither were his victims. Also, he was a self-made man! Well, he stole it, but still!
:-D
Oh, it's explained, all right. Explained and then some.
I have been a really good girl and finished the book a couple of days ago. I am busy writing my review now - in Dutch, but I will post an English translation as well and will link to it here when I am done.
My feelings about the book? Mixed. Not entirely successful as a novel. Too many coincidences, too many improbabilities, too much handwringing and High Romantic self pity. But interesting and important nevertheless because of the originality (the book was published in 1818 after all), the influence it had, its place in the Gothic novel tradition, the ideas in it and the food for thought it provides.
I read Dracula, too, many years ago and the two are entirely different in my view. Dracula is a very accomplished and entertaining thriller, Frankenstein is more of parable, a novel of ideas, which does not quite succeed as a story.
Valerie – I think you’d better start dating, um, I mean reading, Frank when you’re feeling fresh – he’s a bit wordy, and as a midnight date he might put you to sleep (at least, he would put *me* to sleep). I look forward to seeing how much you finish during the read-a-thon!
softdrink – Hmm, it sounds to me like Frank is a rebound date for you. ~LOL~ But yeah, compared to Dracula he is rather meh.
Amateur Reader – I figured as much!
Anna van Gelderen – You get a gold star for being ahead of the game! I like your summary comparing Dracula and Frankenstein – it makes sense from what I’ve read of Frank so far. Definitely looking forward to your (English) review. :)
For those of you who are interested, my review in English is now on-line and can be read here
Anna
Umm . . . the book is still sitting on my bookshelf! Not doing to well am I? My book club also chose the book this month, so I'm definitely getting it off the bookshelf and into my hands!
Anna - Thanks! I'll include your link in the recap at the end of the month.
Natasha - With two reasons to read it this month, I don't think I need to worry about you. :)
I am working up m update post, but a few quick thoughts. I had a hard time with the first few chapters. I was confused by the letters to the sister. I understood the basics of his travel, etc- but I felt as if there were some nuances that I was missing. I loved getting into Victor's story. I'm not that far along but I love the frames and the stories within stories aspect.
Nicole - Too funny, I LIKED the beginning. :) Looking forward to seeing what you think in the end!
Just stumbled across this.
I'm currently listening to Frank on the Craftlit podcast. The poor monster! I feel so bad for him. As for Frank, the man needs to grow up. Excellent so far.
Hope you are all enjoying it as well.
JennyGirl - It's not to late to join, should I add you to the list of participants?
For such a short book I feel almost guilty for falling behind - I'm a little more than halfway done now.
The beginning with the letters was really interesting, and then about 15/20 pages into the next part my mind started wandering a bit, normally the meandering inner narrative doesn't bother me, but it was a rough spot this time. Now I'm feeling my attention is much more focused.
Joanne - No worries! There isn't really a schedule so read when you can. I'll admit that I struggled a bit with the middle as well, but I'm almost finished now. Can't wait to see what everyone thought in the end!
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