Frankenstein
(Step Up Classic Chillers)
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adapted by Larry Weinberg
(A stepping Stone Book Classic adapted for reading level grade
2-4)
Paperback: 96 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.32 x 7.62 x 5.16
Publisher: Random House (Merchandising); ISBN: 0394848276; Reissue
edition (September 1993)
Reviewer: John DeTurk (see more about me) from Seattle, WA USA Mary
Shelley's "Frankenstein" is one of the original Gothic horror classics,
along with Bram Stoker's "Dracula."
If you only know "Frankenstein" from the movie versions, this
book will come as a surprise. There is less detail on the creation,
no criminal brain vs. normal brain, no Igor, no fabulous lightning
storm, no bolts in the neck and no slow-moving gait. In fact, Shelley's
narrative begins with letters from an Arctic explorer, R. Walton,
written to his sister. Walton's passion for exploration is explained
and his quest for companionship detailed. Then, while his ship is
trapped in the northern ice, he spots a creature crossing the ice.
Following the creature is a weakened man in a broken sledge. Upon
rescuing the man, Walton meets Victor Frankenstein, and so begins
his tale. We learn of Frankenstein's family background, upbringing
in Geneva, early education and fascination with the nature of the
world. Upon entering university, he expands his knowledge of physical
science and chemistry. It is there that he begins construction of
a being that he plans to bring to life. Through Frankenstein's narrative,
we begin to see his descent into an obsessive madness, more manic
than maniacal, a bi-polar disorder of the nth degree.
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