A review of Great Illustrated Classics: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, adapted by Malvina G. Vogel by The Girl (age 11)
The epic battle between man and monster reaches its greatest pitch in the famous story of FRANKENSTEIN. 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 himself to the very brink. How he tries to destroy his creation, as it destroys everything Victor loves, is a powerful story of love, friendship…and horror. (publisher’s summary)
This is my favorite quote from the fiction thriller Frankenstein by Mary Shelley:
“The dim light of the moon shone through the window into my bedroom. As my eyes flew open, the moonlight revealed the huge figure of the monster as he lifted up the curtains around my bed.” (page 48)
The main character is Victor Frankenstein, who made the monster. Victor, through most of the story, is trying to stop the monster from killing more innocent people. The setting is various countries, like Switzerland and Russia, because Victor travels for most of the book.
I think the most interesting part of the book was when the monster was telling his story to Victor because you realize why the monster became mean. The book grabbed my attention, and I didn’t want to put it down. It is about 240 pages, and I finished it the same day I started it. I liked that it includes illustrations because I found them interesting. They give you an idea of what the monster looked like, but I still pictured him differently. It says the monster has yellow skin, but I pictured him with green skin for some reason.
I know the writing may not be all Mary Shelley’s, but the story is, and I want to one day read the original. I rate it this version 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclosure: The Girl bought her copy of this book at a library sale. I am an Amazon associate.
© 2012 Anna Horner of Diary of an Eccentric. All Rights Reserved. Please do not reproduce or republish content without permission.
Sounds like she enjoyed this one. I remember this one being in the school library as a kid. I liked looking at the illustrations too.
I wonder if she pictured him with green skin because of the movies out there? Has she seen them in the store or on TV?
I never read these illustrated classics, not that I can remember. No idea where she got the green skin from. I know she watched the old movie with us, but that was black and white.
Vance used to enjoy those Great Illustrated Classics too. I love reading the Girl’s thoughts and I’m glad to see she enjoyed this one.
You should’ve seen how she gushed over this story!
I’m becoming a fan of illustrated classics–I never read them when I was young, but a friend did, and now I wish I had too!
Frankenstein is on my list to read this year, and then after that maybe I’ll treat myself to this illustrated version.
> It says the monster has yellow skin, but I pictured him with green skin for some reason.
I know the feeling!
I’ve never read this one or the original, but now I want to dig out my copy and share it with The Girl.
I am a bit of a snob with these illustrated classics so it’s good to see that you enjoyed this one. Having not read one myself, I just assumed that they cut a bunch out to make it more palatable for young readers.
I actually think they’re a good way to introduce children to the classics, but I think it’s important that they know they’re not the original story. It’s made The Girl excited to read the real story some day.
That being said, I should add that I have no idea how close to the original this one is.
I read this one — without illustrations — and totally missed the monster’s animation scene — I suspect an illustrated classic like this would have helped me with the crucial details. This was a delightful review.
Thanks, Audra! I’ve never read Frankenstein, but The Girl’s enthusiasm for the illustrated version makes me want to read it.
I haven’t read any of these illustrated classics. I would really like to give them a try.
I know The Girl enjoyed it enough to give another one a try.
She liked it more than I did! I studied it when I was 18 and I think we over-analysed it to the point that I lost any enjoyment in the story. Hope she does get to read the original and enjoy it one day
That’s the one downside of taking English courses!
fun! i think those illustrated classics are a great way to get started with classic books. i think we all picture the monster’s skin as green because that’s how it’s always depicted in movies.
I wish I could remember whether I read any of these or not as a kid. I know it made The Girl excited about reading the original some day.
Another great review!! My students love this series because it’s a great way to dip your feet into a classic!!
Thanks, Staci!
Why someone does what he does is to me the most fascinating part of a novel. Sounds like a great read!
It’s always nice to know the characters’ motivations. I’m glad that worked for The Girl here.
I’m so glad you liked it! I used to read the Great Illustrated Classics too and loved them.
Seems like I might have missed out on these as a kid. I remember seeing them in the library but don’t remember reading any of them.