The Procrastinators Book Club discussion

Welcome to the Frankenstein: The 1818 Text Buddy Read Discussion thread! This thread officially opens on October 1st and anyone can join at any time. Please keep in mind that spoilers are allowed in this thread but only up to the group's current reading place. Do not spoil the book if you've read further than the group. Any extra days can be used to catch up!

Each day we will be reading by chapters or page numbers. Page numbers are an approximation based on the hardcover or paperback that is the default on Goodreads. The suggested Buddy Read discussion schedule is as follows:

Week of 10/01
1st: Letter 1- chapter 1
2nd: chapter 2- chapter 4
3rd: chapter 5- chapter 6
4th: chapter 7- chapter 8
5th: chapter 1 (volume 2) - chapter 3
6th: chapter 4 - chapter 6

Week of 10/07
7th: chapter 7- chapter 9
8th: chapter 1 (volume 3) - chapter 3
9th: chapter 4- chapter 5
10th: chapter 6- end


PARTICIPANTS
~ Sophie
~ Brianna
~ Leslie

Letter 1-chapter 1

I’m definitely happy that we’re only doing around 20-30 pages a day, it feels like the right amount.

So far I’m finding it pretty easy to understand. I’m assuming we’re currently reading from Frankensteins PoV (?) before he changes. I’m not super familiar with the story so I’m not sure.

The poor guy just wants friends, time to read and time to travel, he is literally just like the rest of us lmao

What do you guys think so far?

Letter 1 - Chapter 1

I forgot just how easy this was in regards to it being a classic. I also like the pace - it feels manageable.

I think the letters are from one person (Robert Walton) and the guy on the sled they come across is Victor Frankenstein so Chapter 1 stars Victor's POV.

I’m already anticipating where this is going to (in the past attempt to read this I didn’t even get through the letters so I don’t know what is going to happen). The other/earlier sled must have been Frankenstein’s creation or “monster”. And the introduction of Elizabeth in Chapter 1 makes me think she will be a keystone in the path that Frankenstein embarks.
The language is just flowery enough that you realize it wasn’t written in the last century, but not so archaic as to be difficult to follow.

through end of chapter 4:

This section was a bit harder for me but that's because it was a lot of talk of science and that is not my subject. lol I have to say it was smart of the author to go with the concept of not sharing how he made his creation out of morality versus having to create that and not be ripped to shreds by scientists (if that makes sense).

Hi, I'll be joining y'all for this one!

I just finished chapter 1 and the way we switch from Robert's letters (and POV) to Victor's reminded me instantly of Wuthering Heights in the sense that someone begins telling a story and then another person tells their story. The MC is not who the reader thinks it is in the beggining.

I'm really surprised by how quickly this reads when compared to other classics. I haven't read one in months so I was kinda scared to pick this up, but it's really good so far. I know next to nothing of the story so I'm excited!

through chapter 6

I feel like we are making progress in regards to getting away from all the science lol.
I am seriously curious where his creation has been for the last like year (?) that Victor has been sick. Like - it's at least been MONTHS and nothing? Feels odd and ominous.

Like many of y'all have already commented on - for being a classic (and you can definitely tell), it's not as dry/dense/hard to read like many classics can be which is nice.

through volume 2 chapter 2 (made the most sense to stop here for reasons):
So I guess its has been TWO YEARS since the creation ran off - and Victor still hasn't told a soul? If he is the one who hurt his brother, why? And how did he know it was him? And how did the maid end up with the picture back? Some stuff isn't lining up but I think with the next story we will probably get some clarification.

Up to volume 2, chapter 6

Honestly I'm kind of struggling with this one. I've read other classics and been fine so it's not that. I don't know why but this one isn't fully jelling with me. I was kinda hoping for something a little more spooky so I guess that's on me and my expectations.

On a side note, I did get a little more into it when the monster was telling Victor about his experiences with the villagers. It made me a little sad for him, but the villagers feelings are understandable.

I am a day behind but will hopefully catch up soon. through end of Volume 2, Chapter 6:
For being labeled as one of the first gothic horrors - not getting much horror vibes. It's very much a look at humanity (which can sometimes be scary). I wonder what role this little family is going to play in the scheme of things. They're going to find out about this huge dude living in their yard (essentially) and I can't imagine it will go very well.

My version is a bit different than the listing (there are 24 chapters in mine and no separations into volumes) so I’m not sure where I am relatively to everyone else. It has been slow going for me as unfortunately I seem to get really sleepy when reading this. The nesting of the stories (this being a story where Frankenstein is telling a story to Robert who is then telling the story to his sister Margaret) gets a bit confusing occasionally and I think that’s where it loses the horror aspect. If this was written in modern day, it would be a third person perspective and more descriptive in the environment and we would likely “see“ what else is going on to make it more scary. I think it is the guilt and suspicion that makes it as scary as it is.

through end of volume 2 (which is the end of the creature telling Frankenstein his story) (still a day behind but.... I'm trying lol):

This story so far could lead to an interesting discussion about nature vs nurture - especially from the creature's perspective. I honestly kind of feel bad for him - all he wants is companionship and he can't really get that.

In the preface/introduction stuff Mary Shelley explains that this story came about because she was having a ghost story contest with her husband and I think Lord Byron - I wonder what the short version of this would be.

Through to the end of volume 3, chapter 3

Ok since the monster began telling Frankenstein about his life, him requesting that Frankenstein make him a female partner and watching Frankenstein struggle over his decision, I've gotten a lot more into it.

@Leslie I also have been getting very sleepy when reading this lmao. When a book is as slow paced as this I do need there to be bouts of action to keep me fully engaged and there really hasn't been any.

@Brianna I was also hoping for something a little bit more creepy. I may pick up some Shirley Jackson next autumn as her books are supposed to be a lot stronger on the horror element.

through the end of volume 3 chapter 5:
The struggle is real. Don't get me wrong - I am enjoying it but goodness gracious Victor is so WHINY! I am definitely shocked at what happened with is friend and am curious to see what happens with Elizabeth.

finished! I can't say I have additional thoughts to what I already shared but looking forward to see where everyone else lands with their opinion!