Stefan Petrucha's novel, "Frankenstein," offers a thrilling and unique reimagining of Mary Shelley's timeless tale. Set in the 19th century, the story follows Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious scientist consumed by the idea of creating life. He successfully brings a creature to life but soon discovers the harrowing consequences of his actions.

Petrucha successfully maintains the essence of Shelley's original themes while adding a fresh twist. The author delves deeply into the characters' psyches, exploring their motivations and desires. This introspection adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, enabling readers to empathize with the characters and comprehend their choices. The shifting perspectives also provide a new angle to familiar events, intensifying the intrigue and suspense throughout the narrative.

One of the standout features of Petrucha's adaptation is his ability to capture the gothic atmosphere that permeates Shelley's work. The somber and atmospheric settings create a sense of impending doom and tension, perfectly matching the dark and enigmatic nature of the story. Petrucha's vivid descriptions transport readers into the world of "Frankenstein," allowing them to fully immerse themselves in its haunting and eerie ambiance.

Available on Audible

Get as a free audio book
Unleash the terror of Frankenstein's creation

In addition to the atmospheric setting, Petrucha skillfully incorporates elements of science fiction and horror into the narrative. The ethical dilemmas surrounding the creation of life and the consequences of playing God are masterfully explored in a thought-provoking and captivating manner. As the creature's presence grows more pronounced, the tension steadily builds, leaving readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the horrors that will unfold next.

Overall, Stefan Petrucha's "Frankenstein" is a gripping retelling of Shelley's classic novel. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and thought-provoking themes, this adaptation revitalizes one of literature's most enduring tales. Petrucha's skillful storytelling is sure to captivate both longtime fans of the original novel and newcomers to the world of "Frankenstein."

What are readers saying?

"Frankenstein" by Stefan Petrucha has received a range of reviews, with some readers enjoying the fresh approach to the classic tale, while others found it lacking in depth.

One reviewer appreciates Petrucha's successful translation of Mary Shelley's original work into a graphic novel format, praising the artwork and its contribution to the Frankenstein mythos. Another reviewer agrees, complimenting the dark and atmospheric illustrations that effectively capture the eerie mood of the story.

However, some readers felt that the artwork was the only redeeming quality of this adaptation. They found the plot to be shallow and lacking emotional depth. The characters were perceived as one-dimensional and lacking development, which made it challenging for readers to truly engage with the story.

Furthermore, there were disappointment with the writing style, with some considering it too simplistic and lacking the eloquence of Shelley's original novel. While understanding the need for brevity in the graphic novel format, readers wished for more complexity in storytelling and nuanced dialogue.

On the contrary, another reviewer enjoyed the simplified narrative and found it to be a refreshing introduction to the Frankenstein story. They appreciated the accessible language and believed it would help younger readers develop an interest in the classic tale.

Frankenstein ClassicLiterature MaryShelley