Classics · Horror · Science fiction
Frankenstein
A young scientist brings a living being to life from stolen parts, then abandons it in horror. The creature, shaped by loneliness and rejection, begins to pursue its maker.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1818
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Pages
- 352
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like gothic tales that ask who the real monster is, and want the original rather than the film.
Skip this if you want a pacy horror story, because the novel is reflective, wordy and full of long speeches.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Frankenstein
- What is Frankenstein about?
- A young scientist brings a living being to life from stolen parts, then abandons it in horror. The creature, shaped by loneliness and rejection, begins to pursue its maker.
- Who should read Frankenstein?
- Read it if you like gothic tales that ask who the real monster is, and want the original rather than the film. Skip it if you want a pacy horror story, because the novel is reflective, wordy and full of long speeches.
- How long and how fast is Frankenstein?
- It is a slow-paced, short read of about 352 pages, first published in 1818.
- Does Frankenstein have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Death, Grief, Violence, Child death.
- Can I borrow Frankenstein for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Frankenstein; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Frankenstein?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Never Let Me Go, Mexican Gothic.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Bookshop.org | Check price | Buy new from Bookshop.org |
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Libro.fm | Check price | Buy audiobook from Libro.fm |
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Frankenstein
-
Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Another short Victorian tale of a scientist whose experiment turns on him.
-
Never Let Me Go
A quieter modern story that asks what we owe to beings that people have made for their own use.
-
Mexican Gothic A more modern gothic with body horror and a strong sense of decaying family secrets.
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