Frankenstein

By: Mary Shelley

Narrated by: Dan Stevens

Audie Award Finalist, Solo Narration - Male, 2013

Audie Award Finalist, Classic, 2013

Narrator Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey) presents an uncanny performance of Mary Shelley's timeless gothic novel, an epic battle between man and monster at its greatest literary pitch. 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 to the very brink of madness. How he tries to destroy his creation, as it destroys everything Victor loves, is a powerful story of love, friendship, scientific hubris, and horror.

Public Domain (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

A great listen

What made the experience of listening to Frankenstein the most enjoyable?

I think Dan Stevens is one of the best audiobook performers I have ever heard. He brought this story to life. It was so easy to just get into the story and actually have sympathy for both Frankenstein and the monster he created. I did not expect that as I have always thought of this book as a horror story.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The monster. I felt sorry for him and was surprised by that. When he told his story, the reader could understand how alone he felt . He enjoyed the beauty of the earth was eager to learn about the world and the people he encountered. He just wanted to be loved like everyone else, but that would never happen so he did indeed become a monster.

Which scene was your favorite?

The ending.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I enjoyed listening to it a bit each night or in my car on the way to work.

Any additional comments?

You will come away with a new appreciation for this beautifully written work.

What, no Bride of Frankenstein?

I have watched several Frankenstein movies and always thought I knew the story. Boy was I ever wrong. I did not know how lyrical and poetic the story really is. Mary Shelly's book is a wonderful story. I love Dan Stevens' narration as he made the story come alive.

Near Perfect

Where does Frankenstein rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I have to say I have not listened to too many yet (5 total so far), but it is easily the best, and I honestly can barely imagine a better fiction audiobook (you can't really compare a fiction book to a non-fiction book).

The book itself is gripping and seems to offer something new after each read (this is the fourth or fifth time I've read Frankenstein in my life). It entertains and it enlightens. What's more, it is well-suited to the audiobook format since back and forth dialogue is sparse (most of the book is one character or another narrating for a length of time).

Dan Stevens' performance was also spot on. He really captured the emotion of the characters, and gave each one a unique voice (and feeling, if that makes sense) without going over the top.

The one critique I had was that I felt he may have made the Monster too pathetic. I normally have imagined the Monster having a more commanding and resentful tone than Stevens gave him. While I appreciated the new perspective Stevens' interpretation gave, I still tend to think that, at least in certain parts, a stronger willed Monster is called for.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Frankenstein?

The confrontation between Victor Frankenstein and the Monster.

What does Dan Stevens bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Dan Stevens really brought the characters to life. Despite my small critique, his performance was near perfect, and generally evoked all of the right emotions. He really helps the reader feel the story.

If you could rename Frankenstein, what would you call it?

A Modern Prometheus

The Book Is Truly Better Than the Movies

Dan Stevens gives another excellent set of voices to the characters in this classic story. The monster comes to life in the pages of this novel and Dr. Frankenstein is so much than a madman he is always portrayed as ; I think he is closer to Ahab in his determination than he is to being a mad scientist. I had only known the Hollywood version of the story, and only really like Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein. This is far from the green monster with bolts in his neck.
I was fascinated with the beautiful and expertly used language of a story written by a young woman who wrote in a time when women authors were not given much credence.
A great story narrated expertly. I highly recommend this audible title.

A Pleasure To Listen To

I had never read the book before, just have seen the movies. The book was very powerful and Dan Steven's reading really made this audiobook for me. He uses just the right amount of reflection in his voice for the various characters to keep it riveting. I'm looking forward to listening to it again.

I put off this classic for far too long

For years, I’ve been aware that the original novel was quite different from the more familiar (to me at least) movie adaptations of Frankenstein. This reading opened my eyes to those differences, and made me appreciate the creature and the original author all the more.

Enjoyed the narrator

it takes time to finish/but a must read/so emotional of a monster/yet it leaves you with sympathy/enjoyed it/

Dan Stevens does justice to this story.

It's cool that a story about technology can hold up. well it's not a story about technology, I think it's a story about emotions blinding morality. and about responsibility. I had a blast listening to it and Dan Stevens voice for the monster is awesome.

Capturing and surprisingly endearing

A surprisingly endearing yet thrilling book which confronted me with contrasting views on pity, compassion, and responsibility. Wonderfully performed.

A revelation

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I am certain we have all seen one, if not 5, Frankenstein movies. I was not prepared for this audio adventure, the prose, the heart rendering story and the fabulous performance by Dan Stevens (Downton Abbey). Who would have thought I would have have more sympathy and empathy for the "Monster" (he is never given a name) than for Dr. Frankenstein who suffered much, which he brought on by his own hubris. Of course, it was those around him who suffered most. A great read and a better audio listen.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The Monster. He was abandoned by his creator/father and was self-taught. A remarkable achievement. He spoke better and with more pathos than most around him. Definitely different from Boris Karloff's classic presentation.

Which scene was your favorite?

When the Monster meets Dr. Frankenstein and tells his tale of anguish, pain and learning.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Frankenstein - The True Story