author: Kenneth Oppel
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2012/10/29
date added: 2012/10/29
shelves:
review:
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is a brilliant book about things that are relevant even into our modern age. Creating a prequel series would seem a daunting task, but Oppel handles it deftly.
The book has all the thrills and atmosphere of any great Gothic novel and provides a convincing backstory for young Victor Frankenstein. Other characters from Shelley's work are also here. Notably Elizabeth Lavenza (Victor's adopted cousin) and friend Henry Clerval.
Victor and his twin brother Konrad are inseparable until Konrad becomes ill. Then Victor embarks on a quest to save him that involves his father's dark library and matters of alchemy. This is strictly forbidden by Victor's father because of the danger and because of the family's reputation. Still Victor persists. Along to aid him are Henry and Elizabeth. They go on a series of seemingly impossible quests that will change them in unalterable ways.
Victor genuinely wants to save Konrad, but there is jealousy there as well. Konrad is the more likeable twin and school subjects come easier to him. And Konrad has the heart of Elizabeth. All of this makes Victor a brooding, impetuous character with a fierce drive to succeed, and foreshadow the tragic man he will become.
An interesting start, and I'm sure I'll read book 2 before too long. I may even re-read Frankenstein soon, and I hope this book inspires younger readers to discover a classic.
via Wayne's bookshelf: read http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/435265735?utm_medium=api&utm_source=rss
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