Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley's Frankenstein stands as a haunting masterpiece that transcends its era, exploring the dangerous intersection of ambition, knowledge, and morality through a gripping narrative of scientific hubris and tragic consequence. Framed as a series of letters between Captain Robert Walton and his sister, the novel chronicles the chilling confession of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant scientist whose obsession with unlocking the secrets of life leads him to an act of creation he comes to bitterly regret. When Frankenstein successfully animates a grotesque eight-foot creature from lifeless matter, his revulsion at his own achievement sets in motion a devastating cycle of isolation, revenge, and despair. As the monster—intelligent yet rejected by society—hunts his creator across frozen wastelands, Shelley weaves together profound themes of prejudice, loneliness, and the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition. This gothic science fiction classic examines how the pursuit of progress without compassion or responsibility can destroy not only the creator but all those he loves. Perfect for listeners drawn to psychological horror, philosophical fiction, and tales that challenge our understanding of humanity and monstrosity, Frankenstein remains as relevant and unsettling today as it was upon its publication—a timeless exploration of what it means to play God.
