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2nd out of 9 books
—
6 voters
Monster: A Novel of Frankenstein
by
Dave Zeltserman (Goodreads Author)
Named by NPR Boston as one of the ten best books of 2012.
"This is juicy material for Franken-fans, and Zeltserman is just faithful enough to the original that his many fresh contributions feel entirely normal. Well, abnormal, to be accurate, but deliciously so." Daniel Kraus, Booklist, starred review
"This reworking of Frankenstein is chilling and captivating! ...A tale of...more
"This is juicy material for Franken-fans, and Zeltserman is just faithful enough to the original that his many fresh contributions feel entirely normal. Well, abnormal, to be accurate, but deliciously so." Daniel Kraus, Booklist, starred review
"This reworking of Frankenstein is chilling and captivating! ...A tale of...more
Hardcover, 224 pages
Published
August 2nd 2012
by Overlook Hardcover
(first published 2012)
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retellings work best when they pinpoint a lack in the original text; a moment that is ambiguous or a lapse in action where a story could have fallen through the cracks. but for this technique to work, the source material kind of has to remain intact.wide sargasso sea lays out "what led bertha to her attic prison madness??." windward heights asks "what happened during heathcliff's three years away, oh, and what if wuthering heights had taken place somewhere much warmer?" stress of her regard, whi...more
You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2012/08/...
“As I write this, I can only pray that Frankenstein’s twisted soul is rotting away in whatever crevice within Hell it has surely sunk into.”
So begins Dave Zeltserman’s electrifying novel presenting the classic story of Frankenstein’s monster, from the viewpoint of the “monster.” The monster in this instance is a man by the name of Friedrich Hoffmann, who, on the eve of his wedding to his beloved Johanna is drugged and when...more
“As I write this, I can only pray that Frankenstein’s twisted soul is rotting away in whatever crevice within Hell it has surely sunk into.”
So begins Dave Zeltserman’s electrifying novel presenting the classic story of Frankenstein’s monster, from the viewpoint of the “monster.” The monster in this instance is a man by the name of Friedrich Hoffmann, who, on the eve of his wedding to his beloved Johanna is drugged and when...more
I'll admit, while I think amateur fanfic is a harmless pursuit, I'm put off by published spinoffs. I'd rather read original thinking about original characters, rather than mere mining of good fiction that has fallen into the public domain. Lately, there seems to be an epidemic of this, and in the few books I've tried lately, it's not done well. (In fact, I'm having a hard time calling to mind any spinoff novels that ever worked for me other than Wide Sargasso Sea, 1966 and Ryman's Was, 1992.) Bu...more
Not only is this an excellently researched companion to Shelly's original novel, it is written in a completely complementary voice. While FRANKENSTEIN is written from the Doctor's point of view and details his experience, MONSTER is told from the creature's experience, and details one that in many ways is very different. Taking the position that the Doctor lied through his teeth in his deathbed confession and storytelling, MONSTER posits that the true beast was Victor himself and the creature no...more
When I watch “Frankenstein,” the misery and longing in Boris Karloff’s eyes make me ache for the mute monster. Though it’s difficult to tell just how much the creature understands, he knows that a chasm separates him from the rest of humanity. And while Dr. Frankenstein claimed to be on a quest for knowledge, what really filled his mind beyond overwhelming pride and ambition?
Reading Mary Shelley’s masterpiece answers my questions. The doctor’s creature is both intelligent and articulate. Franken...more
Reading Mary Shelley’s masterpiece answers my questions. The doctor’s creature is both intelligent and articulate. Franken...more
Dave Zeltserman, author of the popular "Julius and Archie" mystery stories has unleashed his take on the Frankenstein genre. The entire book is told in the first person from the monster's point-of-view. We quickly learn that Victor Frankenstein was not the innocent scientist probing the secrets of life, but a twisted necromancer trying to create a super race. This isn't the first time someone has attempted a rewrite; Brian Aldiss did it in 1975 with Frankenstein Unbound. It's still a tale of the...more
This was a great horrific twist on the Frankenstein novel we all grew up on and loved. Zeltersman kept true to the Shelley story while giving it his own unique morbid twist. This retelling has Victor Frankenstein out as a twisted individual from the start and is written from the perspective of the monster, in this case, Friedrich
Friedrich is about to marry the love of his life but instead finds her murdered and to blame for her death. As every bone is his body shatters as onlookers gawk, all Fri
...more
I'm torn between 3 and 4 stars, so-so book and good book.
It's a short story and it is filled with intense anguish that only Frankenstein's Monster can radiate, so it's got that going for it.
On the other hand, meh, Frankenstein.
It's told from the Monster's perspective and how it all went down according to him and I really enjoyed parts of it, there was even some cannibalism, yay!
I guess if you really are in love with Frankenstein's creation story then you will LOVE this book. If, however, lik...more
It's a short story and it is filled with intense anguish that only Frankenstein's Monster can radiate, so it's got that going for it.
On the other hand, meh, Frankenstein.
It's told from the Monster's perspective and how it all went down according to him and I really enjoyed parts of it, there was even some cannibalism, yay!
I guess if you really are in love with Frankenstein's creation story then you will LOVE this book. If, however, lik...more
11/4 - The only exposure I've had to Frankenstein is through Kenneth Brannagh's movie version - I've never actually read the book (it's on my list). So I can't compare Zeltserman's writing to Shelley's and from reading other reviews I get the feeling this may be of benefit to me while I'm reading it. But, I don't have to have read Shelley's writing to be able to pick up the moments of awkwardness, they'll be visible to anyone reading this. Despite a few of those moments already, within 42 pages,...more
Dave Zeltserman is no Mary Shelley. When I read the blurb on this book, it sounded like a really neat premise. I'm a huge fan of Shelley's story and I thought this would be a cool companion piece. As I read 'Monster' I slowly realized how unnecessary this book was. The idea is great but it just didn't need to be done. Also, the book was very poorly written and just as poorly edited. The first person diary perspective was also poorly done and really detached me from the story. The books only savi...more
I like dark themed stories and that part does not disappoint. There are parts that are morbid and depraved, then there is a sweetness in some of the characters that make you remember that not everyone is sick in the head.
But....
I would have liked this book if the ending were better. I just hate when the ending ruins the book, and that's how I felt about this one. There is a build up. QUITE a build up, and then - nothing. It left me feeling like the author was already working on his next story an...more
But....
I would have liked this book if the ending were better. I just hate when the ending ruins the book, and that's how I felt about this one. There is a build up. QUITE a build up, and then - nothing. It left me feeling like the author was already working on his next story an...more
This book is disgusting and depraved.
It's also one of the most brilliant books I've read in a while and loved it. It's basically the story of Frankenstein told by the monster. I was assigned to read Frankenstein in college and now recognize the Frankenstein as the doctor and not his creation.
The book is filled with of moral gray lines and morbid details to make you think. Like Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, it's not entirely clear who is the hero and villain. And also like Mary Shelley's Frankenst...more
Monster is a retelling of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The writing is good, but I didn't enjoy the story as much as I thought I would. I have never read the classic or watched the movie. So, I thought this would be a great introduction to the story. This retelling is told from the monster's perspective. I enjoyed hearing about his story and background. Although it was sad, it was also interesting to know who the monster was before the abduction and transformation. Frankenstein was so horrible, a...more
This was a quick, enjoyable twist on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. I read it in a day and a half, which speaks volumes about its suspense level (I'm an avid reader but usually not a fast one). At first, due to its length (a mere 200 pages), I thought it might be a YA book. As I read a bit, I came to the realization that I couldn't be more wrong due to the gore, language, and frequently sexuality.
Any horror fan would enjoy this book, but those who love Frankenstein would appreciate it more so.
Any horror fan would enjoy this book, but those who love Frankenstein would appreciate it more so.
This is the story of Frankenstein from the monster's point of view. It was very interesting and I enjoyed the character very much. He is likeable although ugly from the get go. He has a good heart and does good where-ever he goes except for killing one innocent. The book did keep building in the monster's quest for vengeance. I was a bit disappointed in the ending as he never did get the kind of vengeance I thought he should have.
I was privileged to read this book in manuscript form. It is a brilliant reimagining of Frankenstein: faithful enough to delight lovers of Mary Shelley's masterpiece, but wonderfully inventive as it takes the monster (Friedrich Hoffmann)on a bloody quest for vengeance. As he hunts Victor Frankenstein he encounters vampyrs, monks, Satanists, and (memorably)the Marquis de Sade. By far Zeltserman's best work, and that's saying something.
I really enjoyed this book. I was able to finish it in two days, and that really says something. I've never read Mary Shelley's work, but I think I will have to now. Although I was annoyed with the storyteller's repetitiveness at times, the story itself was quite intriguing. The fact that Frankenstein's monster was not a 'monster' really drew me to his tale. Supernatural and morbid elements kept my attention as well. I recommend.
I've been a long time fan of Zeltserman's crime fiction, and greatly enjoyed 'The Caretaker of Lorne Field, his first foray into the Horror genre. His newest novel, 'Monster', takes his fiction to a whole new level. While remaining faithful to the original in some ways, we're given a deeper, more focused monster whose motivations lead the reader through great leaps of imagination. A must read for fans of any genre.
Started with a bang, ended with a whimper. Still found it enjoyable. I like Frankenstein-influenced stories where the creature is the protagonist, but I found the treatment of Victor as the villain as a bit over-the-top, even more so than in Dean Koontz's series. The vampires gave an interesting flavor, but I wish more was explained about them. They didn't have a significant impact on the plot.
Victor Frankenstein uses nefarious means to procure the brain of an educated man, Friedrich Hoffmann, and insert it into the enormous, monstrous, (well-endowed) body of his famous creation. This is the story from Hoffmann's point of view with some darkly comedic parts including a fellatio-performing decapitated head and the Marquis de Sade.
The only reason I finished this book was to see where the author was going to take me, but it was not worth it in the end. The dialogue was stiff and the whole plot was too ridiculous and preachy for my taste. I can suspend disbelief in many cases; this story was not one of them.
I've never read the original story, but this one did a great job showing the duality from the monster's perspective. Some parts feel a little rushed but as a whole the story kept me entertained and slightly horrified with some of the content.
This is a very nice book. The author does a really lovely job of maintaining the formality to suit the period of the speaker without indulging in the florid language that makes so much Gothic Fiction somewhat tedious to get through.
A neat take on the classic Frankenstein story from the point of view of the monster. The story makes you question Victor's description of how things happened. I like how he mixes in bits of other people in history and returns to touch points in the original story to keeps faithful to what we are already familiar with.
The writing was good, and the premise was interesting, but introducing satanists and "vampyres" made me roll my eyes. Making Victor Frankenstein wholly evil misses the mark on one of the most interesting aspects of the original novel.
This book was a lot of fun to read. As a Frankenstein fanatic I love the twist in the story. To anyone interested in reading this book I would also highly recommend reading "The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein" by Peter Ackroyd.
There was something about this book I had a problem with...not 100% sure why or what but it was something to do with the inclusion of the Marquis de Sade and how a lot of the book dealt with him and Victor's depraved sexual atrocities and Devil worship.
Though as a Frankenstein fan I did fully enjoy the twist on my fave story. I still feel the same sympathies for Friedrich--errr I mean the Monster ad I always have but liked seeing them in a new light.
Also some of the other coincidental meetings...more
Though as a Frankenstein fan I did fully enjoy the twist on my fave story. I still feel the same sympathies for Friedrich--errr I mean the Monster ad I always have but liked seeing them in a new light.
Also some of the other coincidental meetings...more
It was written through the eyes of the monster - from "birth" to his journey on trying to kill his creator, Dr. Frankenstein. Very good.
interesting idea, poor follow through. i felt like the author just got tired of writing and wrapped everything up too quickly.
Well this was an interesting book.
Another take on Frankenstein.
Very interesting.
Good detail and descriptions.
3 stars!!
Another take on Frankenstein.
Very interesting.
Good detail and descriptions.
3 stars!!
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Shamus Award winner for Julius Katz. Ellery Queen's Readers Choice Award winner for 'Archie's Been Framed'. Small Crimes named by NPR as one of the 5 best crime and mystery novels of 2008, Washington Post naming it also as one of the best novels of 2008. Pariah named by the Washington Post as one of the best books of 2009. The Caretaker of Lorne Field (2010) shortlisted by American Library Associa...more
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Oct 24, 2012 11:47am
but october is almost over!! and i still have a stack of books!!! will i finish??? no one knows!!!
Oct 24, 2012 11:48am