Frankenstein

By: Mary Shelley

Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh

A timeless, terrifying tale of one man’s obsession to create life—and the monster that became his legacy. “If ever a book needed to be placed in context, it’s Frankenstein” (The New York Times Book Review).

A timeless, terrifying tale of one man's obsession to create life—and the monster that became his legacy.

This edition includes:
-A concise introduction that gives readers important background information
-A chronology of the author’s life and work
-A timeline of significant events that provides the book’s historical context
-An outline of key themes and plot points to help readers form their own interpretations
-Detailed explanatory notes
-Critical analysis, including contemporary and modern perspectives on the work
-Discussion questions to promote lively classroom and book group interaction
-A list of recommended related books and films to broaden the reader’s experience

Enriched Classics offer readers affordable editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and insightful commentary. The scholarship provided in Enriched Classics enables readers to appreciate, understand, and enjoy the world’s finest books to their full potential.

Critic reviews

"Narrator Edoardo Ballerini tackles this 1818 classic novel written by Mary Shelley when at age 18 she was challenged to write a ghost story. Framing the story as a recollection of past events, Dr. Victor Frankenstein tells arctic sea captain Robert Walton of his childhood in Geneva, his creation of a monster while he was a student in Ingolstadt, and the tragedies that followed. Speaking overall in a British accent, Ballerini flavors Dr. Frankenstein’s accounts with a Germanic lilt that almost goes unnoticed. Ballerini’s fevered and theatrical delivery matches the antiquated words penned by Shelley and conveys the emotional anguish of the main characters. With his dramatic inflections, Ballerini’s delivery is reminiscent of Vincent Price’s captivating cadence."

Fantastic

What a fantastic way to rediscover an old favorite. Kenneth Branagh was moving as always.

The gentleman's science fiction in a lady's mind!

Eloquently written, the characters were 3 dimensional with depth. Frankenstein tortures himself unnecessarily. The details leave questions.

Actually, a really good read

I'd heard so much about Frankenstein in general society that I just kind of assumed that this novel would be boring and cliche, or that I had already thought of the arguments and tensions of the story. I was wrong, quite happily so! This book is quick and engaging and well worth the read. Kenneth Branagh does a wonderful job with his narration. I very much enjoyed this Audible book

Chapter alignment is wrong

Wonderful novel and audio read, except that the chapters do not match those of the novel. This is problematic for use in my class, but may not be an issue for those listening for pleasure.

Perfect!

Kenneth Branagh never disappoints. This is obviously abridged, but the story is tight and the pace is perfect. This abridged version takes nothing away from the core story, and Branagh delivers an excellent reading (as per usual).