Frankenstein: The Original 1818 Text

Reader's Library Classics

By: Mary Shelley

Narrated by: Joseph Kent

Frankenstein: The Original 1818 Text by Mary Shelley is a timeless gothic novel that explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the ethical dilemmas of scientific advancement.

First published in 1818, this groundbreaking work tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant but reckless scientist who creates a sentient creature in his quest to conquer death. However, his experiment spirals into tragedy as the creature, abandoned and misunderstood, seeks both revenge and companionship.

Shelley's novel delves into themes of isolation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing god, making it a cornerstone of both horror and science fiction literature. This edition preserves the original text, offering listeners an unfiltered experience of Shelley’s haunting masterpiece.

Public Domain (P)2025 Quill Publishing

Bland Narration

Tone was weak from narrator. It didn't match tone of book, was almost cheerful in contrast to the subject. made it hard to listen to and intake.

The narrator is not it.

That's it. That's the review. But this has to be at least 15 words so here we are.

Bad performance

The reader’s American accent & monotonous pacing was all wrong for this story. Plus, he just barely read it but did not perform. It’s a great story, still waiting for the right person to record it for wonderful listening.

The narrator's voice.

I very much disliked the narrator's voice for this book, it did not at all fit the style of book or era. His voice was more like how to book could be listened to. The narrator voice for Frankenstein the 1831 version is amazing.

AI narration

The narrator has to be A. I. generated. It was so bad. He is just reading the novel in a monotone computer voice. Completely terrible. I wanted the 1818 edition of Frankenstein so I purchased this. I should have just stuck with reading it because this narration ruined my experience of the story.