“Frankenstein,” the book by Anna Meriano, is a fancy, captivating retelling of the worldwide known legend. The story of a creature seeking love began in the writings of Mary Shelly in the 19th century. Masterful illustrations by Katy Wu make the book look like a personal diary. Victor, the main character, passionate about natural philosophy and the creation of life, entered the University of Ingolstadt. In search of a way to create life himself, Victor gave existence to a creature, whose atypical appearance terrified him.
Victor rejected his creation, his son, and left him on their own. The beast cursed the life of the man and went traveling to find those who would love him. The creature secretly watched the couple talk and read to each other, and, eventually, mastered the human language (Meriano, 2020). Hoping for acceptance, the beast tried to contact the family he learned the language from; the people, however, full of prejudices, denied his friendship. Being then fully aware of the difference he had with people and the impossibility for him to fit in, the monster started to seek revenge on his creator.
Having found Victor, the beast asked him to give the existence to another creature, a companion for the beast. Fearful of consequences, the man refused and escaped; then, the chase began. Finally, when Victor was gravely ill, the monster came to him, sat by his side, accompanied him on his last journey. The tragic, meaningful story tells the reader about the power of endearment, and the cruelty the world shows to those who are different, dooming them to be unaccepted. With more stories like this one, the people may change their attitude towards those they do not understand fully.
Reference
Shelley, M., & Meriano A. (2020). Frankenstein. Sourcebooks, Incorporated.