Well Read Company Book Reviews: Frankenstein

This month we’re celebrating all things gothic, and one of the pinnacles of gothic literature is of course Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. This 1818 horror story has endured over 200 years, and become a staple in the canon of gothic literature, film and even Halloween costumes! It follows the attempt of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist, in creating a sapient creature. Frankenstein is then horrified by the ‘monster’ he has created, resulting in the creature lashing out at humankind for the way they have treated him. The novel reflects on ideas that were very contemporary for the time: the word ‘scientist’ had not actually yet been invented, nor had the idea of the ‘perfect human being’.

Our vegan handbag plays homage to this gothic tale with a black background with lightning strikes, echoing the storm motif repeating through the novel. The understated design makes it perfect for Halloween and fans of gothic fashion, but also makes it an ideal elegant clutch. 

“If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!”

Just as fascinating as the story of Frankenstein itself is the story of Mary Shelley. She was only eighteen when she first started writing the novel, and as a woman was not given the privilege of a proper formal education like many of her Romantic writing peers. What she learnt she gleaned from homeschooling and reading her father’s novels. Her parents were also prominent cultural figures: her mother was Mary Wollstonecraft, author of the famous A Vindication of the Rights of Woman; her father the leading political thinker William Godwin. Defying both her sex and the opportunties afforded to her, Shelley went on to write a genre-defining book that has earned her eternal respect. 

“Beware; for I am fearless, and therefore powerful.”

With Halloween fast approaching, why not spoil yourself or the bookworm in your life with one of our Frankenstein inspired accessories!