Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, published anonymously in 1818, revolutionized literature as the first true science fiction novel. Written when she was just eighteen years old, this pioneering Gothic tale explores the dangerous consequences of unchecked ambition and the lasting responsibilities of creation. Through its innovative narrative structure, readers encounter both creator and creation, hearing their intertwined stories from multiple perspectives.

At its heart lies the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant young scientist whose obsessive quest to create life ends in horror when he rejects his own creation. Despite its reputation as a monster story, Frankenstein offers much more than jump scares—it’s a searing meditation on human nature, parental responsibility, and our treatment of those deemed “other.” And contrary to popular belief, Frankenstein is not the monster but the scientist who brings his creature to life, then abandons him.

Two centuries after its publication, this groundbreaking novel remains startlingly relevant, anticipating today’s debates about scientific ethics, artificial intelligence, and human responsibility. Charlotte Gordon reveals another dimension to the story: reading Frankenstein as a feminist text that portrays a dystopian world where male ambition runs unchecked and strong female voices are silenced. Through this lens, the novel becomes even more powerful—a warning about what happens when creation is divorced from care and connection.