Frankenstein by Mary W. Shelley – read by various volunteers
Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein (or, The Modern Prometheus) (first published in 1818) is one of the most enduring works of Gothic literature and an early masterpiece of science fiction. The novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who discovers the secret of reanimating lifeless matter. Driven by ambition, he assembles body parts to create a living being—only to recoil in horror at his own creation.
Shunned and feared by all who see him, the nameless Creature struggles with isolation, longing, and rage. As he turns against his creator, the tale becomes a chilling meditation on responsibility, hubris, and the limits of human knowledge.
Blending horror, philosophy, and social critique, Frankenstein remains a haunting exploration of creation and consequence that continues to resonate with readers and listeners alike.
