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  • Title: Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus
  • Author: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
  • Narrator: Cori Samuel
  • Length: 08:19:00
  • Version: Abridged
  • Release Date: 31/10/2011
  • Publisher: LibriVox
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature, Classics
  • ISBN13: SABLIBX978031
Dear fellow literature enthusiasts,

As a literature professor who has spent decades delving into the Gothic and Romantic traditions, I approached the audiobook version of *Frankenstein: or, The Modern Prometheus* with both excitement and curiosity. Mary Shelley’s seminal work, written when she was just 18 years old, remains a cornerstone of literary history, and I was eager to experience it anew through the medium of audio. What I discovered was a listening experience that not only brought Shelley’s haunting tale to life but also deepened my appreciation for its enduring relevance. Narrated by Cori Samuel, this LibriVox production offers a free and accessible way to engage with a masterpiece that continues to resonate with modern audiences.

Shelley’s *Frankenstein* is a novel that has haunted me since I first encountered it in my undergraduate years. I remember sitting in a dimly lit library, the pages of the 1818 edition trembling in my hands as I absorbed the tragic tale of Victor Frankenstein and his Creature. The novel’s exploration of ambition, creation, and societal rejection struck a chord with me then, and revisiting it through this audiobook has only reinforced its power. Cori Samuel’s narration captures the Gothic atmosphere perfectly, her voice weaving through the text with a clarity and emotional depth that enhances Shelley’s prose.

The novel’s nested narrative structure—beginning with Captain Robert Walton’s letters, transitioning to Victor Frankenstein’s account, and culminating in the Creature’s poignant monologue—is masterfully handled in this audiobook. Samuel’s ability to distinguish between these voices, while maintaining a cohesive tone, is commendable. Her portrayal of the Creature, in particular, is mesmerizing. She captures the character’s initial innocence, his yearning for acceptance, and his eventual descent into bitterness with a nuance that is both heartbreaking and chilling. This performance underscores the novel’s central themes of nature versus nurture and the consequences of societal prejudice.

Shelley’s work is often described as the first true science fiction novel, but it is also a deeply Romantic text. The audiobook’s pacing allows listeners to fully appreciate the novel’s engagement with the sublime. Samuel’s delivery of Shelley’s vivid descriptions of the Swiss Alps, the Arctic wilderness, and the stormy landscapes evokes the emotional intensity of the Romantic ideal. These moments of natural beauty serve as a stark contrast to the darkness of Victor’s obsession and the Creature’s suffering, a juxtaposition that is rendered even more poignant through the audio medium.

One of the audiobook’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. As a free LibriVox production, it opens the door for listeners who might not otherwise engage with this classic. However, it is worth noting that the audio quality, while generally good, occasionally reflects the volunteer nature of the project. There are moments of slight inconsistency in volume and pacing, but these minor flaws do not detract significantly from the overall experience. For those seeking a professionally produced audiobook, this might be a consideration, but for the price of free, it is an exceptional offering.

Shelley’s *Frankenstein* is a novel that invites multiple readings, each revealing new layers of meaning. In this audiobook, I found myself particularly drawn to the theme of responsibility—both personal and societal. Victor’s abandonment of his creation and the subsequent suffering it causes are a powerful reminder of the ethical implications of scientific advancement. This theme feels strikingly relevant in our current era of rapid technological progress, making the novel’s warnings as urgent today as they were in the early 19th century.

For those familiar with the myriad adaptations of *Frankenstein* in popular culture, this audiobook offers a chance to return to the source material. It is a reminder that Shelley’s Creature is not the mindless monster of Hollywood lore but a complex, tragic figure shaped by rejection and loneliness. Samuel’s narration brings this humanity to the forefront, making the Creature’s plight all the more affecting.

In closing, I highly recommend this audiobook to both longtime fans of *Frankenstein* and those encountering it for the first time. Cori Samuel’s performance breathes new life into Shelley’s Gothic masterpiece, and the free accessibility of this production makes it an invaluable resource for educators, students, and casual listeners alike. Whether you are drawn to its exploration of ethical dilemmas, its Romantic sensibilities, or its timeless relevance, this audiobook is a journey worth taking.

With literary appreciation, Prof. Emily Chen
Prof. Emily Chen