Being my over-achieving student self, in preparation for the AP Lit exam I decided to read a variety of literature to get in the mode.  One of the books on the suggested reading list was Frankenstein, so I decided I'd take a stab at it.  Classics are sometimes hit or miss; whether you like it or you're like "How is that piece of garbage regard as one of the best pieces of prose in history?"  In this case I was very pleasantly surprised.  Not only is Mary Shelley's novel one of the best classics I've ever read, it is now on my list of favorite books of all time.
 
"Frankenstein (also titled The Modern Prometheus but now generally referred to as Frankenstein), was written by Mary Shelley and first published anonymously in 1818. The title makes reference to one of the novel's main characters, a scientist named Victor Frankenstein, who learns how to create life. The monster itself has mistakenly been referred to as "Frankenstein", after its creator. The being Frankenstein creates is formed from pieces of buried remains that are brought to life with a spark of electricity. Intended to be made in the image of man, the being turns out to be larger than average and more powerful. The saga becomes increasingly frightening as man loses control over beast. The story has become a classic and stands as a leader in the horror genre" ~ Amazon

One of the most common misconceptions of the novel is that the creature is named Frankenstein.  Please don't ever make this mistake.  The novel is named after Dr. Victor Frankenstein who created the monster.  You just make a fool of yourself if you do this so please refrain from it.

The novel changes between many different points of view.  It starts off with Captain Robert Walton writing letters to his sister from aboard his ship.  Throughout the letters the reader comes to know that Walton comes across a man floating in the water.  It turns out to be Dr. Frankenstein, and he thus begins telling the story of how he came to be out in the sea, beginning with the creation of the monster.  After Frankenstein's brother is found dead by strangulation we come to find that the monster killed his brother, and the monster thus begins to recant his story after running away from Dr. Frankenstein.  The monster is an outsider and wants a wife, but Dr. Frankenstein refuses, and more death ensues.

Through the different narratives, Shelley is giving multiple perspectives on the same issue.  The novel is truly about tampering with the unknown and going against the law of nature.  By creating life, which is only meant to be done by God, Dr. Frankenstein has done something that has never been done before, and the reader sees what ensues.  It's actually an extremely interesting read and I urge everyone to pick it up.  This is one of the few classics that I actually regard as a "classic."  Many classics, such as For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway, I regard as utter garbage.  Frankenstein is the exact opposite.  You won't regret reading it.  It truly is one of the first horror novels ever written.