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50 pages 1 hour read

Ahmed Saadawi

Frankenstein in Baghdad

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

In post-war Baghdad, Hadi, a junk dealer, reanimates a corpse made from collected body parts, creating the vengeful "Whatsitsname," which seeks to avenge the deaths of those whose parts it comprises, and causing terror throughout the city as it remains unkillable by normal means. Sensitive topics include violence and body horror.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi is praised for its inventive storytelling and poignant exploration of violence and trauma in war-torn Iraq. Readers appreciate its dark humor, vivid characters, and allegorical depth. However, some find its narrative pacing inconsistent and its themes too grim. Overall, it is a thought-provoking, skillfully crafted novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Frankenstein in Baghdad?

A reader who appreciates Frankenstein in Baghdad by Ahmed Saadawi would likely enjoy dark, thought-provoking novels that blend horror with social commentary. Fans of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner will find the blend of supernatural elements with a poignant exploration of war-torn Baghdad compelling.

Book Details
Pages

281

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baghdad • 2000s

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1040L

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