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50 pages 1 hour read

Frankissstein

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

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Book Brief

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Jeanette Winterson

Frankissstein

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lake Geneva • 1810s

Topic
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Frankissstein by Jeanette Winterson intertwines the lives of Dr. Ry, a transgender physician in the process of transitioning, and Victor Stein, a professor of artificial intelligence focused on cryogenic experiments and digital emulations to achieve eternal life. Their complex relationship, alongside Ron Lord's venture into AI-driven sex dolls, reflects on the ethical dimensions of human identity and technology, with parallels to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The novel addresses sensitive topics related to body autonomy and gender dysphoria.

Mysterious

Fantastical

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Informative

Reviews & Readership

3.9

14,367 ratings

57%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Frankissstein by Jeanette Winterson is praised for its inventive narrative and thought-provoking themes, blending Gothic elements with contemporary issues such as artificial intelligence and gender identity. Critics admire Winterson's wit and imagination but note that the novel's ambitious scope may overwhelm some readers, occasionally leading to underdeveloped subplots.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Frankissstein?

A reader who would enjoy Frankissstein by Jeanette Winterson likely appreciates literary fiction with a blend of historical reimagination and futuristic speculation. Fans of The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger and Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell will find its exploration of identity, technology, and gender compelling.

3.9

14,367 ratings

57%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

15%

Not a fan

Character List

Ry Shelley

A transgender man and doctor navigating modern society, known for his resilience against transphobia and his unique self-identification as a "hybrid," blending feminine and masculine traits.

The real-life author of "Frankenstein" and a character in the novel's historical narrative, deeply influenced by her feminist ideals and personal tragedies, especially the loss of her children.

Appears both as the original character from Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" and in a modern incarnation, exploring themes of scientific progress and ethical dilemmas.

A dual character reflecting historical and contemporary chauvinism, with Byron as the Romantic poet known for his controversial charisma, and Ron as a businessman in the sexbot industry.

Provides a historical and modern perspective on outsider status and involvement in the narrative, with Polidori as Byron's physician and Polly as a journalist with a critical eye on technology.

Comprising historical Claire Clairmont, Byron's mistress, and two modern representations: one, a subservient sexbot, and the other, a CEO entangled with social and religious norms.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Lake Geneva • 1810s

Topic
Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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