Mary Shelley Book Club: "Frankenstein"

This Halloween, we are reading the novel that started it all, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

The horror classic—credited with creating the sci-fi genre—is more relevant than ever in the age of articificial intelligence.

We will read about 40 pages a week, and gather on Zoom on Monday evenings discuss them. Participation in discussions is optional. 

Along the way, you will also learn about Mary Shelley's life, the circumstances under which she created this novel, and the ways it has been adapted to the big screen. We'll end this club with a movie night or two. 

Are meetings recorded?

Yes. All meetings are recorded and emailed out automatically to everyone who's signed up—so if you miss any of the meetings, you won't miss anything. 

Who is leading this book club?

Rebecca Brown, a novelist with almost 40 years of experience teaching literature and creative writing in university settings, will co-lead this club. Brown is the author of more than a dozen books, including fiction that explores dark and fantastical realms (highly recommended: her novel The Dogs and her short-story cycle Not Heaven, Somewhere Else).

The filmmaker Neil Ferron will be this club's co-leader. Ferron's screenplay for the short horror film Fishmonger (currently in production) won Grand Prize at the 2021 Slamdance Screenplay Competition. He has also directed music videos for bands like Shabazz Palaces. 

Which edition of the book are we reading?

We are reading this edition. If you get that, you'll have the same page numbers as everyone else during discussions. That said, if you have a copy of Frankenstein you prefer, or if you'd like to check one out from your local library, that works too.

What do I need to read before the first meeting?

Nothing. There is no reading assignment to finish before our first meeting. At that initial meeting, expect to learn about Mary Shelley's life and the context in which this book was written. Plus, you'll get a chance to get to know the other members of this book club. 

Is financial assistance available?

Yes. If you would like to join this class but price is a barrier, sponsorship funds are available to help make it possible. Please apply here.

Donations encouraged

If you choose to pay extra, you are automatically making a donation to the financial assistance fund. Thank you for making this class accessible to people who would not be able to afford it otherwise.

Art

Mary Shelley portrait by Kathryn Rathke