Talk · the book club
The Longhand book club
One book at a time, a few chapters a week. Read along whenever you can, and join the conversation when you have something to say.
Now reading
Frankenstein
A young scientist builds a living creature and runs from what he has made. It was written by a nineteen-year-old on a rainy summer holiday, and it is still one of the best books ever written about responsibility, loneliness, and wanting to be known.
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Week 1from October 5This week
Letters 1–4 and Chapters 1–5
- The novel opens with Walton's letters to his sister, not with Victor. Why do you think Shelley frames the story this way?
- Victor calls his pursuit of knowledge dangerous even as he tells it. Where do you see him choosing it anyway?
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Week 2from October 12This week
Chapters 6–10
- What does Justine's trial show about who gets believed, and why?
- Victor keeps silent when speaking might save someone. Can you understand him? Can you forgive him?
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Week 3from October 19This week
Chapters 11–17
- The creature learns language by listening to the De Lacey family. What else does he learn about people along with the words?
- These chapters are told in the creature's own voice. Did hearing him change how you see him?
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Week 4from October 26This week
Chapters 18–24
- Who is the monster by the end? Did your answer change as you read?
- Victor and the creature chase each other to the ice. What do they have in common?
How it works
Each week has a stretch of reading and a couple of questions to think about. Talk about them in our discussion space any time that week. Fell behind? Join in anywhere. Nobody takes attendance.
The discussion space opens soon.
Members help choose the next book. Bring your suggestions to the discussion.