“Nothing is so painful to the human mind as a great and sudden change.”
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein not only stands as one of the coldest ways of winning a bet but also as one of the significant books in the gothic horror genre. The story of an ambitious scientist and his grotesque creation running rampant, Frankenstein has become a defining work on the back of its dark atmosphere and commentary on the ethics of scientific pursuits and the nature of human morality. Its themes are timeless and have inspired countless works in the years since its first release in 1818. To celebrate one of the all-time classic pieces of literature, join us at What We Reading as we explore realms where fear and fascination collide with the best books like Frankenstein!
The Last Man – Mary Shelley
If you loved Mary Shelley’s 1826 novel, why not consider diving into more of her work? Kicking off our list of the best books like Frankenstein, The Last Man is another foray into the world of science fiction by Shelley. Imagining a world that has been ravaged by a plague, readers are guided through this post-apocalyptic tale by the protagonist, a man named Lionel Verney, who is considered to be the last man alive in the 21st century.
Through its themes of isolation, the fragility of civilization, and, similarly to Frankenstein, the dangers of unchecked scientific progress, Verney recounts his experiences with previous survivors and the gradual breakdown of society. The Last Man stands as one of Shelley’s most defining works, serving as a historical commentary on the failure of imagination and taking a stand against the Romantic movement of the era.
Never Let Me Go – Kazuo Ishiguro
Another book like Frankenstein that explores the potential dystopia of technological advancements comes from Kazuo Ishiguro in Never Let Me Go. This genre-bending 2005 book introduces readers to Hailsham, a seemingly pleasant English boarding school that prides itself on teaching its students all there is to know about art and literature.
Kathy, Ruth and Tommy have all lived within the walls of Hailsham from their early years, being protected and educated by its leaders. However, it is only when they leave the school grounds and venture into the world outside that they begin to understand the true, sinister nature of what this institution is. Similar to Frankenstein, Ishiguro’s book is a scathing criticism of human arrogance, raising questions on how we treat the vulnerable and those different to us in society.
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Prodigal Son (Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein #1) – Dean Koontz And Kevin J. Anderson
A modern retelling of Mary Shelley’s most famous work from horror veteran author Dean Koontz, readers are introduced to the brilliant, albeit reclusive, scientist Victor Helios in the opening book of his five-part series. Set in present-day New Orleans, Helios, originally known as Victor Frankenstein, has been engaging in secret, illegal experiments to create a race of superhumans.
Detective Carson O’Connor is cool, cynical and no-nonsense. Along with her partner, Michael Maddison, the pair become ensnared in a series of gruesome murders that eventually lead back to Helios and his quest to build the perfect human specimen. Blending the gothic mythos of Shelley with the setting of a contemporary crime thriller, Koontz and Anderson’s Prodigal Son is one of the best retellings of a true horror classic.
The Strange Case Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde – Robert Louis Stevenson
Along with Frankenstein, Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is one of the definitive pieces of Victorian gothic horror. Another book that explores the duality of man, the struggle of good versus evil and science and reason against the supernatural, it remains one of the most beloved and influential pieces of literature in the genre.
The story recounts the relationship shared between the respectable scientist and physician Dr Jekyll with the ‘damnable young man’ Edward Hyde. Narrated by Jekyll’s friend, Gabriel John Utterson, readers follow his investigations into the pursuit of a violent killer in the smog-filled streets of London, the strange events surrounding Jekyll and the shocking revelation of Hyde’s true identity. Whether it be in the struggle between Jekyll and Hyde or Frankenstein and his creation, Stevenson and Shelley’s inventiveness shines throughout their work, inviting readers to ponder on the shared themes of isolation and alienation, the morals and ethics of scientific exploration and its consequences.
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House Of Leaves – Mark Z. Danielewski
Another book similar to Frankenstein in its themes of pursuing the unknown and the profound power of isolation comes from Mark Z. Danielewski in House of Leaves. Uniquely structured with blends of horror, mystery and experimental fiction, the book follows a young family, the Navidsons, who move into a small home on Ash Tree Lane that defies all laws of physics.
Bigger on the inside than the outside, the building is home to an ever-evolving labyrinth. Through a maze of footnotes, multiple narratives and unconventional page layouts, readers are guided through the family’s attempts to explore this labyrinth and make sense of the changes happening to their home. Renowned for its challenge to readers to try and make sense of it, House of Leaves raises questions about perception, reality and how the unknown can influence the human psyche.
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The Shape Of Darkness – Laura Purcell
Laura Purcell transports readers to Victorian Bath during the emergence of the age of photography in her historical fiction horror novel, The Shape of Darkness. The protagonist, Agnes, a silhouette artist, finds herself grappling with the challenges of sustaining her business amid technological advancements, recovering from a recent illness, and caring for her nephew and elderly mother. However, her struggles only worsen when several of her clients are brutally murdered.
As the killings continue, Agnes seeks help from a child spirit medium named Pearl to communicate with the victims. Yet, what they uncover opens a door to the unknown, revealing a force that may be impossible to contain once unleashed. Like Frankenstein, The Shape of Darkness utilises its gothic and dark elements to ask questions about the consequences of pursuits into the unknown, both in terms of morality and psychologically.
The Picture Of Dorian Gray – Oscar Wilde
For another gothic exploration of morality and indulgence like Frankenstein, look no further than Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. This 1890 book follows the story of Dorian Gray, a young Victorian man who becomes the subject of a portrait by artist Basil Hallward. Dorian is soon enthralled by the beauty of the picture and sells his soul so that he can remain untouched by the ravages of time, believing that sensual fulfilment and hedonism are the only things worth pursuing in life.
As the years pass, however, the portrait begins to morph and become increasingly grotesque, reflecting Dorian’s moral degeneration and leading to tragedy and self-destruction. Similar to Frankenstein, The Picture of Dorian challenges readers to empathise with a character who engages in immoral acts. Like the monster, readers are encouraged to view Dorian as a victim rather than a villain.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
