To listen to a Frankenstein audiobook along with reading the text, you need to find a good audiobook version. Discover the benefits of listening as you read.

How to listen to the Frankenstein audiobook with text

Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley’s Frankenstein, or The Modern Prometheus is a classic of gothic literature, with science fiction elements thrown in for good measure.

The tale, which explores Victor Frankenstein’s mission to create a living being using scientific methods, is a classic science fiction novel. A bestseller in its time, the book is still beloved by readers. The original 1818 text is available in many different versions as a public domain book.

Perhaps you’re already a fan of Mary Shelly’s work and wish to enjoy the original Frankenstein in a new way. If that’s the case, you can experience this English classic by listening to it while reading the text.

Where to get the Frankenstein audiobook

Before you can listen to Frankenstein while reading along to it, you have a simple question to answer: Where can you get a Frankenstein audiobook?

The good news is that there are many places to find the book. Each offers a unique take on this classic tale for you to enjoy.

LibriVox

As a site that’s dedicated to public domain books, LibriVox offers many free audiobooks, and Frankenstein is one of them. Better yet, this version is available alongside an online text that you can read as you listen.

LibriVox splits its version by chapter, allowing you to dip in and out at your leisure. It also links you to the Wikipedia pages for the book and its author, which may help you get started if you have a research project.

Apple Books

Apple released its version of this classic tale in 2018. Available via Apple Books, it features narration by Aaron Mahnke.

Mahnke is the host of the “Lore” podcast, which explores many great horror stories, including many from the same era as Frankenstein. Those interested in classic tales like Dracula and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde can experience those tales along with discussions on the podcast.

The same goes for Frankenstein. This version of the book comes from somebody who has a deep love for the source material. It should come as no surprise that it has a host of positive customer reviews.

Kobo

This unabridged version of the story is ideal for those who want to feel like they’re transported into the world Shelley created.

Why? It’s narrated by The World Classic Cast. As such, each character has their own voice and quirks, which serve to engage the listener.

Scribd

The Scribd audiobook service also hosts a version of Frankenstein. This one is narrated by Tom Casaletto and George Guidall, who offer a wonderful interplay that makes this audiobook a joy to hear.

Their character work draws you in from the moment Robert Walton fishes a scientist named Frankenstein from the sea through to the book’s conclusion with flair and vigor.

Amazon Audible

It should come as no surprise that the world’s largest audiobook platform also hosts an audiobook version of Frankenstein.

Dan Stevens serves as the narrator, and he does an excellent job. In fact, his work led to him being an Audie Award finalist for the Solo Narration Male and Classic categories in 2013. Add this book to your wishlist and you can use an Audible credit to make your purchase.

What is Frankenstein about?

Mary Shelley began work on Frankenstein while holidaying with Lord Byron and Percy Bysshe Shelley in Geneva, Switzerland. Plagued by a rainy summer, Shelley received a challenge from Byron to write a supernatural tale to entertain the group.

One member of the group came up with the idea of electrical reanimation. Terrified by the thought, Shelley started on what would become the first edition of her most famous work. She published this edition in London anonymously when she was 20 years old.

On its surface, Frankenstein is a simple tale of science going too far. The titular scientist creates life using electricity, with the unnamed monster he created going on to hate the very person who gave him life.

The book explores themes related to the pursuit of knowledge. It highlights the dangers of scientific curiosity leading to brilliant minds going too far. But at its core, Frankenstein is a story about connection and community.

We see this in the unnamed monster’s journey. He wants nothing more than to be accepted by those around him. Unfortunately, the monster can’t find the acceptance we all crave, leading to him turning against his creator.

Making the tale even more tragic is that there’s nothing inherently violent or monstrous about the “monster.” He is almost cast in the role of a fallen angel, shunned by all he approaches.

These themes of rejection and heartache are familiar to all.

Why listen and read at the same time?

Now that you know where to find a Frankenstein audiobook, you’re ready to listen while reading along with a physical copy or an e-book on your Kindle.

Why do that?

That are several advantages of listening to an audiobook while following along with the text:

• You can develop a greater understanding of the work by listening and reading simultaneously.
• Listening allows a reader to understand the tone and pacing a skilled reader achieves.
• You can discover proper phrasing and expression while listening and reading.
• Struggling readers may find that having an audiobook accompaniment gives them more independence when reading.

Pick your favorite classics from Speechify

Once you’ve finished Frankenstein, you may start to search for other classic literary works.

At Speechify Audiobooks, we have a library of over 60,000 titles. These include great books from the minds of authors like Robert Louis Stevenson and Jane Austen.

Speechify allows you to buy audiobooks without paying any subscription fees. You can then listen to your books on any device you wish. If you haven’t used the service before, you can also buy your first audiobook for just $1.

If you’d like to learn more, check out Speechify Audiobooks online today.

FAQ

How long is the Frankenstein audiobook?

The length of the Frankenstein audiobook varies depending on the platform you choose. The Audible version is eight hours and 36 minutes long.

What does Frankenstein mean?

Frankenstein is the name of the scientist in Mary Shelley’s novel. However, it’s commonly used as a term to describe a monstrous creation.

When was Frankenstein published?

Frankenstein was first published in 1818.

What is the difference between audiobook and book?

An audiobook is an audio recording of a novel or book to which you can listen. A book is the written version of a story.