Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Robert Walton is a brave explorer with a big dream. He wants to sail all the way to the cold North Pole. He writes letters to his sister Margaret about his exciting adventure. Robert imagines the North Pole as a magical place full of wonders and light. He has worked very hard to get ready for this journey.

But Robert feels lonely. He wishes he had a true friend to share his thoughts with. One foggy day, his ship sees something amazing on the ice. A very tall person is riding a sled pulled by dogs far away. The next morning, they find another sled floating on the ice. A tired, cold man sits inside. The sailors help him onto their ship. Robert takes care of him and they become friends. The stranger is very sad, but also kind. He decides to tell Robert his story. It sounds like it will be full of surprising things.

Victor was born in Geneva to a kind and loving family. His father was a good man who cared deeply about helping others. Before Victor was born, his father had a dear friend named Beaufort who became very poor and sick. Beaufort had a brave daughter named Caroline who worked hard to take care of him. Sadly, Beaufort passed away, and Caroline was left all alone. Victor's father found her and helped her, and after two years they got married. They loved each other very much and traveled to beautiful places in Italy. That is where baby Victor was born. His parents adored him and gave him a happy, gentle childhood full of love and learning. When Victor was five years old, his mother found a golden-haired girl named Elizabeth living with a poor family. Elizabeth's parents could not care for her anymore. Victor's kind mother brought Elizabeth home. From that day on, Elizabeth became like a sister to Victor, and they played together and shared everything.