The release of Guillermo del Toro’s new movie has inspired a resurgence of interest in Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein. Ever since I read Anne Edwards’ 1972 pulpy gothic novel, Haunted Summer, I have been fascinated by the history of Mary Shelley and the “lost” summer of 1816 in Switzerland when she wrote the story. Here are a few books and movie spin-offs that sparked my interest in the topic.

Mary’s Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein by Lita Judge. This beautifully drawn and written (in poetic prose) account of Mary Shelley’s life, rife with tragedy, is succinct and perfect for teens or anyone else who wants to learn more about how she wrote the masterpiece novel Frankenstein.

The Villa by Rachel Hawkins is a dual-timeline gothic suspense novel that was inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at a Lake Geneva castle. While it doesn’t involve Mary Shelley, the plot has the same trajectory. It was exceptionally well done in audio.

Love, Sex and Frankenstein by Caroline Lea is a moody novel that centers on the summer in 1816 when Mary, her stepsister, Claire, and Percy Shelley stayed at the Lake Geneva villa with Lord Byron and the convoluted relationships that ensued. Later that summer, Lord Byron challenged everyone to write a ghost story, which led Mary to develop her masterpiece. The flow of the storytelling isn’t particularly smooth, but it’s fascinating for anyone wanting a more “adult” perspective on the lost summer.

Writers Between the Covers by Shannon McKenna Schmidt and Joni Rendon includes a chapter on Lord Byron’s extensive (and sordid) love life, with a brief mention of his stay in Switzerland with the Shelleys. For the record, the rest of the book is riveting and eye-opening and remains one of my favorite books about books and authors.

A few years ago, we ran across the movie Mary Shelley (2017) featuring Elle Fanning, and while it wasn’t accurate (what movie based on history is?), it was still entertaining and fairly well done. My husband and I both enjoyed it.

And of course, I have to mention Mel Brooks’s wildly entertaining movie, Young Frankenstein. I think it’s time for a rewatch, as I could use a good laugh.

“[Froederick and Igor are exhuming a dead criminal]

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: What a filthy job.

Igor: Could be worse.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein: How?

Igor: Could be raining.

[it starts to pour]”

I haven’t seen the new Frankenstein movie, and I’m not sure I will, but if you have, please leave a comment on whether it’s worth watching.