The World of Frankenstein by Adam Simpson – Laurence King – 1000 pieces
Though at times difficult, I very much enjoyed this puzzle. The quality of the puzzle itself, and the interesting collage-like image made for fun puzzling. If it looks like something you’re interested in, I definitely recommend this one (as long as the puzzle is manufactured in the Netherlands).
As I’ve discussed before, Laurence King puzzles have a conditional recommendation from me; I would only purchase them if you can be certain where they were made. Some are made in China, and they are not the same quality as the ones made in the Netherlands; only those made in the latter are ones I recommend.
So let’s get into this particular puzzle. Have you read the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley? I haven’t, but the poster for this puzzle (and my youngest son) has given me plenty of information about not only the book itself, but the author and the origins of this story. I did know the origin story – funnily enough I saw an episode of Drunk History about it – but have never read the book. If you’ve only ever seen Frankenstein movies, you wouldn’t know that in the book he isn’t the murderous rampaging monster Boris Karloff portrayed; he is “an agonized soul made monstrous by lack of human sympathy”.
The image on this puzzle shows important scenes from the story in the book, with a legend on the back of the poster showing the scenes and their relation to the narrative.
This is where most people think the story begins, with the monster being brought to life during an electrical storm. I won’t go through the entire book here, it would take much too long and require many pictures; but it made for interesting and VERY entertaining puzzling!
When the monster sees his own reflection he begins to understand how much of an outsider he is. This particular image seems so very sad to me.
The center of the image, with the monster and Victor Frankenstein on an iceberg in the Arctic, is basically where the story begins and ends. The iceberg itself was challenging to assemble, but every piece added was a little victory, and I enjoyed it very much.
It was interesting to read the synopsis of the story, and see the artist’s interpretations of those pivotal scenes; and it made for a great puzzle. I absolutely loved it!
My Jigsaw Journal 
Great seasonal pick and congrats on the finish, Stacey! I have read Frankenstein, and as you said the story is very different from film versions and what has since entered popular culture. It is actually a fun, quick read and very accessible for a book published in 1818. Great puzzle and thanks for the heads up about the importance of the country of manufacture for Laurence King.
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I guess I just assumed it would be full of archaic language and I’d have to slog through it. Maybe I’ll give the book a try!
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What a great puzzle, it’s even better than I thought from your in progress post!
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Thanks, it really was fun to do.
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I don’t know if you listen to audiobooks while you puzzle, but Frankenstein is excellent narrated by Dan Stevens. I enjoy seeing your puzzles and reading your commentary. Thank you.
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Thanks so much. I usually only listen to music, but I think I may have to read Mary Shelley’s book after all.
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Sometimes I listen to music while puzzling, such as this October while I was doing It’s All a Bunch of Hocus Pocus, by The Found, 500 pieces, random cut, matte paper finish. I listened to: Instrument of the Devil by Rachel Barton (violin) and Patrick Sinozich (piano) – she’s blazing on Danse Macabre by Saint-Saëns; and Fright Night: Music That Goes Bump in The Night, which has the Bach Toccata, and Gounod’s Funeral March of a Marionette (which was the theme song for Alfred Hitchcock Presents), etc. That was a fun combo for Halloween.
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Mostly I listen to 70s & 80s music, and Pentatonix (a cappella). Sometimes it changes depending on my mood, but that’s usually what I listen to these days.
Actually for the past week I’ve been listening to Christmas music! Pentatonix released a new Christmas album and it’s been on repeat for over a week now. 💖🎶
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Oh, I love their Evergreen. I’ll have to check out their new album. Thanks.
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You’re very welcome.
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Clarification, I love their song Evergreen.
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I do too, it made me cry when I first heard it. It’s beautiful. ❤
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Yes, I agree that it’s beautiful. It can still make me teary-eyed when I watch/listen to it.
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😊🎶 Pentatonix are amazing artists, they’re my absolute favorite group.
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