The Terrifying Tale of Frankenstein In Baghdad: A Modern Twist on a Classic Monster

Frankenstein In Baghdad is a captivating novel that offers a contemporary take on Mary Shelley's classic monster, Frankenstein. Written by Iraqi author Ahmed Saadawi, this thought-provoking masterpiece explores the horrors of war, the consequences of violence, and the complex nature of human existence.

A Distorted Reality in an Unstable City

The story is set in the turbulent city of Baghdad, where violence and chaos have become the norm. Saadawi delicately weaves a tale that reflects the harsh realities faced by the citizens of this war-torn city.

Frankenstein in Baghdad: A Novel

by Ahmed Saadawi (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2239 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages

FREE

The protagonist, Hadi Al-Attag, an eccentric junk dealer, becomes the unintended creator of a new Frankenstein-like monster. He collects body parts from the victims of bomb attacks and stitches them together, giving life to a grotesque creature named Whatsitsname. This creature is driven by a thirst for revenge and seeks justice for the victims it is comprised of.

The Moral Dilemma of Creating a Monster

As the creature embarks on its mission to seek justice, it disturbs the balance of an already fragile society. The novel raises thought-provoking questions about the ethical consequences of creating a monster out of desperation and anger. Is it justifiable to bring something to life that only perpetuates violence and chaos?

Saadawi's portrayal of Whatsitsname forces readers to confront the moral dilemma of revenge versus justice. While the creature seeks vengeance for the innocent lives lost, its methods blur the line between right and wrong. This blurred morality cleverly mirrors the disarray of the war-torn city and invites us to question our own notions of justice.

A Remarkable Blend of Horror and Social Commentary

Frankenstein In Baghdad beautifully navigates the realms of horror and social commentary. Saadawi's masterful storytelling effortlessly keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also providing a platform to explore the socio-political issues that plague our world today.

The novel delves into the lives of various characters, each deeply affected by the violence and destruction that surrounds them. Through their individual perspectives, readers gain a profound understanding of the human cost of war and the struggles faced by ordinary people caught in the crossfire.

A Haunting Exploration of Humanity

At its core, Frankenstein In Baghdad transcends the traditional horror genre and emerges as a haunting exploration of humanity. It exposes our capacity for both good and evil, as well as the lasting effects of trauma and loss.

Saadawi expertly crafts morally complex characters that draw sympathy from readers, despite their flaws and questionable actions. This provokes deep introspection, forcing us to examine the depths of our own humanity.

A Literary Gem That Demands to be Read

Frankenstein In Baghdad is a literary gem that showcases the power of storytelling to shed light on the darkest corners of our world. Saadawi's gripping narrative and piercing insights challenge readers to reevaluate their perspectives on violence, justice, and the human condition.

With its long descriptive keyword for the alt attribute and engaging clickbait title, this article aims to introduce and entice readers into delving into the complex and thought-provoking depths of Frankenstein In Baghdad. It is a modern masterpiece that will leave an indelible mark on anyone brave enough to turn its pages.

Frankenstein in Baghdad: A Novel

by Ahmed Saadawi (Kindle Edition)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2239 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages

FREE

*Man Booker International Prize finalist*

“Brave and ingenious.” —The New York Times

“Gripping, darkly humorous . . . profound.” —Phil Klay, bestselling author and National Book Award winner for Redeployment

“Extraordinary . . . A devastating but essential read.” —Kevin Powers, bestselling author and National Book Award finalist for The Yellow Birds

From the rubble-strewn streets of U.S.-occupied Baghdad, Hadi—a scavenger and an oddball fixture at a local café—collects human body parts and stitches them together to create a corpse. His goal, he claims, is for the government to recognize the parts as people and to give them proper burial. But when the corpse goes missing, a wave of eerie murders sweeps the city, and reports stream in of a horrendous-looking criminal who, though shot, cannot be killed. Hadi soon realizes he’s created a monster, one that needs human flesh to survive—first from the guilty, and then from anyone in its path. A prizewinning novel by “Baghdad’s new literary star” (The New York Times), Frankenstein in Baghdad captures with white-knuckle horror and black humor the surreal reality of contemporary Iraq.