Frankenstein: Was the book anything like what you expected?

It seems to me the character or "creature", which was created by dr. Frankenstein in the book is more gruesome, more horrific than that depicted in the movies. Granted the one where Robert DeNiro starred in and played as the "creature" is almost true to the original story (scarred, stitched from many body parts), yet I still like another Frankenstein movie, which starred Donald Sutherland (I forgot the actor's name who played Dr. Frankenstein in this one). The latter movie is more intense, true to the original storyline, but the "monster" itself was not as scary as played by Robert DeNiro. IMHO I think Frankenstein is a sad tale, especially the "creature", who was created with such a big heart, yet rejected and isolated due to his appearance.

I didn't think the monster would be remotely elegant in terms of speech. I just thought he would grunt and moan, and walk slowly after you. And, of course, I thought that his name was Frankenstein. I don't find the Romantics the least bit interesting, regardless. I'm much more of a 20th century type of reader...I find books like Frankenstein to be incredibly dry and prolixic, all the while saying very little that I can connect with. I'm sure it was different for people who actually lived through the French Revolution.

The book is a bit better. There is a musical coming out now: http://www.terrortube.com/html/Frankenstein-Does-Broadway.html

When I read the book, I already knew that "Frankenstein" was the doctor, not the monster, and had enough of an idea of what the book was about that I wasn't surprised. I was surprised by how very much I grew to dislike Dr. Frankenstein, he became the true "villian" of the book for me, because he did not take responsibility for what he had created, simply because he found the reality unappealing. I have a feeling the creature might have had a much better life if his creator had been willing to take that responsibility, and the deaths would not have happened.

Today we see movies that oversimplify the themes of frankenstein so much that they dont resemble those of the original work. I was very intrigued with the story telling that was offered by mary shelly as well was the versimiltude she brought to her novel. Moreover each allusion left me searching for the next as it really contributed to the themes.