The History of Literature

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744 Love, Sex, and Frankenstein (with Caroline Lea) | #10 Greatest Book of All Time | My Last Book with Geoffrey Turnovsky | A Letter from a Middle School Teacher and Mom

Oct 27, 2025

Guest

Jeffrey Ternofsky

Guest

Caroline Lee

Caroline Lea, a novelist known for her works like Love, Sex, and Frankenstein, dives deep into the life of Mary Shelley during the pivotal summer of 1816. She discusses how loss and isolation influenced Shelley's creativity and the birth of her Gothic masterpiece. Jeffrey Ternofsky, a French literature professor, shares his thoughts on choosing a 'last book,' reflecting on the intersections between reading, libraries, and personal connection to literature. The conversation weaves together themes of motherhood, idealism, and the shadows of literary history.

01:26:42

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ANECDOTE

Listener Reading With Her Kids

Listener Christine brought her children to a 24-hour Moby Dick read and reads Anna Karenina with her daughters.
Jacke used the listener's message to recommend a Paul McCartney interview she shared.

insights

INSIGHT

Happiness Comes From Living, Not Romance

Anna Karenina explores the search for meaning beyond romantic love and societal expectations.
Tolstoy uses Levin and Anna to show that commitment to life and small daily goods provides lasting meaning.

insights

INSIGHT

Four Ways People Escape Existential Despair

Tolstoy outlines four responses to life's meaninglessness: ignorance, Epicurean pleasure, suicide, and weak endurance.
Levin's journey in Anna Karenina moves from despair toward a committed life rooted in work, nature, and simple gratitude.

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Frankenstein's Origin Quote and Episode Preview

01:47 • 3min

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Listener Message: Reading with Children and Paul McCartney

05:00 • 4min

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Reveal: Anna Karenina as #10

09:28 • 3min

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Halloween Interlude and Poe Fundraising Bit

Guest Introduction: Caroline Lee and Her New Novel

40:21 • 28sec

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Caroline Lee on Island Childhood and Gothic Attraction

40:49 • 4min

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Encountering Frankenstein and Teaching It

45:00 • 4min

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Motherhood, Loss, and Mary Shelley's Early Trauma

49:14 • 4min

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Setting the 1816 Geneva Scene

53:42 • 4min

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The Ghost-Story Challenge and Literary Outcomes

57:50 • 5min

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Mary Shelley's Vision That Sparked Frankenstein

Novel Structure and Mary's Backstory

01:04:35 • 2min

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Mary and Percy Shelley: Idealism vs. Dependence

01:06:53 • 6min

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Projection, Creativity, and Becoming 'Monstrous'

01:12:37 • 5min

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Frankenstein's Success and Mary's Later Life

01:17:28 • 2min

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If You Could Advise Young Mary Shelley

01:19:33 • 2min

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Book Plug and Farewell to Caroline Lee

01:21:29 • 15sec

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Final Segment: What Would Be Your Last Book?

Reading Typographically: Immersed in Print in Early Modern France

Jeffrey Ternofsky

Love, Sex, and Frankenstein

Caroline Lee

#23053

• Mentioned in 2 episodes

The Rights of Women

Erika Bachiochi

#174

• Mentioned in 95 episodes

Crime and Punishment

Bibliophile Bibliophile Pro

Constance Black Garnett

FYODOR DOSTOEVSKY

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.

#70

• Mentioned in 162 episodes

Frankenstein

Mary Shelley

Written in epistolary form, the novel tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant and ambitious scientist who, driven by Enlightenment-era ideas of progress and science, creates a living being from dead body parts. However, upon seeing the creature come to life, Frankenstein is horrified and abandons it. The creature, shunned by society due to its appearance, seeks revenge against its creator, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel explores themes of guilt, loss, and the emotional and moral consequences of scientific hubris, blending elements of Gothic and Romantic literature.

#128

• Mentioned in 112 episodes

Anna Karenina

Leo Tolstoy

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.

#7280

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

Brothers Kramazov

Fyodor Dostoevsky

'The Brothers Karamazov' is a complex novel that explores themes of faith, doubt, morality, and free will through the lives of the Karamazov family. The story centers around the murder of Fyodor Karamazov and the subsequent investigation, with each of his sons—Dmitri, Ivan, and Alyosha—representing different facets of human nature. Dmitri is driven by passion and sensual desires, Ivan embodies intellectual skepticism, and Alyosha represents spiritual purity and faith. The novel delves into philosophical debates about the existence of God, the problem of evil, and the search for meaning in a world filled with suffering. Through its intricate plot and profound character studies, 'The Brothers Karamazov' examines the depths of the human soul and the complexities of moral choice.

#81

• Mentioned in 153 episodes

War and Peace

Leo Tolstoy

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements.

The year is 1816, and 18-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. They're on their way to visit Lord Byron's villa in Lake Geneva, Switzerland - and to change the course of literary history. In this episode, Jacke talks to Caroline Lea about her novel Love, Sex, and Frankenstein, which tells the haunting, evocative story of the summer that should have broken Mary Shelley, but instead inspired her to write her Gothic masterpiece. PLUS we hear from a listener who's been reading with her children and has a recommendation for Jacke, we cover #10 on our list of Greatest Books of All Time, and Geoffrey Turnovsky (Reading Typographically: Immersed in Print in Early Modern France) stops by to discuss his choice for the last book he will ever read.

Join Jacke on a trip through literary England (signup closing soon)! The History of Literature Podcast Tour is happening in May 2026! Act now to join Jacke and fellow literature fans on an eight-day journey through literary England in partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠⁠⁠. Scheduled stops include The Charles Dickens Museum, Dr. Johnson's house, Jane Austen's Bath, Tolkien's Oxford, Shakespeare's Globe Theater, and more. Find out more by emailing jackewilsonauthor@gmail.com or masahiko@johnshorstravel.com, or by contacting us through our website ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com⁠⁠⁠⁠. Or visit the ⁠⁠⁠⁠History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary⁠⁠⁠⁠ at ⁠⁠⁠⁠John Shors Travel⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠gabrielruizbernal.com⁠⁠⁠.

Help support the show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠patreon.com/literature ⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠⁠⁠historyofliterature.com/donate ⁠⁠⁠⁠. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature⁠⁠⁠.

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