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valeria14vq's review
3.0
Actual rating: 3.5
“I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things, which I dare not confess to my own soul.”
Among the few classics that I occasionally pick up to read, this is the one I have enjoyed the most. At the beginning with Jonathan's arrival at Dracula's mansion, there were moments that gave me the chills. It’s intriguing to read how they treated Lucy after she fell ill, how they sought help everywhere to prevent her from dying, how she lacked blood every day and couldn't find the reason... but we know it from the start. I always enjoy it, how one as a reader knows what happens but the characters are in ignorance.
“Loneliness will sit over our roofs with brooding wings.”
Regarding the characters, there wasn’t one that I liked that much, but I did get excited when they mentioned Van Helsing. Since I was little, I‘ve always been a super fan of the movie about him and it was good to read about the original character, who by the way, is quite different and much older.
It was a good book. I think the first half of it was better compared to the ending. The last part seemed rushed and I wish Dracula had put up more of a fight.
Favorite character: Van Helsing
“I am all in a sea of wonders. I doubt; I fear; I think strange things, which I dare not confess to my own soul.”
Among the few classics that I occasionally pick up to read, this is the one I have enjoyed the most. At the beginning with Jonathan's arrival at Dracula's mansion, there were moments that gave me the chills. It’s intriguing to read how they treated Lucy after she fell ill, how they sought help everywhere to prevent her from dying, how she lacked blood every day and couldn't find the reason... but we know it from the start. I always enjoy it, how one as a reader knows what happens but the characters are in ignorance.
“Loneliness will sit over our roofs with brooding wings.”
Regarding the characters, there wasn’t one that I liked that much, but I did get excited when they mentioned Van Helsing. Since I was little, I‘ve always been a super fan of the movie about him and it was good to read about the original character, who by the way, is quite different and much older.
It was a good book. I think the first half of it was better compared to the ending. The last part seemed rushed and I wish Dracula had put up more of a fight.
Favorite character: Van Helsing
maddustkitties's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. Even if you've seen all the Dracula movies made, you need to read the book.
andrea_loves_books_and_cats's review against another edition
2.0
Truthfully told I only read this book because of the upcoming movie "Renfield" coming up about Dracula's assistant.
Given that this book was written in 1897, the writing was quite simplistic in reading and while some gothic vocabulary was burdensome to look up the plot was made quite clear.
The fact that it was written in a diary entry but did not have the format of a diary annoyed me very much as the date was placed on the same line as the written entry (Not sure if this was only a me thing.) Also, the POV switches were quite annoying as they would change midway through chapters.
The fact that there are so many identifications of the tension between Count Dracula and Johnathan in the beginning however midway the author drops it and moves on to the attraction of two female characters as if Bram was trying to counteract the queerness of the story in the beginning.
Renfield begging for a cat and "playing" with animals is quite hilarious also Van Helsing was an interesting written character.
In the beginning of Mina and Lucy's diary entries are quite a bore to me even though later on they build onto the story.
Was this book worth reading the 488 pages, I think not but is it worth reading at least once in your lifetime, Yes!
Given that this book was written in 1897, the writing was quite simplistic in reading and while some gothic vocabulary was burdensome to look up the plot was made quite clear.
The fact that it was written in a diary entry but did not have the format of a diary annoyed me very much as the date was placed on the same line as the written entry (Not sure if this was only a me thing.) Also, the POV switches were quite annoying as they would change midway through chapters.
The fact that there are so many identifications of the tension between Count Dracula and Johnathan in the beginning however midway the author drops it and moves on to the attraction of two female characters as if Bram was trying to counteract the queerness of the story in the beginning.
Renfield begging for a cat and "playing" with animals is quite hilarious also Van Helsing was an interesting written character.
In the beginning of Mina and Lucy's diary entries are quite a bore to me even though later on they build onto the story.
Was this book worth reading the 488 pages, I think not but is it worth reading at least once in your lifetime, Yes!
bobanbang's review against another edition
5.0
The first half was gothic horror in its purest form, and the second half one of the most thrilling stories of vengeance one can read
This masterful novel is so so much more than just the simple vampire story that I used to believe it was
This masterful novel is so so much more than just the simple vampire story that I used to believe it was
zhqlley's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
maryartchy's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
bloodmaarked's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
3.5* rounded up. dracula got onto my radar somewhere somehow fairly recently and given it's one of the classics with probably the greatest cultural impact i thought i'd give it a read. i'm not that interested in horror or vampire lore but even given that, i was impressed with the many genuine moments of thrill and terror. it's clearly a classic for a reason and has stood up remarkably in that sense for over a century.
✧ full review on my tumblr ✧
✧ full review on my tumblr ✧
afteours's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
𓂃 ࣪˖ ཐིཋྀ.𖥔 ݁ ˖ 🧛🏻 3.75☆! 𝑝͟𝑒͟𝑟͟𝑠͟𝑜͟𝑛͟𝑎͟𝑙͟ 𝑜͟𝑝͟𝑖͟𝑛͟𝑖͟𝑜͟𝑛͟.
"𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌."
🗡️ - 𝑉͟𝑎͟𝑛͟ 𝐻͟𝑒͟𝑙͟𝑠͟𝑖͟𝑛͟𝑔.
⊹ ‧₊˚ ✧. 𝗼͟𝘃͟𝗲͟𝗿͟𝗮͟𝗹͟𝗹͟ 𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗼͟𝘂͟𝗴͟𝗵͟𝘁͟𝘀͟: ⋆｡
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is an essential read, a cornerstone of classic literature that has profoundly influenced popular culture's portrayal of vampires. The novel's impact is undeniable, inspiring countless books, movies, and other media centered on these mythical creatures. However, one aspect that may jar contemporary readers is its occasionally overt sexism. It's important to remember the context of the era in which it was written, which can help mitigate this discomfort. This was my first time reading "Dracula," and I was captivated by its epistolary format, composed of diary entries, letters, and articles. This structure is not only innovative but also expertly crafted to propel the plot forward and maintain a delicate balance among the main characters. You also find the beautiful in its own right and highly sophisticated beautifully language in which it was written, adding to the novel's charm.
Themes of life and death, good and evil, and right and wrong are intricately explored, making the novel worth revisiting to fully grasp its philosophical depth and darkness. While the story may start slowly, it quickly gains momentum, evoking a range of emotions and immersing the reader in its gothic atmosphere. Dracula emerges as a truly formidable antagonist, and the novel's atmosphere enhances this sense of menace.
Moreover, Stoker's use of symbolism adds layers of meaning to the narrative. Mirrors, garlic, and silver are not mere props but carry deeper significance. For instance, Dracula's inability to see his reflection symbolizes his lack of a soul, a literal embodiment of being dead inside. The association of silver with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, further enriches the character of Dracula, aligning him with the ultimate betrayer.
"Dracula" is a must-read for several reasons. Its narrative style, thematic depth, and sophisticated language appeal to a wide range of readers. The novel's symbolism and philosophical undertones offer much to ponder, making it a rich and rewarding experience. Despite its occasional slow pace and dated views on gender, "Dracula" remains a masterful and enduring piece of literature.
⊹ ‧₊˚ . ✧ 𝗾͟𝘂͟𝗼͟𝘁͟𝗲͟𝘀!͟:
↳ ꒰ ⊹ - "Do you not think that there are things which you cannot understand, and yet which are; that some people see things that others cannot?"
Van Helsing.
"𝖳𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝖽𝖺𝗋𝗄𝗇𝖾𝗌𝗌𝖾𝗌 𝗂𝗇 𝗅𝗂𝖿𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗈𝗇𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌, 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍 𝗈𝖿 𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗅𝗂𝗀𝗁𝗍𝗌."
🗡️ - 𝑉͟𝑎͟𝑛͟ 𝐻͟𝑒͟𝑙͟𝑠͟𝑖͟𝑛͟𝑔.
⊹ ‧₊˚ ✧. 𝗼͟𝘃͟𝗲͟𝗿͟𝗮͟𝗹͟𝗹͟ 𝘁͟𝗵͟𝗼͟𝘂͟𝗴͟𝗵͟𝘁͟𝘀͟: ⋆｡
"Dracula" by Bram Stoker is an essential read, a cornerstone of classic literature that has profoundly influenced popular culture's portrayal of vampires. The novel's impact is undeniable, inspiring countless books, movies, and other media centered on these mythical creatures. However, one aspect that may jar contemporary readers is its occasionally overt sexism. It's important to remember the context of the era in which it was written, which can help mitigate this discomfort. This was my first time reading "Dracula," and I was captivated by its epistolary format, composed of diary entries, letters, and articles. This structure is not only innovative but also expertly crafted to propel the plot forward and maintain a delicate balance among the main characters. You also find the beautiful in its own right and highly sophisticated beautifully language in which it was written, adding to the novel's charm.
Themes of life and death, good and evil, and right and wrong are intricately explored, making the novel worth revisiting to fully grasp its philosophical depth and darkness. While the story may start slowly, it quickly gains momentum, evoking a range of emotions and immersing the reader in its gothic atmosphere. Dracula emerges as a truly formidable antagonist, and the novel's atmosphere enhances this sense of menace.
Moreover, Stoker's use of symbolism adds layers of meaning to the narrative. Mirrors, garlic, and silver are not mere props but carry deeper significance. For instance, Dracula's inability to see his reflection symbolizes his lack of a soul, a literal embodiment of being dead inside. The association of silver with Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, further enriches the character of Dracula, aligning him with the ultimate betrayer.
"Dracula" is a must-read for several reasons. Its narrative style, thematic depth, and sophisticated language appeal to a wide range of readers. The novel's symbolism and philosophical undertones offer much to ponder, making it a rich and rewarding experience. Despite its occasional slow pace and dated views on gender, "Dracula" remains a masterful and enduring piece of literature.
⊹ ‧₊˚ . ✧ 𝗾͟𝘂͟𝗼͟𝘁͟𝗲͟𝘀!͟:
↳ ꒰ ⊹ - "Do you not think that there are things which you cannot understand, and yet which are; that some people see things that others cannot?"
Van Helsing.