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lauradepasqual's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
reading_phil2393's review against another edition
4.0
I've recently decided to try and read some more classics and I decided to start with Dracula. What a great choice! It's considered a classic for a reason. These are exactly the types of monsters I picture in my mind when I hear the word "Vampire". It wasn't really scary, but very atmospheric and creepy at times. Could definitely see myself rereading this in the future.
lurker_stalker's review against another edition
3.0
I liked it but not nearly as much as I thought I would. There were some parts that were very intense and I'm certainly happy that I picked it up and read it.
steffanie406's review against another edition
3.75
3.75 stars. How many times can one use the word “voluptuous” in one paragraph? How many blood transfusions can one accept from random, unmatched donors before a hemolytic reaction occurs? And how many boxes of dirt does a vampire truly need? Minor grievances aside, I did overall enjoy this book. Having consumed much of the more modern vampire lore, it’s fascinating to read one of the OG vampire novels and see how many of its elements continue to be referenced over a hundred years later. Definitely worth a read for any vampire fan!
alysreadsss's review against another edition
DNF. I’m glad I only spent $.20 on this book. I dunno if it’s the style of the book, or if it was the narrator I was listening to it with. I’m not a fan. I thought since it was almost Halloween that I’d try and read this, since it’s a classic. I should’ve just stayed curious about this. From where I got in the book, I just DNF’d it. I don’t recommend it, but don’t listen to me kids! 🫶🏻
quercine's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I have a love/hate relationship with the epistolary format of the novel. On one hand if undercuts every single moment of tension by a lot, there are very few truly tense moments because you know someone makes it out of what they’re writing about because they’re writing about it in their diary or a letter. But at the same time one of the best moments of the novel is because of the epistolary nature of the narrative. I almost shrieked at ”Unopened by her” simply because it was so shocking to see and I can imagine for a contemporary audience it was a real fear beyond the fantastical horror elements. I obviously have modern problems with some of the content and the ways in which the xenophobia, anti-eastern European elements, etc really shaped the modern vampire mythos. But if I look at it the way I look at all horror: as a Time Capsule of fears, realities, and anxieties of the time; then it does exactly what I want it to do. I’m taken on a journey that (while frustrating to me as a modern reader) I see exactly why those elements are there and I think it’s important to see those elements as a horror reader.
This novel made me want to write essays again, which I think makes it really special. I’d largely fallen out of love with analysis after getting and English degree and reading this made me remember I do love reading things just to pick them apart. Going to go on and on and on in my reading journal later and that’s really special, because I had no idea I still loved to do that.
This novel made me want to write essays again, which I think makes it really special. I’d largely fallen out of love with analysis after getting and English degree and reading this made me remember I do love reading things just to pick them apart. Going to go on and on and on in my reading journal later and that’s really special, because I had no idea I still loved to do that.
ageekybibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
This is like a 3.5 read for me actually. I really enjoyed the opening to this book the atmospheric setting and the build up to what came throughout was really well done. It was a little repetitive in places but you know what that's fine as it's an older book and it happens sometimes. Overall I loved how scary this book was at times and how much you found yourself rooting for the characters throughout.
There was a chapter I really loved and it was the arrival of the boat crashing into the harbour the way it was written and knowing what was coming next just kept me hooked and wanting to know more.
Overall a great read with some great writing and wonderfully atmospheric.
Give it a read if you haven't already.
There was a chapter I really loved and it was the arrival of the boat crashing into the harbour the way it was written and knowing what was coming next just kept me hooked and wanting to know more.
Overall a great read with some great writing and wonderfully atmospheric.
Give it a read if you haven't already.