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Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
I had a bit of trouble with Van Helsing's dialogue at first (This doesn't change my review; it's a personal thing because I was tired while I was reading the book).
Graphic: Death, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Misogyny, Violence
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Antisemitism
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Medical content, Stalking, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Death, Violence, Xenophobia, Antisemitism, Pandemic/Epidemic
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Child abuse, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Kidnapping, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
It’s cast of characters are so close and intertwined in the face of villainy, and it’s villain has stood the test of time for a reason. Whether he’s played by Gary Oldman, Bela Legosi, or Bill Skårsgard, he’s always incredibly effective in his presence, power, and the stakes he raises. The use of horror through his otherworldly effects in the world is one of the standout elements of the book, the use of diaries and news stories creates a fragmented, anecdotal depiction of the Count and his abilities. Particularly, his effect on Lucy and the whole section of her as a vampire, haunting children in the area was especially creepy as Dracula’s power often extend beyond himself.
There’s just so much to love about it, and it’s so ripe for adaption due to the different elements and sections or characters of the book that can be swapped out, combined, or even subverted due to the age of the story. Quincey is rarely used in adaptations as well as Lucy’s section as a vampire, often times Nina is given Lucy’s role, and more. All these specific little details make the book worth reading for the complete experience, as after over 100 years, Bram Stoker’s book is still the definitive version of itself. As challenging as it was, it’s more than worth getting through the lighter chapters of little consequence and even finding some enjoyment in them (don’t skip chapters!) because the story wraps up in such a satisfying way.
It’s a wholesome story of love and friendship as much as it is a horrifying story about an invasive force of evil. It has solidified Van Helsing as one of my favourite characters in literature and only strengthened my love for Dracula as a villain. No amount of monologues by thick northern accents could ruin what makes this book such a classic.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Gore, Misogyny, Sexism, Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Xenophobia
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Body horror, Violence
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Death, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, Death of parent