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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
This is a Gothic novel, bestseller of all times. With numerous screen-adaptations (some faithful, others not at all despite being blockbusters), this horror story of Bram Stroker is a must read.
Vampires are not handsome here. They are not romantic. Dracula is not a misunderstood count, but an evil spirit that Van Helsing and his friends must defeat for the safety of innocent people.
Vampires are not handsome here. They are not romantic. Dracula is not a misunderstood count, but an evil spirit that Van Helsing and his friends must defeat for the safety of innocent people.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Tempted as I was to rank this a tad lower due to frustrating character decisions and repetitive sections, I found myself nonetheless charmed by this impactful Gothic novel, forever creating a household name out of its titular character.
In the last year, I've dipped my toes into similar stories, like watching a few iconic Frankenstein films with my sci-fi movie club and performing in a production of Jekyll & Hyde. This theme of Victorian horror and fantasy has become intertwined in my life as of late, and I've enjoyed delving into the vampiric branch of the genres. The opening chapters with Jonathan Harker at Castle Dracula are still the best of the book, capturing a bone-chilling, trapped atmosphere as Jonathan tries to escape the Count's clutches and endures his gaslighting ways and voluptuous succubi.
The rest of the story plays out similarly to well-known adaptations. Jonathan eventually returns to London and recovers enough to marry his fiance Mina. Meanwhile, Dracula arrives in around the same time, causing havoc by tormenting Mina's friend Lucy and her suitors (an amusing trio consisting of a lord's son, an asylum doctor, and a laconic Texan). We're introduced to more vampire lore through the introduction of Dr. Van Helsing, a former professor of the doctor suitor. It all eventually bottlenecks into a race against time as our cast of characters assemble Avengers-style and chase the dreaded villain back to Transylvania to end his reign of horror once and for all.
I enjoyed doing another immersive read with this one, listening to the Alan Cumming/Tim Curry Audible version alongside my Penguin deluxe copy from the library. Admittedly, sometimes listening or reading ahead and catching up with the other meant that the repetitive sections I mentioned were even further emphasized. The older writing style was belabored under Stoker's constant return to the male characters praising our female leads, Lucy and Mina, to the HIGHEST heaven. Oh what Godly women they are, gentle yet stalwart creatures, ever so pure of heart, all the more tragic by Dracula sinking his teeth into them — dear GOD spare me. I was also ticked off when they kept leaving the women alone (or deciding not to tell Mina what was going on for "her own good") when time and time again, it's shown that Dracula can enter through the window as a polymorphed fog and suckle the necks of our poor heroines. And the story could've been edited down quite a bit with all the back and forth. But as I said, older writing styles like Stoker's tend to drag a bit for modern readers. I can respect and appreciate it despite a difference of centuries.
An enjoyable read despite some criticisms, glad to have notched this classic off the list and I can now speak of it as an informed, enlightened Dracc fan. I'm especially grateful for this book club pick since we now have the perfect excuse for some Dracula movie marathons. Can't wait to see what this Bela Lugosi fella is all about! #BunchaSuckers #SuckRaid
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The absolute pinnacle of vampire novels and the introduction of the notion of a vampire to the entire western civilization.
The classic novel of Dracula has spawned thousands of TV shows, musicals, movies, books, fashion concepts, merchandise, anything you can think of. In fact, the image of the OG "Dracula" is a staple in the collective consciousness of the world. Horror fans have sung the bloodsucker's praises and mysterious allure for years, and teen dramas have captured the minds of slightly younger audiences in the form of Twilight (anyone else want their vampire sparkly?), as well as kids in the form of Hotel Transylvania (anyone want their vampire animated?).
An absolute must for anyone who is a horror fan or has ever enjoyed fake plastic fangs at Halloween.
The classic novel of Dracula has spawned thousands of TV shows, musicals, movies, books, fashion concepts, merchandise, anything you can think of. In fact, the image of the OG "Dracula" is a staple in the collective consciousness of the world. Horror fans have sung the bloodsucker's praises and mysterious allure for years, and teen dramas have captured the minds of slightly younger audiences in the form of Twilight (anyone else want their vampire sparkly?), as well as kids in the form of Hotel Transylvania (anyone want their vampire animated?).
An absolute must for anyone who is a horror fan or has ever enjoyed fake plastic fangs at Halloween.
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
berbat bir çevirisi vardı.
günlük şeklinde yazılışını sevdim ama bazı olayların üstünde gereksiz uzun durmuş, tekrsra düştüğünü düşünüyorum.
kaldı ki bu kadar sayfalarca uzatmaya gerek var mıydı?
keşke dracula povu da okusaydık.
fazlasıyla sıkıldım.
günlük şeklinde yazılışını sevdim ama bazı olayların üstünde gereksiz uzun durmuş, tekrsra düştüğünü düşünüyorum.
kaldı ki bu kadar sayfalarca uzatmaya gerek var mıydı?
keşke dracula povu da okusaydık.
fazlasıyla sıkıldım.
The original horror. Your own name whispered into your ear by a cold gust of wind in the middle of the night when you are completely alone. What does your mind do when it doubts all of its senses? The vampire as a viscous beast devoid of human emotion, just as he was intended. Trust me, if you have the itch for a vampire tale, or just a horror story, this novel will be more satisfying than the likes of what are released seemingly daily nowadays.