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A review by reclusivebookslug
The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I usually prefer the first book in a series to later additions, but this series defied that pattern for me. I enjoyed the first one and felt connected to Louis, but it pales in comparison to my experience in this book with Lestat. I think perhaps I am more like Louis but find Lestat more interesting. I almost feel deceived by how much of a disservice Louis' rendition paid to Lestat's character. When I read Interview, I thought him shallow and boring, I would never have guessed what a rich (though short, in vampiric terms) life he had led before he turned Louis. I wasn't sure I would continue reading this series, but I am now so invested in this universe! Every character, no matter how briefly mentioned, seems ripe with interest and possibility.
As with the first, I continue to be thrilled by finding parallels to other vampire stories. There is something so rewarding about being able to analyze a book with an understanding of what inspired it and how it inspired later texts.
The quest for truth and meaning, answers to unanswerable questions of philosophy, spirituality, and morality, is at the heart of this book (and I predict the series as a whole). I am always interested in stories about the nature of humanity, the meaning or meaninglessness of existence, learning to cope with uncertainty, and finding happiness in harsh realities.
The one thing I am nervous about before going into the third book is the ending of this one. I am not particularly interested in rock stars or vampire wars, so I don't know how much I will enjoy the next arc. Until proven otherwise, though, I will try to hope for the best with the knowledge that this author has exceeded my expectations once already.
As with the first, I continue to be thrilled by finding parallels to other vampire stories. There is something so rewarding about being able to analyze a book with an understanding of what inspired it and how it inspired later texts.
The quest for truth and meaning, answers to unanswerable questions of philosophy, spirituality, and morality, is at the heart of this book (and I predict the series as a whole). I am always interested in stories about the nature of humanity, the meaning or meaninglessness of existence, learning to cope with uncertainty, and finding happiness in harsh realities.
The one thing I am nervous about before going into the third book is the ending of this one. I am not particularly interested in rock stars or vampire wars, so I don't know how much I will enjoy the next arc. Until proven otherwise, though, I will try to hope for the best with the knowledge that this author has exceeded my expectations once already.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Death
Vampire stuff.