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A review by wanillaberry
The Vampyre; A Tale by John Polidori
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Big up Polidori for writing snarky self-insert fanfiction about your annoying but hot frenemy, I cannot honestly say I haven't done the same.
The context behind the conception of <i>The Vampyre</i> is fascinating, and perhaps I enjoy that more than the tale itself. The narration is incredibly detached, reading more so like an extended synopsis than narrative, making for no emotional connection. Really dry.
Despite this, credit where credit is due, Polidori does essentially solidify this new archetype of... well, Byronic... vampires. I'm very interested in vampires in relation to capitalism, so I appreciated the links between vampirism and aristocratic culture which is such a great "modernisation" of folkloric vampires and their links to Feudalism concerns. Very important groundwork which most subsequent vampire stories rely on.
The context behind the conception of <i>The Vampyre</i> is fascinating, and perhaps I enjoy that more than the tale itself. The narration is incredibly detached, reading more so like an extended synopsis than narrative, making for no emotional connection. Really dry.
Despite this, credit where credit is due, Polidori does essentially solidify this new archetype of... well, Byronic... vampires. I'm very interested in vampires in relation to capitalism, so I appreciated the links between vampirism and aristocratic culture which is such a great "modernisation" of folkloric vampires and their links to Feudalism concerns. Very important groundwork which most subsequent vampire stories rely on.