What a joy to read! I think the legend built around this book sometimes obscure what a great read it really is… Some beautiful plotting in this 1897 bestseller.
I always forget this is an epistolary novel made up of letters and journal entries. But it’s all done in such an intelligent way that even the dialogue hangs together. In fact, the format adds to the mystery feel of the narrative: can you piece together what’s really happening? It’s that gap between an awful reality and the horror of realisation that provides a lot of drama.
It’s essentially a series of vampire related episodes, joined together by a core group of characters who are all connected somehow. It tells the story of figuring out what is really going on, and the “fight back” led by Van Helsing. Amazing scenes abound: an asylum and its mysterious inmate, a boat washed up in a storm with a gruesome story to tell, and of course, the iconic castle of Count Dracula.
And though the rest of the book and vampire hunting are great, I love the beginning and Jonathan Harker’s increasingly threatening stay at the Count’s castle. There are just so many chilling and iconic moments. Close second is Lucy’s diary and illness sequence as it’s so creepy and full of mad dashes and horrible scenes.
I enjoy the characters of Mina and Lucy and how they represent ideas about womanhood and femininity. Especially Mina gets to play an active role in her own character, despite the tropes of female sensitivity.
Religion & morality play a role in the book, but it’s almost lip service, as the real interest lies with the mystery of the driving plot.
I started reading this book last year in Whitby, in literally the most perfect circumstances, popped it aside for awhile, and after a bit of travel, was reunited with the book and devoured it in February! I was so lucky to be able to take the book around Whitby Abbey and sit on the same bench Lucy & Mina mention…(or so I tell myself).
One word: masterful.
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