Sunday, October 23, 2016

Dracula (Bram Stoker)


Something is amiss in Transylvania.  Solicitor Jonathan Harker can't help but notice the spooked natives and odd occurrences as he travels through the countryside to meet a new business associate- Count Dracula.  Soon, Harker better understands the local fear as he finds himself a veritable prisoner of the mysterious Count, and subject to a number of horrifying incidents.  It's clear that Dracula is an ancient and supernatural power, full of evil, and making big plans in England.  When he departs without releasing the solicitor, Jonathan knows he must act.  As he plans his escape, the Count lands at Whitby and starts terrorizing the island, coming to the attention of Dr Seward and Professor Van Helsing (the latter of whom has knowledge of the supernatural and is the first to suspect that something horrible is afoot).  They, in turn, band with others to stop Dracula: can they do so, or is it all for naught?

A Victorian horror classic, Dracula introduces the world's most famous vampire.  It's told well through letters and journal entries from all the main characters- a format I tremendously enjoyed.  This book is a macabre cat-and-mouse game, eloquently delivered with non-stop suspense.  This was my second or third time reading this . . . needless to say, I love it.  What struck me most (perhaps oddly) is that the protagonists consistently demonstrate self-sacrificing love, truly caring for each other and putting the well-being of the group (indeed, all mankind) ahead of themselves.  Thus, this tale is both horrifying and edifying . . . an odd but good combination.  Overall, this is a must read.

Rating: A+

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