SUCKED!!! Just kidding. This book was an all in all good read, however, I think there are 2 hemispheres to consider. The first half of the book was simply brilliant! Mr. Stoker did a fabulous job of capturing the reader within the many suspenseful events that contributed to the overall introduction of the count. Now, I’ve read a wee bit of horrific fiction in my day, such as the Resident Evil series, and had some uneasy feelings while doing so, but this book took on such an eerie feel, that I have no comparison.
The character development enhanced this greatly, as the entire book is read through individual diaries and memoirs, giving first-hand accounts and perspectives. The writing doesn’t ever get overly detailed at any time, and I think by doing so, the reader is often left to paint their own image of what is happening. That’s probably why I find this book so eerie, ’cause I’ve got a wicked mind!
Anyway, the second half of the book takes a huge hiatus from the suspense and never really comes back to it. It’s simply page after page of characters consolidating what they (and we) already know. To emphasize this point, I’ll let it slip that the showdown doesn’t occur until the very last 3 pages. And then it ends. *boooooooo!* But don’t let that stop you from reading this all-time classic! As i said, it’s a good read, but you have to realize that this was written in late 19th century London, and so you’ll have to tolerate the tawdry plethora of pleasantries between the characters. A big circle jerk, if you ask me. Van Helsing was a cool cat, though!!
Pick it up and read it. You’ll be glad you did.
Whatcha Think?