Book Review: Dracula

Perfect for October

The month of October is the perfect time of year to read Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  The Halloween season is ripe for it!  Book Fiend that I am, I’m embarrassed to reveal that up until last October I hadn’t yet read the book. Nerdy Girl Sacrilege!

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For the longest time, I thought I had read it.  I even settled into the pages as if I were spending time with a life long friend; much like I do with Pride & Prejudice.  However, as I got deeper into the story, I wasn’t so sure.

I normally possess an uncanny remembrance of the books I’ve read and even though this book seemed familiar, it also seemed very…unknown.

After a while I realized its due to the genius of the narrative and its everlasting theme; a theme that is itself, Vampire.  The story seduces you…slowly.  Ignorant you sit there, completely unaware that its even happening until alas, you’re caught in its chilling embrace.

HOW EXQUISITE

Written in 1897 by Irish author Abraham Stoker (better known as Bram), its imaginative concoction of good vs. evil, courage vs. fear, sane vs. deranged, sensuality vs. chastity, heroism vs. weakness, defense vs. surrender, societal stereotypes vs. reality…is perfection.

Setting the proper stage certainly helped.

Last year I decided to go all out on Halloween decorations crafting much of the pieces myself.  You can read all about that process here.

I chose the entry space focusing on my console table, which is clearly visible from the living room, and I’d only read from this location.

After the black candles were lit, I poured blood red wine in a black goblet, wore a silky white nightie, wrapped myself in a shawl and nestled into a deep, downy chaise lounge, not to be disturbed.  I think I set the stage a bit too well…

SUDDENLY, I HEARD NOISES

Another time I shuddered when a shot of cold air fluttered down my back.  Out of the corner of my eye I could swear a dust mote was slowly transmuting into…let’s just say, something that it wasn’t.

Thankfully, The Hubster did disturb me and I was thoroughly grateful.  I shook my head from imaginary foes and closed the book until the next day.   Daylight reading only, of course!

But I’m a glutton for punishment and started reading at Twilight, my absolute most favorite time of day.

Bram Stoker didn't invent the vampire, but he most definitely owns the concept.  Everything we know about vampires comes from his centuries-old story, and the tale holds other delightful surprises as well.  None of which I'll reveal,… Click To Tweet

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BB: The novel is set sometime in the late 19th century and begins by being told from the perspective of Jonathan Harker, a young English legal practitioner who is traveling to the castle of Count Dracula, in the Carpathian Mountains on the border of Transylvania, to perform some legal services for the Count. Harker upon meeting Count Dracula finds him a strange and eerie man, one with a dark secret. Dracula needs the help of Harker to execute his plan to relocate to England in order to find new blood and spread the curse of the undead. The only thing standing in his way is a small group of people led by Professor Abraham Van Helsing, who know what he secretly is and have vowed to stop him

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If you like horror stories, Gothic tales, or just spooky stuff, do yourself a favor and read Dracula.  If you’ve read it already then reacquaint yourself during this time of year.  You’ll gain a whole new appreciation.

Besides, it’s not as if we Nerdy Girls haven’t read our favorites repeatedly before!

Be Well!

Cynthia
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