28. Dracula – Bram Stoker (100 book challenge)

This one was spooky! Similar to Wuthering Heights, this one kept me awake at night wondering if the noises outside my window were in fact coming from a vampire. It may sound crazy, but while I was reading this book, it seemed to consume me and my real-world thoughts, and everywhere I looked I saw things that reminded me of the book.

Terrifying!

It’s written as a series of entries from different people’s diaries. I didn’t like that style at first, but then I began to appreciate the immediacy of the information being shared. The reader learns what is happening right at that very moment, and there is no future knowledge of what is about to happen. I appreciate that style of writing, as it allows the reader to discover at the same pace as the characters, with a clear absence of ‘the narrator knows all’.

The characters are likable, each in their own way. Jonathan Harker’s perseverance is admirable; Van Helsing is quirky but reassuring. The female characters are a little weak and naive (but for a book published in 1897, I’ll cut Stoker a little slack). And the Count! Despite being pure evil, I feel for him, being trapped in his mysterious and lonely life.

I found the ending predictable yet satisfying, as any other than the eventual ending would have left me feeling cheated. It’s also left me with a strange desire to travel to Romania, but also an absolute fear of never ever ever setting foot in the place.

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In July 2014 I set myself the challenge to finish 100 must-read books before I die. For my ongoing tally click here.