can't have halloween without the count

 Book Review: Dracula by Bram Stoker

…I came across this book by complete chance. No predetermined book hunt. No Goodreads consultation. Simply sifting through the bargain bin of an unsuspecting used bookshop. The shop in question I discovered on a windy late summer day in Copenhagen. Me and fellow teammate (and PFA member) Rollie Worster were meandering our way through the narrow streets of the old market section of the city, on our way vaguely to a flea market in a different part of town. It was here, not too far from Copenhagen Universities Library (which is stunning btw, very Harry Potteresque), where we were roped in by the “20kr pr. Bog” signs amongst the dozen cases of books outside (20kr = £2.35 = $3). Being an absolute sucker for a good deal, I could not resist a little perusal. Fortunately, there was a reasonably substantial English section in which to dig our grubby fingers through, among the books with jumbled letters on (being the ignorant foreigner that I am, I did not think about the possibility of there not being any English books when I first approached. Also, Danish written down really just looks as if someone just jumbled up and reordered English words. In passing you can almost be fooled into thinking you’re looking at an English book/sign/advert. Maybe that’s an idiotic take because I suppose a lot of languages use similar letters to English and obviously just have them in a different order, but, whatever, it works in my brain). The first book that I picked up was by Larry McMurtry, an author who I developed an intimate relationship with through reading the critically acclaimed Lonesome Dove (a post about this is in the works but with a book of nearly 900 pages comes a lengthy review process – also, spoiler, the book is amazing). Then after much more scouring I found Dracula. A classic which I had heard a good deal about yet, never gone out of my way to seek it out. But here it was in my hands, and for the lowly sum of 20 kroner? The sometimes damaging/unhealthy internal dialogue convincing myself of the fact that it’s a steal and I should get it for that reason alone, ushered me inside to the counter, and then placed the pair of books into the male performative tote bag for me. This review comes in perfect timing – its almost as if it was planned – with Halloween just having passed. Dracula is a classic horror story which I found to be hugely engaging as well as surprisingly spooky. It’s a classic that lives up to its acclaim.

Now the review...

…Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a story which we all know to some degree. Count Dracula, vampires, creepy castle, blood-sucking, etc. At times reading a story so widely known and revered as this can result in a rather underwhelming experience. You half-know the plot, characters, and key events, so the actual text is at odds with your own expectations and knowledge. This general feeling is at its peak with the story of Dracula and the idea of vampires, as most of our preliminary experiences with these images are through cheap kids Halloween costumes and almost comical portrayals of vampires in film and television. It was with fear of this negative schema that I began reading Stoker’s novel, yet, as I was soon to find out, this worry was completely invalid.

Stoker’s story is one that is incredibly engaging and entertaining. It is a story which develops wonderfully and is so perfect in its pace. It is an utterly moreish novel. The speed at which the story grows and takes shape is quick yet thoughtful. It doesn’t speed along at a gimmicky cliffhanger laden cadence but progresses in stride with your constant engagement and curiosity. A key element that contributes to this idyllic pace is the equal and opportune contributions from varying characters. The novel is written through letters, journals, and memos, of the individuals involved in story. Hearing from varying voices adds great depth and intrigue to the narrative. Moreover, as the story itself evolves, the deliberate inclusion or exclusion of specific individuals at the appropriate times makes for even more investment from you the reader. Stoker holds off on divulging entries from key characters at certain times, leaving you thirsty for their eventual input.

The horror elements of this novel were an area I was somewhat skeptical of coming in. Could a book nearly 130 years old still conjure up feelings of fear and stir up physical reactions? Especially in an adrenaline and cortisol rich 21^st century. In short…yes. Stoker’s vivid descriptions and excellent creation of atmosphere make for some rather eerie and creepy scenes which do not fail to get the heart pumping a little. While it is certainly not an all-out terror-inducing read (to be clear it is absolutely safe to read at night before bed) there are multiple scenes which I would define as spooky in an enjoyable way. Another component which I found particularly entertaining was the well-placed foreshadowing. This is when the prior knowledge of vampires and Count Dracula comes into play for your own benefit. As you are all too aware of the basics about vampires (garlic, crucifixes, holy water, pale complexion, fanged canines, nocturnal tendencies, etc.) you can pick up on early warning signs and hints of transformations, as well as ensuing danger before the characters in the story do, adding greatly to the overall tension of the narrative.

In Dracula I found a story that grips you from cover to cover despite any comical vampire prejudices. A beautifully written and constructed narrative that pulls you along at an ideal tempo. A classic which has shaped the horror genre for over a century and now having experienced it firsthand it is plain to see exactly why and how it has done so. An enduring story that deserves its praise.

4/5

Side Bar: As you will see – if I decide to upload it – that the copy I purchased was a “draw your own cover” edition. Please forgive the shite drawing I defaced this book with. I was always pretty crap at Art back at school, so it’s nice to see my skill level has withstood those many years.