by Bram Stoker (read September 2006) Rating: 4.5/5This is a book I don't think I would have ever read without a challenge. Carl's Autumn RIP Challenge was just the impetus I needed. I don't have a vast experience with thrillers, but this one rates right up there with Dean Koontz. There were a couple of slow points, but generally I was turning the pages as fast as I could go. I didn't give it a rating of 5 because I thought the ending was anti-climatic. I'm glad to have read this book and to understand the tale of Dracula and vampires better.
There were several pages midway through where the Professor is talking to John that I took interest in, I think because of my science training. Here's part:
". . . you are too prejudiced. You do not let your eyes see nor your ears hear. . . it is the fault of our science to explain all; and if it explain not, then it says there is nothing to explain." And a few pages past the professor says, "Let not a little bit of truth check the rush of a big truth." And John answers, "Then you want me not to let some previous conviction injure the receptivity of my mind with regard to some strange matter."Earlier the professor told John, "Remember, my friend, that knowledge is stronger than memory, and we should not trust the weaker."
Another quote is one Mina writes in her journal that I think expresses a good reason for keeping a journal. "I am anxious, and it soothes me to express myself here; it is like whispering to one's self and listening at the same time."
Book two in my list for the RIP challenge!
17 comments:
I loved Dracula so much, I named one of my cats Mina. :)
And then Gary Oldman (droooool) played Dracula in a film version, which totally made up for the fact that it also starred Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves.
Glad you liked it!
Haven't seen the movie, but I want to now with your recommendation. I was curious all the way through the book - do you pronounce Mina with a long i or long e sound?
I'm glad you liked it, too. However, I hated what they did with the film, especially it was billed as Bram Stoker's Dracula.
I've almost picked this up at least a dozen times. You're making me want to put it on "the list".
Intriguing review. I loved the quotes! Thanks for opening new frontiers for me. I love that about you.
It is Meena as far as I know...at least that is how I've pronounced it in my head and how the performers pronounce it in the book on cd version of Dracula which I own.
Glad you read it and enjoyed it. Although I regularly find and read books that I love I still don't think anything, even my beloved Neil Gaiman books, has displaced Dracula as my favorite book of all time. I just love the way that Stoker writes.
I still haven't read this yet but glad to hear you enjoyed it so much. I love that quote on journaling. I must copy that :)
Wow, booklogged, I never thought I'd be even remotely interested in reading Bram Stoker's "Dracula" (this is a genre I have still to warm to) but your review has got me thinking otherwise. Thank you for making me want to expand my reading tastes.
Great quote about journaling. Glad you liked this book and I'm still going to pass. I still remember not sleeping at nights after watching a vampire movie when I was young. Funny how that will still creep me out so many years later. I did watch Gary Oldman as Dracula. He is a fantastic actor and so it was very unsettling for me.
Me too, Booklogged. I don't think I would read a book like this unless I really had to.
Happy an enjoyable time, in any case.
love
I can't believe I'm going to admit this (being a vampire novelist and all), but I've never read Dracula. I'm going to have to, especially after this review.
Thanks, booklogged!
Carl V. is right on the pronunciation - I've had to correct folks at the vet's office on her name a few times. Some people want to say it like 'myna' but it is indeed 'meena' :-)
And now I'm off to try and finish my first book for the RIP challenge!
I read Dracula last October for the first time, and I loved it! I can still envision the entry he makes to the castle throught the woods, with the wolves, and people kissing him/blessing him. Oooh, it was so eerie. And, I love how this book never pins evil down; it takes many forms, just like in life. How can you catch a mist? Then it suddenly turns into a bat. Awesome story.
Also, I noticed you are reading the Thirteenth Tale which I bought just this afternoon. Borders sent me a 40% off coupon for being a rewards member, and I was so enticed by this title, which as they said is remniscent of Shadow of The Wind. I'm intrigued to start a book about readers and darkness. Let's talk about it when we finish!
Wow! That's two 4.5 books in a row...how exciting! I hope you're enjoying THE 13th TALE. I don't think I care for this genre, but want to give it a try. I look forward to your review.
Sure enjoy all your comments. I had to keep pinching myself because I couldn't believe I was really reading Dracula, but I loved it and highly recommend it.
About 'The Thirteenth Tale' hmmmmmm. I'm only on page 120 or so, but I'm not loving it. Someone encourage me. Tell me it's going to be as good as the reviews claim.
Just finished it. Did my no-spoiler review. Loved it!!!
I loved the movie with Wynona Ryder as Mina (with a long e sound) and thought the ending of the book was a bit rushed. I haven't read it in a long time. Maybe I should pick it up!
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