Book Review - Dracula

Dracula by Bram Stoker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me start off by saying, I really wanted to love this book. "Dracula" has been at the top of my "books to read" list for ages, a little more than ten years to be exact. When I was finally able to open up this classic piece of literature I found myself becoming disinterested, almost jaded by the lengthy story-line. To be sure, it is an exceptionally well-written book, artfully crafted with vivid descriptions and nightmarish scenes. The alluring personality of Count Dracula was the only driving force for me to continue this book, but unfortunately I cared very little about the other main characters. Perhaps it is the multiple POV's that made it harder for me to emphasize with them, or the fact that the whole narration is retold through oral testimonies and descriptive journals by Madame Mina and many others. The moment I slipped into one character's perspective, I lost my footing to find myself lost in another. I also had an issue with the way the author wrote women, as if they are helpless creatures that turn into a state of baleful hysterics in a blink of an eye. Mina was by far the strongest female character, and the most likeable, but I find her difficult to pin-down, as if she wasn't entirely believable. The male characters were undoubtedly strong, gallant even, but it is Van Helsing that steals the show from beginning to end. I almost wish the story was told entirely from his perspective, but that would not make Stoker's classical story what it is today. All the same, he is a likeable character and one that I naturally gravitated towards as a reader. He made himself quite a foe against the cunning Count. Oh, but I really do wish I could have loved this story with all my heart! I have seen nearly every film adaption of Dracula and I have been in love with this devilish character since I was a child. A pity really, but it can't be helped. Stoker is a brilliant writer regardless, and he produced a completely groundbreaking story in his life-time. I would highly recommend this story to readers that enjoy Gothic horror. Still, I am sad to say I feel no sense of urgency to re-read this book any time soon.

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