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coriandercake's review against another edition
3.0
On the one hand, I loved how colorful the characters were, and there were some interesting ideas on marriage, gender roles, and the treatment of women. On the other, the strong message for eugenics throughout the novel made me a little too squeamish to fully enjoy the story.
As a book reflecting the period/piece of classic literature: 5/5
Actual enjoyment: 2.5/5
As a book reflecting the period/piece of classic literature: 5/5
Actual enjoyment: 2.5/5
misha_ali's review
4.0
This was more Downton Abbey than Dracula, which was unexpected. I expected vampire, but got more of a fancy lady parasite. If you're looking for spooky, this is not the book you want. If you want some snooty, racist British people treating a foreigner with money quite poorly and the lady in question draining the vitality of anyone she is close to, this is the book for you.
I was a bit annoyed initially about the above, but it's quite a fun read once you get into the regency language and mannerisms. I can't get used to the slurs used to describe people of color, but it all does feel like a product of the time.
I was a bit annoyed initially about the above, but it's quite a fun read once you get into the regency language and mannerisms. I can't get used to the slurs used to describe people of color, but it all does feel like a product of the time.
samcapo's review against another edition
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
lois_bozilovic's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vickiegarcia's review
Blatant racism 23 pages in. Main character is supposedly mixed and also racist.
rainntheghost's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
hannahjs's review against another edition
4.0
After a re-read I’m bumping this up to 4 stars for its interesting social critique and engagement with contemporaneous Victorian debates surrounding disability, class, and race.
clothbound_world's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.0
A delightfully weird story about a vampire who doesn't bite anyone or shrivel in the sunlight.
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Sexism