A review by themodvictorian
Dracula by Bram Stoker
4.0
I’ve read this novel three times. Twice as a teenager, and now at twenty-seven. I have fond recollections of it. I made a Dracula-themed scrapbook for my Honors English class! I played Mina Harker onstage!
Most of this book held up firmly through my nostalgia. There are some slight pacing issues, I think; for example, some of Seward’s diary entries could have been condensed (I wanted him to just get to the point!) and Van Helsing could have (and, perhaps, should have) been more direct with everybody else outright. Then there’s the occasional statement about “womanly virtues,” and “manly strength.” Despite its weak spots, however, I still consider this book is still a great, timeless tale. I think it would be fun to read it aloud at a book club. So much melodrama!
While I believe (and this is simply personal opinion) other Gothic novels of the time period surpass Dracula in artistry and merit (i.e., The Picture of Dorian Gray and Jane Eyre—it remains one of the premier Victorian Gothics, and I hope it will continue to inspire new generations of dramatic and morbid young adults.
Most of this book held up firmly through my nostalgia. There are some slight pacing issues, I think; for example, some of Seward’s diary entries could have been condensed (I wanted him to just get to the point!) and Van Helsing could have (and, perhaps, should have) been more direct with everybody else outright. Then there’s the occasional statement about “womanly virtues,” and “manly strength.” Despite its weak spots, however, I still consider this book is still a great, timeless tale. I think it would be fun to read it aloud at a book club. So much melodrama!
While I believe (and this is simply personal opinion) other Gothic novels of the time period surpass Dracula in artistry and merit (i.e., The Picture of Dorian Gray and Jane Eyre—it remains one of the premier Victorian Gothics, and I hope it will continue to inspire new generations of dramatic and morbid young adults.