A review by reclusivebookslug
Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
As someone whose formative years were shaped by a love of vampire-based media (Twilight, The Vampire Diaries, Vampire Academy, etc.) and who is now getting into classic lit, I felt a duty to read this. Whereas the previously mentioned teen drama/romance genre uses vampires as more of a plot device than anything, this book delves into the psyche of a vampire, what it means to be immortal, and to thirst for blood. In that way, this was a challenging read, dark and introspective, and unlike anything I've read before (whether that says more about me or the book, I don't know). It was very interesting on a philosophical level, as we're basically seeing a centuries-long existential crisis, a search for meaning with a limitless life and a world devoid of answers. I also enjoyed it as a queer allegory, as there is plenty of homoeroticism and gay subtext.
I will say I found this a little dull until around the time Armond first appears. I found Lestat to be kind of boring in the first half, which was when the whole story kinda revolved around him. (Later in the book I found his character much more compelling, and I do plan to read at least the next book in the series.)
Claudia's character, or more specifically her interactions with the other characters, made me uncomfortable. The dilemma of being a grown woman stuck eternally in the body of a child is an interesting premise, but it, unfortunately, leads to some creepiness, specifically bordering on pedophilic and incestuous. This wasn't explicitly the case nor do I think it was intentionally implied necessarily, but one can't help but notice the implication, unintentional as it may be.
I will say I found this a little dull until around the time Armond first appears. I found Lestat to be kind of boring in the first half, which was when the whole story kinda revolved around him. (Later in the book I found his character much more compelling, and I do plan to read at least the next book in the series.)
Claudia's character, or more specifically her interactions with the other characters, made me uncomfortable. The dilemma of being a grown woman stuck eternally in the body of a child is an interesting premise, but it, unfortunately, leads to some creepiness, specifically bordering on pedophilic and incestuous. This wasn't explicitly the case nor do I think it was intentionally implied necessarily, but one can't help but notice the implication, unintentional as it may be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Child death, Death, and Animal death
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship