Last read:
Title:ย Dracula
Author:ย Bram Stoker
Illustrator: Edward Gorey
Number of Pages: 427
Rating:ย โญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธโญ๏ธ
First published: 1897
Read: 3 May โ 27 November 2023
Thoughts:ย
I finally got around to re-read this novel! And I couldnโt have done it without Dracula daily and everyone in Tumblr commenting the story and sharing their art.ย
I loved the experience of reading along with so many people and their posts about it always gave me food for thought. It truly made my reflections about the book richer.ย
The first time I read this epistolary novel I was fifteen years old and since then I had forgotten many important plot points, as well as some characters. However, I remembered that I had loved the story, and I was fascinated by Mina Murray and Jonathan Harker. Mina was my favorite character and, back then, my favorite suitor was John Seward, followed by Quincey Morris.ย
I definitely appreciated reading the letters and diariesโ entries in chronological order. I think it may be the better option for a first-time reader.
This time around I felt Jonathanโs terror, hopelessness, and desperation. I was genuinely moved by his trials and tribulations when he was held prisoner at Draculaโs castle.
I loved the voyage of the Demeter because I could feel the anxiety and fear of the sailors. The whole journey was nerve-wrecking.
A character that took me by surprised and completely won me over was Lucy Westenra. Iโm angry in her behalf for all the horrible adaptations that portray her under misogynistic lights. A particularly terrifying scene for me was Mrs. Westenraโs death. And when Lucy died was heartbreaking.ย
The part with the Bloofer Lady was intriguing. Here I have to say that while I had overlooked Arthur Holmwood in my first reading years ago, this time I got to appreciate his character and I could clearly see why Lucy had chosen him. He was so kind and loved her very much. They were so in love and eager to start their live together, it was all so tragic.ย
Likewise, Iโm in awe for John Quincey, Arthur Holmwood and Quincey Morrisโ friendship. The affection that the three friends had for each other is hard to miss. I was astonished by Stoker; all his depictions of masculinity are something else. Specially, in Jonathanโs case.
Abraham van Helsing annoyed me and frustrated me for most of the time that he was on the page. I think I only warmed up to him in the final part when he and Mina traveled to Draculaโs castle.
Mina was extraordinary! I loved that she liked to ask about ghost stories, and she was so smart, organized and kind. Iโm particularly keen on her hyperfixation with train schedules.ย
The whole scene when Dracula attacked Mina was appalling, truly nightmarish and gruesome. I canโt for the life of me figure out why there are so many adaptations and (fan)fiction where theyโre presented as a romantic couple! In my opinion, romanticize abuse is nauseating.
In general, I think pop culture has failed both Lucy and Mina and they certainly deserve better.ย
The last section where the whole gang finally comes together; they miraculously stop keeping information from Mina (as they obviously should have done from the beginning); and they work together to defeat Dracula is very exciting!ย
The ending was gratifying in many ways, although of course it was ultimately bittersweet.ย
This is a fantastic book, extraordinarily well written and full of adventure, fright, suspense, anticipation, mystery, and action. Itโs without a doubt one of my favorite novels ever.ย
