A bloody good read
On my new-found kick to read more classics this summer, my next stop was one of the most famous horror stories of all time.
Although this wasn't the most interesting cover I found, I do like how it showcases Dracula's castle in order to create a foreboding mood. It also represents the kind of overwhelming power Dracula has on his victims.
When Jonathan Harker, an English clerk, is sent down to Transylvania to talk real estate with Count Dracula, he initially doesn't think too much of it. But there are strange goings-on within the castle - not only does Harker never see his host eat or awake during the day, but he also spots Dracula crawling up and down the castle walls one night. Back in England, Harker's fiancee Mina is spending time with her friend Lucy Westernra to take her mind off Jonathan's prolonged absence. Once Harker does return in a much weakened state, the troubles he encountered in Dracula's castle seem to follow him. A vicious stray animal is spotted, something seems to have murdered to entire crew of a returning ship, and Lucy is suffering from severe blood loss. Dr. Seward, who runs the local asylum, calls in his old professor, Van Helsing, in order to discover what Lucy ails from. No one knows what to think, but Van Helsing has an alarming idea: there is a monster among them, and they must drive it away before it goes after Mina as well.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book in many ways, which is saying something, as the character of Dracula is so well-known and we're all enjoying a vampire renaissance. I was ready for the monster. What surprised me was the humanity that the book and its non-vampire characters display - they possess a great respect for one another, take joy in one another's company, and have a fierce protective streak for each other. Van Helsing is one of the most heroic characters in history - this is not only supported by his determination to hunt Dracula, but his love for the friends he makes with the Harkers, Texan Morris, and Arthur (Lucy's fiance) along the way. He also displays wisdom in his ability to accept an extraordinary conclusion even though he is largely a man of science - a point of conflict between him and the disbelieving Dr. Seward. Van Helsing also heaps praise onto Mina, who because of her perseverance and smarts, earns it. The book is a little heavy-handed in treating Mina as a Christ-like figure - she later bears a heavy burden (hint: it involves her neck and Dracula's teeth) graciously, even angelically. But then, when a dark, bleak oppressive force like Dracula is involved, it's nice to be reminded of how much good and kindness exist in the world.
Moreover, Stoker has some very fine writing skills. The descriptive passages are atmospheric and poetically rendered; although this is a story told by letters and journal entries, every character has a talent for describing landscapes and setting the tone. I was a little disappointed that the title character disappears as a presence for a great stretch - there wasn't a lot of character development for him. But I realize I'm taking a 21st century view of things, and that when you get down to it this is a classic story of good vs. evil. Stoker kept it simple, and by doing so, made it effective. And a damn good read.
Rating: 4.5 Wafers out of 5.