The Tale of the Body Thief (The Vampire Chronicles #4)
by
Anne Rice
In another feat of hypnotic storytelling, Anne Rice continues the extraordinary Vampire Chronicles that began with the now classic Interview with the Vampire and continued with The Vampire Lestat and The Queen of the Damned.
Lestat speaks.Vampire-hero, enchanter, seducer of mortals.For centuries he has been a courted prince in the dark and flourishing universe of the livin...more
Lestat speaks.Vampire-hero, enchanter, seducer of mortals.For centuries he has been a courted prince in the dark and flourishing universe of the livin...more
Paperback, 448 pages
Published
December 13th 1997
by Ballantine Books
(first published 1992)
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The first Rice novel I ever read. I was in Bari, Italy, waiting for the ferry to take me to Corfu, Greece. I was reading a hideously boring Candadian novel, and the young lady in line next to me was reading The Tale of the Body Thief. We switched books. I had never heard of Anne Rice. I fell in love with the book. Soon after, when I was in Sorrento a few weeks later, I was searching for any Rice books I could find.
Her writing is lush. Reading this book was like wearing a mink coat inside-out i....more
Her writing is lush. Reading this book was like wearing a mink coat inside-out i....more
• I thought that this is by far Anne Rice’s best description of Lestat’s true character. Everything he did in this book was exactly what I would expect someone who is supposed to be so selfish and evil to do. Throughout the rest of the books Rice tries so hard to tell you that Lestat is really not good, that he can do evil things, and she tries desperately to make him into this anti-hero. This is the first book where I think she does a really good job of it. This makes me want to read more about...more
Esta obra é, sem dúvida, das melhores de Anne Rice. Pelo menos das que li até hoje. Lestat é uma personagem que ficará para sempre gravada na minha memória. Quando pensamos que ele já ultrapassou todos os limites que podia, enganamo-nos redondamente!
Lestat fartou-se de ser vampiro! E quando descobre a existência de um 'ladrão de corpos' não resiste à tentação de querer voltar a ser humano! De querer voltar a sentir a luz do sol no seu rosto, de sentir o sabor da comida e de fazer amor com um hom...more
Lestat fartou-se de ser vampiro! E quando descobre a existência de um 'ladrão de corpos' não resiste à tentação de querer voltar a ser humano! De querer voltar a sentir a luz do sol no seu rosto, de sentir o sabor da comida e de fazer amor com um hom...more
ISBN 034538475X - Never having read any of Rice's Vampire Chronicles, I was happy to find that this book does stand alone - no previous knowledge required.
Lestat, almost a drama queen in his moments of self-loathing, is approached by a man named Raglan James, who proposes a trade. He will let Lestat be human again, something Lestat believes he wants, by swapping bodies. It is to be a short-term swap, and Lestat overlooks every sign that this could be a bad idea. His friends, human and vampire, w...more
Lestat, almost a drama queen in his moments of self-loathing, is approached by a man named Raglan James, who proposes a trade. He will let Lestat be human again, something Lestat believes he wants, by swapping bodies. It is to be a short-term swap, and Lestat overlooks every sign that this could be a bad idea. His friends, human and vampire, w...more
I first read The Vampire Lestat quite some years ago, I was somewhere around 15 at the time. I must say I was delightfully amazed by this character, the sheer raw sensuality of his persona and of the way he conducted himself. Always wanting everyone to notice him, to fear him, to love him, and actually giving them all the tools required to do so.
The torture of immortality is always a floating theme in Rice's books. So is the appreciation of everything thats fragile and beautiful for that, all of...more
The torture of immortality is always a floating theme in Rice's books. So is the appreciation of everything thats fragile and beautiful for that, all of...more
I love dark stories and I've heard all the hype about this series, but this wasn't what I expected. It was dark, yes, but in a devilish/occultic kind of way. Made me very uncomfortable as a "Christian" (I'll go with that title for the sake of argument).
That said, here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Intriguing narrative that pulls you in
2. A thoughtful story with suspense and er, events (sadly, there's not much action)
3. An "evil" vampire's view of the world (though I expected more evil, he was m...more
That said, here are the pros and cons:
Pros:
1. Intriguing narrative that pulls you in
2. A thoughtful story with suspense and er, events (sadly, there's not much action)
3. An "evil" vampire's view of the world (though I expected more evil, he was m...more
Se há livro que excedeu as minhas expetativas foi este! Gosto de ler histórias e livros relacionados com o mundo fantástico, mas perco a vontade quando começo a ver que tem nelas ficção a mais.
Este é o tipico livro que nas primeiras 100 páginas não deixam avançar com a leitura- descrições a mais, histórias do passado a mais, etc- mas depois dessas páginas a história torna impossível parar de ler.
A "História do Ladrão do Corpo" conta a história do vampiro Lestat que sempre teve vontade de voltar...more
Este é o tipico livro que nas primeiras 100 páginas não deixam avançar com a leitura- descrições a mais, histórias do passado a mais, etc- mas depois dessas páginas a história torna impossível parar de ler.
A "História do Ladrão do Corpo" conta a história do vampiro Lestat que sempre teve vontade de voltar...more
Aug 25, 2011
Andrés Laverde Ortiz
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
deliciosos,
runas-y-grimorios
Leer sobre vampiros no es una nueva moda. Los vampiros no nacieron como una explosión de hormonas adolescentes, ni mucho menos del cine (aunque sea este el que nos haya dado las imágenes más vivas y majestuosas de ellos). Seguramente no muchos estuvieron de acuerdo con el ahora cliché del vampiro refinado y elegante que creó Polidori en su célebre relato “El Vampiro”, que luego pareció afamarse con la obra de Bram Stoker “Drácula”, inspirada en parte en la historia del conde Vlad Tepes. Pero juz...more
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. As an Anne Rice fan I was inclined to read this book (which I had previously entirely missed out in my reading) but I found that from the blurb on the back I was very disinterested and therefore it took me ages to get into it. Once I did however I found that it was exquisitely written and captivating much as I have come to expect of her novels.
This book focuses on Lestat and how he chose to face his undead existence until of course meeting with R...more
This book focuses on Lestat and how he chose to face his undead existence until of course meeting with R...more
Once upon a time, Anne Rice had an excellent series called the Vampire Chronicles. It began with Interview with the Vampire, where her "main" vampire, Lestat, is introduced, and continued her focus on the various adventures and mishaps of Lestat through this novel, The Tale of the Body Thief.
::: Oh, That Silly Lestat. There He Goes Again :::
The Tale of the Body Thief begins with the age-old question of the existence of God. Lestat, as usual, begins the narration, and the topic continues as he me...more
::: Oh, That Silly Lestat. There He Goes Again :::
The Tale of the Body Thief begins with the age-old question of the existence of God. Lestat, as usual, begins the narration, and the topic continues as he me...more
Why did I like this book so much? Why is Anne Rice simultaneously a literary genius and batshit insane?
I shouldn't have liked this book, anyway; there were a lot of little things that irked me while I was reading it - but in the end, there I was completely engrossed again. Raglan is a kickass weirdo of a character (and her descriptions of his movements in the fantastically creepy lead-up to his introduction have stuck with me for half a decade now); she's still obviously a liiiittle bit too obs...more
I shouldn't have liked this book, anyway; there were a lot of little things that irked me while I was reading it - but in the end, there I was completely engrossed again. Raglan is a kickass weirdo of a character (and her descriptions of his movements in the fantastically creepy lead-up to his introduction have stuck with me for half a decade now); she's still obviously a liiiittle bit too obs...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I guess i spent so many time look for this book that I end up a little disappointed.
It has little vampire action to my taste.
I think that in my conception of the Vampire Chronicles universe is easier to believe in vampires than in soul migration.
I cant imagine Lestat as other than this bond arrogant French-American (I see him as a true immigrant).
But in the end it was a Lestat kind of story and it wasn't to hard to read.
It has little vampire action to my taste.
I think that in my conception of the Vampire Chronicles universe is easier to believe in vampires than in soul migration.
I cant imagine Lestat as other than this bond arrogant French-American (I see him as a true immigrant).
But in the end it was a Lestat kind of story and it wasn't to hard to read.
Oct 19, 2011
Vold Kira
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Amantes de Vampiros REALES
El Ladrón de Cuerpos se desvía un poco del tema principal de los vampiros. Aún así, mantiene las pasiones carnales y esencialmente humanas de Lestat, el Vampiro (sí, con mayúscula) por excelencia.
El ansia de Lestat por volver de nuevo a la vida mortal y abrazar de nuevo las virtudes y las ventajas de un cuerpo perecedero vuelve este libro en algo tan vívido y tan bien descrito que hace al lector tomar conciencia de cada una de nuestras funciones principales. La narrativa de la experiencia mortal...more
El ansia de Lestat por volver de nuevo a la vida mortal y abrazar de nuevo las virtudes y las ventajas de un cuerpo perecedero vuelve este libro en algo tan vívido y tan bien descrito que hace al lector tomar conciencia de cada una de nuestras funciones principales. La narrativa de la experiencia mortal...more
I really like this book, it is from Lesats point of view and is interesting. Lesat is being followed by a man, a human man, who offers him a chance to be human again. Against his friends wishes he takes the deal which leads to horrible results. This book has some small problems, but the last chapters 32 and on really made me want to throw the book at the wall the first time I read it. Now I understand it but it still upsets me.
p. 38 Re: Rembrandt's paintings of people: "the undeniable evidence that human beings are wholly unlike any other animal in the cosmos -- they are a precious mingling of the flesh and immortal fire."
p. 39 Re Angels: "we look to his portraits when we would know the divine in man."
p. 68 LeStat: I suspect death is awful. You just stop and there's no more life, and no more chance to know anything at all.
David: No. I can't agree with you there, LeStat. I simply can't. Somebody formed the fearful symm...more
p. 39 Re Angels: "we look to his portraits when we would know the divine in man."
p. 68 LeStat: I suspect death is awful. You just stop and there's no more life, and no more chance to know anything at all.
David: No. I can't agree with you there, LeStat. I simply can't. Somebody formed the fearful symm...more
In another feat of hypnotic storytelling, Anne Rice continues the extraordinary Vampire Chronicles that began with the now classic Interview with the Vampire and continued with The Vampire Lestat and The Queen of the Damned. Lestat speaks.Vampire-hero, enchanter, seducer of mortals.For centuries he has been a courted prince in the dark and flourishing universe of the living dead. Lestat is alone.And suddenly all his vampire rationale--everything he has come to believe and feel safe with--is call
...more
Warning: If you're not familiar with any of the later books, there is a spoiler.
I loved it of course, the original quartet have never been deemed as anything less than worthy vampiric reads. One thing I didn't realize however when I was reading Pandora and started (but never finished) the Vampire Armand was that David was in a body far much younger than the age he was when he was born to the Dark Gift. Every time I've come across him in later books its been made clear that he was an English gent...more
I loved it of course, the original quartet have never been deemed as anything less than worthy vampiric reads. One thing I didn't realize however when I was reading Pandora and started (but never finished) the Vampire Armand was that David was in a body far much younger than the age he was when he was born to the Dark Gift. Every time I've come across him in later books its been made clear that he was an English gent...more
This was a reread, as I had the whole series at one point, yet I lent them out and never got them back. I love this series as it is a balance both of plot and character driven story telling, with a bit of the philosophical/spiritual thrown in, just to make you give pause and wait for the next great inspiration from within.
I find Lestat to be an emotionally charged, dashing devil, and all though he is impulsive, selfish and a right royal brat you cannot help but love him, cry both with and for hi...more
I find Lestat to be an emotionally charged, dashing devil, and all though he is impulsive, selfish and a right royal brat you cannot help but love him, cry both with and for hi...more
Originally posted at: A Girl that likes Books
I had high hopes for this book. I really like Anne Rice and the 3 first installments of The Vampire Chronicles didn’t disappoint me, even with the awful adaptation to cinema for The Queen of the Damned. Sadly I was disappointed, and how.
The premise was really good. Lestat, after his encounter with Akasha is now powerful beyond limits, and he is starting to get bored with his unstoppable, immortal existence. Then someone appears in his life, someone w...more
I had high hopes for this book. I really like Anne Rice and the 3 first installments of The Vampire Chronicles didn’t disappoint me, even with the awful adaptation to cinema for The Queen of the Damned. Sadly I was disappointed, and how.
The premise was really good. Lestat, after his encounter with Akasha is now powerful beyond limits, and he is starting to get bored with his unstoppable, immortal existence. Then someone appears in his life, someone w...more
I just finished "The Tale of the Body Thief," the fourth book in Anne Rice's "The Vampire Chronicles." I liked this one better than the previous book, "The Queen of the Damned".
It was fast paced and had everything you would expect from an Anne Rice novel - sensual descriptions, a focus on aesthetic beauty, unconventional theological arguments, and some of the best anti-heroes in modern literature.
It was different from the other books because this was the first one to take place in modern times t...more
It was fast paced and had everything you would expect from an Anne Rice novel - sensual descriptions, a focus on aesthetic beauty, unconventional theological arguments, and some of the best anti-heroes in modern literature.
It was different from the other books because this was the first one to take place in modern times t...more
I forgot how "exhausted" the vampires by Anne Rice are. Lestat de Lioncourt is an aesthete, bored with his immortal life, haunted by the "ghosts" of past vampires like Claudia, the young "daughter" he created many years before, who was sentenced to death. He has no peace for this. He walks through his current life, feeding upon humans (the killers and evildoers, above all), feeding no interest for anything. All of a sudden, a weird human being intrudes into his eternal life, making a weird propo...more
Not a good book from a rather pathetic series.
What's the problem with the series?
Well, the stories themselves are good, if cliche now (the Romantic Gothic), but their execution is turgid, without humor, episodic, meandering, filled with discursive asides of superficial myth and philosophy....a personal search for meaning is evident in the series, and her other books as well, that culminated with her embrace of Catholicism.
But I want to finish the series in the same way that I staggered through t...more
What's the problem with the series?
Well, the stories themselves are good, if cliche now (the Romantic Gothic), but their execution is turgid, without humor, episodic, meandering, filled with discursive asides of superficial myth and philosophy....a personal search for meaning is evident in the series, and her other books as well, that culminated with her embrace of Catholicism.
But I want to finish the series in the same way that I staggered through t...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
You can't really go wrong with Anne Rice. She has such a beautiful way with words, which is somewhat hampered by her inability to stay away from long winded musings on God, eternity, the human soul, etc. Sometimes that is interesting, sometimes I want to fall asleep.
This installment took me a bit longer to get into, but once I did, I was IN. As with most great series, the first was the best, and the rest can never quite match it. However, every book since Interview with the Vampire has been wor...more
This installment took me a bit longer to get into, but once I did, I was IN. As with most great series, the first was the best, and the rest can never quite match it. However, every book since Interview with the Vampire has been wor...more
I absolutely loved the ending to Queen of the Damned. Now, I wonder if I should have stopped reading The Vampire Chronicles then.
The Tale of the Body Thief is told by The Vampire Lestat, Rice's famous "brat prince". After the events of the last novel the few remaining immortals have disbanded and he now wanders the earth alone, again. He has befriended David Talbot, of the Talamasca, and constantly offers the old man the Dark Gift, which he always refuses. Depressed, lonely, and constantly haun...more
The Tale of the Body Thief is told by The Vampire Lestat, Rice's famous "brat prince". After the events of the last novel the few remaining immortals have disbanded and he now wanders the earth alone, again. He has befriended David Talbot, of the Talamasca, and constantly offers the old man the Dark Gift, which he always refuses. Depressed, lonely, and constantly haun...more
Oct 21, 2012
Jaime
added it
I wish I did, but I don't find Lestat charming in this latest chapter in the Vampire Chronicles. I suppose that it has finally forced me to admit that of all the vampires painted in these stories, it's Louis who I would want to break bread with and talk about his stacks of books and his stubborn love of life. Lestat's capriciousness just doesn't make sense to me -- he is too old and allegedly too powerful a vampire to be outwitted even momentarily by someone like the James Raglan character in th...more
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Anne Rice (born Howard Allen Frances O'Brien) is a best-selling American author of gothic, supernatural, historical, erotica, and later religious themed books. Best known for The Vampire Chronicles, her prevailing thematical focus is on love, death, immortality, existentialism, and the human condition. She was married to poet Stan Rice for 41 years until his death in 2002. Her books have sold near...more
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“Revenge is the concern of those who are at some point or other beaten. I am not beaten, I told myself. No, not beaten. And victory is far more interesting to contemplate than revenge.”
—
33 people liked it
“So we reach into the raging chaos, and we cling to it, and we tell ourselves it has meaning, and that the world is good, and we are not evil, and we will all go home in the end.”
—
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Jan 19, 2013 05:59am