Jonathan ’s review of Dracula > Likes and Comments
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I can never write a review of books I really loved as a kid but you wrote pretty much what I would've if I could.
Thank you very much Linda. I'm doing a re-read later in the year as luckily I get to study this amazing book for literature in the second half!
Vampires are not meant as heroes.
Having read and loved this book as a girl, I suppose perhaps that's why the modern fad for vampires has never appealed to me.
Very nice review.
Thank you very much. Yes it's always staggered me that they've tried to turn these dark and vicious beasts into sex symbols for teenage angst and desire. I mean how do you equate the undead bloodthirsty Dracula who turns his victims into more vampires who are completely different from the original with sensuality?
Jonathan recorded his reading stats as "Read from July 15, 2012 to January 01, 2011."
I always suspected you were a time lord! :)
![[Name Redacted]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1347082397p1/287915.jpg)
While the theme of sensuality/sexuality IS there, it's not the dominant one. The problem is that our culture is stuck in a sort of adolescence and fixated on sex, so we bend over backwards (no pun intended) in our attempts to make everything about sex.
Ian wrote: "While the theme of sensuality/sexuality IS there, it's not the dominant one. The problem is that our culture is stuck in a sort of adolescence and fixated on sex, so we bend over backwards (no pun ..."
(view spoiler)
I sex sex what you're sexing about!
Ian wrote: "I sex sex what you're sexing about!"
Sexactly!
Oh dear... hahaha.
Yes there was sensuality in the novel but sensuality is different from turning something into an icon or symbol.
I have to agree, Dracula is one of the all-time great novels. I read it for the first time when I was about twelve or so, and I can't remember how many times I've read it since.
It's a rare novel that you can experience a similar way when you read it a second time. Many contemporary novels lose their punch on a second reading because they lack the depth of language.
Richard wrote: "Jonathan recorded his reading stats as "Read from July 15, 2012 to January 01, 2011."
I always suspected you were a time lord! :)"
Of course I am. Don't listen to Doctor Who's message that's just propaganda trying to tell you that the Time Lords are all dead except for one or two.
Jonathan wrote: "Richard wrote: "Jonathan recorded his reading stats as "Read from July 15, 2012 to January 01, 2011."
I always suspected you were a time lord! :)"
Of course I am. Don't listen to Doctor Who's me..."
They said that sort of thing in the Highlander films too but I figured it was all a conspiracy theory.
I haven't seen the Highlander films. Are they any good? Because I'm creating a list of films to see and I've heard them referenced a fair amount.
Jonathan wrote: "I haven't seen the Highlander films. Are they any good? Because I'm creating a list of films to see and I've heard them referenced a fair amount."
I think the first one (which came out in 1986) is supposed to be the best one of the series and is considered a "cult classic."
Cult classics work for me. I read lots of books which are like that in terms of they're popular within their area but little known elsewhere...
Jonathan wrote: "Cult classics work for me. I read lots of books which are like that in terms of they're popular within their area but little known elsewhere..."
Can you give a few examples?
I would say a lot of the fantasy I've read and some sci-fi. There's a sort of cult following for Ender's Game in a way (but it's also well known so...), anything by Brandon Sanderson has a sort of cult following too...I know there was another series or so that I've read. Ah the Riyran Revelations which I read is developing that sort of following. There've been many other books (we tend to see self-published books become like that now).
Jonathan wrote: "I would say a lot of the fantasy I've read and some sci-fi. There's a sort of cult following for Ender's Game in a way (but it's also well known so...), anything by Brandon Sanderson has a sort of ..."
I've read some of the Ender series but not all. Wasn't Sanderson the one who was chosen to finish off the Wheel of Time series? The Riyria Revelation looks like it could be fun.
Sanderson was the one who was chosen to finish The Wheel of Time but before that his novels were very much cult classics. And yes Riyria was a good fun read. Not the greatest fantasy in terms of being a high-brow epic like The Lord of the Rings but certainly one of the most fun and still decently well written (particularly as the series went on).
Sanderson has published at least one ~500 page book every year since his debut novel Elantris in 2005. He shows no sign of slowing down. And they're all pretty dang readable -- he's not a great writer and his characters can be pretty hit-or-miss, but he's an amazing world-builder and his novels are often pretty high-concept. Also, he co-hosts a pretty fun podcast called "Writing Excuses".
And the first Highlander film is definitely the best. 2 is awful and 3 is...meh. The TV series is actually pretty dang good, but is effectively set in an alternate timeline from the films.
Well I love Sanderson's work personally. He's not flowery or poetic but he writes characters and worlds that I like and enjoy. I haven't seen enough of his podcasts yet though...
Thanks for the info on the Highlander films. I'll add the first to my to-watch list then.
was at my book store this weekend and was looking for some sanderson...they didn't have anything! argh! they did, however, have some of the game of thrones series and I also acquired the first 3 books in the wheel of time series. I really must begin to expand my reading into the world of fantasy and sci-fi. They didn't have any Rothfuss either. Half price book stores is a chain, and they're usually pretty good with the selection, but apparently not this weekend. But I promise to still keep Sanderson on my list!
I have the first Game of Thrones to properly get into. Sanderson and Rothfuss are selling out pretty quick at the moment. I find it's better to order books like that.
I'll keep that in mind. I want to finish the Eragon series and LOTR first...
Those are two decent fantasies (in other words if a beginner doesn't like elements of them they won't like others usually) to get through then.
I'm re-reading this at the moment with an annotated version and it's fascinating to see the references to Shakespeare, Homer and the other classics. Plus you also see where the writer/'editor' made a mistake with his character's written articles.
The first Highlander film is pretty good.
The second Highlander film is so awfully, unbelievably, transcendentally bad that I love it beyond all reason. There's the theatrical version, and a "Rebel" version (re-edited with extra footage version and director's commentary), and they are both so awful you can hardly believe your eyes.
Be sure you watch at least on version of Highlander 2. Just don't eat or drink while doing so. And make sure there's something soft in your lap, for when your jaw drops.
I never watched these when they came out, so when my husband had me watch them years later, i just couldn't appreciate them as the 80's did. However, it's okay, since my husband feels the same way about Revenge of the Nerds, and the Beverly Hills Cop movies, which I adore.
Oh no - more bad movies!!! I seriously (no sarcasm) love the way this thread has transformed from talking about Dracula to talking about bad movies! It's great because it reminds me of the terrible Dracula adaptations which have existed.
yes! i laughed so hard when i saw the bela lagosi adaptation! i felt like i was watching my soap opera i used to watch in college...half the acting was just a pensive look meant to intimidate...i had my book club over to watch it...next time i think i'll make that "look" into a drinking game. the one from the 80's that won tons of awards with anthony hopkins and keanu reeves was terrible too, but fun at the same time. (as for bad 80's movies - i'm the queen! loved the 80's - which is why i loved Ready Player One by Ernest Cline so much)
Also, it's amazing how those bad movie affect you...my husband and I are big Die Hard fans and our 2 yr old twins have an elmo toy that says many phrases, one of which is "Yippie ki yeah!" and we ALWAYS look at each other and have to clamp down on our toungues to not finish the phrase from the movie.
I was told to watch that one with keanu reeves and anthony hopkins for lit and I started only to go: um this is just too sickening so I think I'll skip the viewing and just go to the tute instead.
janine aka J9 aka midnightfaerie wrote: "yes! i laughed so hard when i saw the bela lagosi adaptation! i felt like i was watching my soap opera i used to watch in college...half the acting was just a pensive look meant to intimidate...i..."
One problem with the Lugosi Dracula is that Bela was a Shakesperean stage actor in Hungary, and he carries that over into the film. Hitchcock talked once about his film Sabotage (in Hitchcock/Truffaut), and how in the big climactic scene, the leading lady complained that he wouldn't let her act. She was a stage actress. When she saw it on screen, she realized that she'd have been ridiculously over the top if he'd let her do it the way she wanted to.
So I'd blame most of the problems with the film on the director.
janine aka J9 aka midnightfaerie wrote: "Also, it's amazing how those bad movie affect you...my husband and I are big Die Hard fans and our 2 yr old twins have an elmo toy that says many phrases, one of which is "Yippie ki yeah!" and we A..."
I don't see Die Hard as a bad movie. Granted the premise (terrorists take over office building, tough cop happens to be there and fights them), I think its pretty good.
lol! yes, stephen, ur right. any movie i've watched at least 20 times and have memorized, can't really be categorized as "bad". the fact is, i love it. along with lethal weapon, demolition man, drop zone, cry baby, porky's, heathers, dream a little dream, goonies, the lost boys, and many many others. :)
oh! oh! police academy! i have them all! and short circut! and coming to america! and back to the future! there are so many!
You've just poured out a stream of movies I've watched and liked myself or need to watch right there...
Police Squad > Police Academy.
FACT! ;)
police squad? what is that??????? and how could it possibly be better than hightower ripping out a seat in mahony's car so he can learn to drive? or bob goldthwait with adorable voice that makes u love him for being bad? or tackleberry's gun collection? or larvell jone's imitation of the police intercom or airport security? or the wonderful mixup of lassard and his right hand man in the gay bar? ??????
ok, Ian, i admit, they're pretty good...but i think i still like police academy better. i was just raised on them is all.
Ahhhh, and I was raised on Police Squad. Fair enough.
You are really good at book reviews. :) I always seem to have trouble putting my thoughts into words, and you make it seem so easy. :D
Thank you a heap Emma and Melissa. Believe it or not though I often have trouble trying to put all the thoughts I'm thinking in order which is why it's nice that some people (i.e. Ian, Richard, Stephen) can come along and point out flaws or interesting facts.
Emma wrote: "Fantastic review, Jonathan. Reading it makes me want to drop my current book and pick up Dracula again."
Well, you can always read it a little at a time at the Dracula blog: the Dracula Blot.
I've finally figure out what Dracula is really about thanks to uni. It's a concealed attack against foreigners. Dracula comes from the uncivilised Europe and tries to assimilate into civilised England and bring his immoral lifestyle.
That's...an interesting interpretation.
I'm not sure if I prefer it to the "everything is always all about sex" version.
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Linda
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Apr 04, 2012 07:57PM
I can never write a review of books I really loved as a kid but you wrote pretty much what I would've if I could.
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Thank you very much Linda. I'm doing a re-read later in the year as luckily I get to study this amazing book for literature in the second half!
Vampires are not meant as heroes.Having read and loved this book as a girl, I suppose perhaps that's why the modern fad for vampires has never appealed to me.
Very nice review.
Thank you very much. Yes it's always staggered me that they've tried to turn these dark and vicious beasts into sex symbols for teenage angst and desire. I mean how do you equate the undead bloodthirsty Dracula who turns his victims into more vampires who are completely different from the original with sensuality?
Jonathan recorded his reading stats as "Read from July 15, 2012 to January 01, 2011."I always suspected you were a time lord! :)
While the theme of sensuality/sexuality IS there, it's not the dominant one. The problem is that our culture is stuck in a sort of adolescence and fixated on sex, so we bend over backwards (no pun intended) in our attempts to make everything about sex.
Ian wrote: "While the theme of sensuality/sexuality IS there, it's not the dominant one. The problem is that our culture is stuck in a sort of adolescence and fixated on sex, so we bend over backwards (no pun ..."(view spoiler)
I sex sex what you're sexing about!
Ian wrote: "I sex sex what you're sexing about!"Sexactly!
Oh dear... hahaha. Yes there was sensuality in the novel but sensuality is different from turning something into an icon or symbol.
I have to agree, Dracula is one of the all-time great novels. I read it for the first time when I was about twelve or so, and I can't remember how many times I've read it since.
It's a rare novel that you can experience a similar way when you read it a second time. Many contemporary novels lose their punch on a second reading because they lack the depth of language.
Richard wrote: "Jonathan recorded his reading stats as "Read from July 15, 2012 to January 01, 2011."I always suspected you were a time lord! :)"
Of course I am. Don't listen to Doctor Who's message that's just propaganda trying to tell you that the Time Lords are all dead except for one or two.
Jonathan wrote: "Richard wrote: "Jonathan recorded his reading stats as "Read from July 15, 2012 to January 01, 2011."I always suspected you were a time lord! :)"
Of course I am. Don't listen to Doctor Who's me..."
They said that sort of thing in the Highlander films too but I figured it was all a conspiracy theory.
I haven't seen the Highlander films. Are they any good? Because I'm creating a list of films to see and I've heard them referenced a fair amount.
Jonathan wrote: "I haven't seen the Highlander films. Are they any good? Because I'm creating a list of films to see and I've heard them referenced a fair amount."I think the first one (which came out in 1986) is supposed to be the best one of the series and is considered a "cult classic."
Cult classics work for me. I read lots of books which are like that in terms of they're popular within their area but little known elsewhere...
Jonathan wrote: "Cult classics work for me. I read lots of books which are like that in terms of they're popular within their area but little known elsewhere..."Can you give a few examples?
I would say a lot of the fantasy I've read and some sci-fi. There's a sort of cult following for Ender's Game in a way (but it's also well known so...), anything by Brandon Sanderson has a sort of cult following too...I know there was another series or so that I've read. Ah the Riyran Revelations which I read is developing that sort of following. There've been many other books (we tend to see self-published books become like that now).
Jonathan wrote: "I would say a lot of the fantasy I've read and some sci-fi. There's a sort of cult following for Ender's Game in a way (but it's also well known so...), anything by Brandon Sanderson has a sort of ..."I've read some of the Ender series but not all. Wasn't Sanderson the one who was chosen to finish off the Wheel of Time series? The Riyria Revelation looks like it could be fun.
Sanderson was the one who was chosen to finish The Wheel of Time but before that his novels were very much cult classics. And yes Riyria was a good fun read. Not the greatest fantasy in terms of being a high-brow epic like The Lord of the Rings but certainly one of the most fun and still decently well written (particularly as the series went on).
Sanderson has published at least one ~500 page book every year since his debut novel Elantris in 2005. He shows no sign of slowing down. And they're all pretty dang readable -- he's not a great writer and his characters can be pretty hit-or-miss, but he's an amazing world-builder and his novels are often pretty high-concept. Also, he co-hosts a pretty fun podcast called "Writing Excuses". And the first Highlander film is definitely the best. 2 is awful and 3 is...meh. The TV series is actually pretty dang good, but is effectively set in an alternate timeline from the films.
Well I love Sanderson's work personally. He's not flowery or poetic but he writes characters and worlds that I like and enjoy. I haven't seen enough of his podcasts yet though...Thanks for the info on the Highlander films. I'll add the first to my to-watch list then.
was at my book store this weekend and was looking for some sanderson...they didn't have anything! argh! they did, however, have some of the game of thrones series and I also acquired the first 3 books in the wheel of time series. I really must begin to expand my reading into the world of fantasy and sci-fi. They didn't have any Rothfuss either. Half price book stores is a chain, and they're usually pretty good with the selection, but apparently not this weekend. But I promise to still keep Sanderson on my list!
I have the first Game of Thrones to properly get into. Sanderson and Rothfuss are selling out pretty quick at the moment. I find it's better to order books like that.
I'll keep that in mind. I want to finish the Eragon series and LOTR first...
Those are two decent fantasies (in other words if a beginner doesn't like elements of them they won't like others usually) to get through then. I'm re-reading this at the moment with an annotated version and it's fascinating to see the references to Shakespeare, Homer and the other classics. Plus you also see where the writer/'editor' made a mistake with his character's written articles.
The first Highlander film is pretty good.The second Highlander film is so awfully, unbelievably, transcendentally bad that I love it beyond all reason. There's the theatrical version, and a "Rebel" version (re-edited with extra footage version and director's commentary), and they are both so awful you can hardly believe your eyes.
Be sure you watch at least on version of Highlander 2. Just don't eat or drink while doing so. And make sure there's something soft in your lap, for when your jaw drops.
I never watched these when they came out, so when my husband had me watch them years later, i just couldn't appreciate them as the 80's did. However, it's okay, since my husband feels the same way about Revenge of the Nerds, and the Beverly Hills Cop movies, which I adore.
Oh no - more bad movies!!! I seriously (no sarcasm) love the way this thread has transformed from talking about Dracula to talking about bad movies! It's great because it reminds me of the terrible Dracula adaptations which have existed.
yes! i laughed so hard when i saw the bela lagosi adaptation! i felt like i was watching my soap opera i used to watch in college...half the acting was just a pensive look meant to intimidate...i had my book club over to watch it...next time i think i'll make that "look" into a drinking game. the one from the 80's that won tons of awards with anthony hopkins and keanu reeves was terrible too, but fun at the same time. (as for bad 80's movies - i'm the queen! loved the 80's - which is why i loved Ready Player One by Ernest Cline so much)
Also, it's amazing how those bad movie affect you...my husband and I are big Die Hard fans and our 2 yr old twins have an elmo toy that says many phrases, one of which is "Yippie ki yeah!" and we ALWAYS look at each other and have to clamp down on our toungues to not finish the phrase from the movie.
I was told to watch that one with keanu reeves and anthony hopkins for lit and I started only to go: um this is just too sickening so I think I'll skip the viewing and just go to the tute instead.
janine aka J9 aka midnightfaerie wrote: "yes! i laughed so hard when i saw the bela lagosi adaptation! i felt like i was watching my soap opera i used to watch in college...half the acting was just a pensive look meant to intimidate...i..."One problem with the Lugosi Dracula is that Bela was a Shakesperean stage actor in Hungary, and he carries that over into the film. Hitchcock talked once about his film Sabotage (in Hitchcock/Truffaut), and how in the big climactic scene, the leading lady complained that he wouldn't let her act. She was a stage actress. When she saw it on screen, she realized that she'd have been ridiculously over the top if he'd let her do it the way she wanted to.
So I'd blame most of the problems with the film on the director.
janine aka J9 aka midnightfaerie wrote: "Also, it's amazing how those bad movie affect you...my husband and I are big Die Hard fans and our 2 yr old twins have an elmo toy that says many phrases, one of which is "Yippie ki yeah!" and we A..."I don't see Die Hard as a bad movie. Granted the premise (terrorists take over office building, tough cop happens to be there and fights them), I think its pretty good.
lol! yes, stephen, ur right. any movie i've watched at least 20 times and have memorized, can't really be categorized as "bad". the fact is, i love it. along with lethal weapon, demolition man, drop zone, cry baby, porky's, heathers, dream a little dream, goonies, the lost boys, and many many others. :)
oh! oh! police academy! i have them all! and short circut! and coming to america! and back to the future! there are so many!
You've just poured out a stream of movies I've watched and liked myself or need to watch right there...
Police Squad > Police Academy.FACT! ;)
police squad? what is that??????? and how could it possibly be better than hightower ripping out a seat in mahony's car so he can learn to drive? or bob goldthwait with adorable voice that makes u love him for being bad? or tackleberry's gun collection? or larvell jone's imitation of the police intercom or airport security? or the wonderful mixup of lassard and his right hand man in the gay bar? ??????
ok, Ian, i admit, they're pretty good...but i think i still like police academy better. i was just raised on them is all.
Ahhhh, and I was raised on Police Squad. Fair enough.
You are really good at book reviews. :) I always seem to have trouble putting my thoughts into words, and you make it seem so easy. :D
Thank you a heap Emma and Melissa. Believe it or not though I often have trouble trying to put all the thoughts I'm thinking in order which is why it's nice that some people (i.e. Ian, Richard, Stephen) can come along and point out flaws or interesting facts.
Emma wrote: "Fantastic review, Jonathan. Reading it makes me want to drop my current book and pick up Dracula again."Well, you can always read it a little at a time at the Dracula blog: the Dracula Blot.
I've finally figure out what Dracula is really about thanks to uni. It's a concealed attack against foreigners. Dracula comes from the uncivilised Europe and tries to assimilate into civilised England and bring his immoral lifestyle.
That's...an interesting interpretation.I'm not sure if I prefer it to the "everything is always all about sex" version.
