Group Reads Discussion - Dracula

[SRC Moderator, Moderator]

This is the discussion thread for the Fall 2023 Group Read Dracula in the category Gutenberg Classics. Please post your comments here. This thread is not restricted to those choosing this book for task 20.10, feel free to join in the discussion. Warning- spoilers ahead!

The requirement for task 20.10: You must participate in the book's discussion thread below with at least one post about the contents of the book or your reaction to the book after you have read the book.

[Sarah]

It has been a few years since I last read Dracula. It was a really great read a second time around. I quite like the method in which it is written with all the letters, diary entries and newspaper articules. I think it was an unexpected enjoyment as I had only rated the book 2 stars last time I read the book. I am glad I could give it another chance and enjoyed it better

[Robin P]

Although I have read a LOT of classics, I had never read this one. It is more engaging and modern that something like Frankenstein: by Mary Shelley. The book is told in journal and diary entries (as well as phonograph recordings, already in the 1890's!). That way we get different perspectives and information.

The descriptions are appropriately eerie and the suspense is pretty well maintained. It's rather disturbing to modern sensibilities how the women are considered something to be protected, when they actually often have clues to solving the problem. There's also a definite sexual vibe to the victims being lovely young women attacked at the throat/bosom. And the importance of Christian symbols alongside folk remedies like garlic also is a bit strange. Does this mean vampires can devour non-Christians more easily? Still, I'm glad I finally read this.

[JP]

In the early parts of the novel, it felt like very different stories were being stitched together: Harker at Dracula's castle, the arrival of the ship, Renfield at the asylum, etc. The stories were mainly told through the notes of different characters. Toward the end, the characters are interacting, and giving different perspectives on the same events.

I loved how in the final chapters, as they are converging on Dracula's castle, the excerpts from their journals get shorter, and the pace accelerates. We see every obstacle as they race to catch up with and destroy the vampire.

I'll be finishing up my reading by checking out the introduction to the Penguin Classics edition. This has been a fun read for me.

[Heather(Gibby)]

finally read this! Wow it was worth it. What Bram Stoker did best was creating an atmosphere, even while reading this outside in the sunshine, the book somehow made it feel dark and mysterious in my little reading bubble.

Although I was generally familiar with the story of Dracula, and having read many modern adaptations, there were quite a few surprises along the way in reading this book. It also intereting to see how this subgenre has deviated from the original story of vampites and things that go bump in the night.

The story is told thorugh letters, diaries etc. which gives the story of feel of authenticity. It builds a feeling of anticipation and dread in the reader, which is only enhanced by a mdern day knowledge of who and what Count Drcula is.

I am really glad that I finally got this one off my TBR

[Marie (UK)]

I love the classics my two favourite books of all time are The Count of Monte Cristo and Pride and Prejudice but I think I am in the minority on this book which i truly hated.

For me the writing was clunky - particularly the dialogue of Van Helsing whilst i acknowledge Stoker is portraying his foreign origins his speech is truly awful. I felt like I was having to translate English into English..

Bring me Dumas any day this was an epic fail for me

[Jammin Jenny]

I couldn't resist listening to so close to Halloween. There is such a sense of foreboding and darkness throughout the story. The narration of this version was excellent.

[Mai]

I've had this book on my to read list for years. This challenge finally gave me a reason to read it and, oh boy, it was a lot better than I expected. From the moment the naive Jonathan Harker becomes trapped in the castle, to the alternate perspectives around Lucy Westenra's plight, I can see how this book became a lasting model of horror. We don't see the Count but the fear, tension, and anxiety always permeate the atmosphere.

Some chapters were more interesting and well-paced than others. I enjoy the fact that Van Helsing is older and more scholarly than his typical portrayal as an action hero, while Mina is just as headstrong as I imagined. Overall, Dracula was an interesting rompy horror and I'm glad to know now where many elements of vampire/ Dracula lores are from.