|
Dracula, by Bram Stoker, is truly a fine piece of literiture. The writing style of telling the story from different
letters and journal entries is an excellent hook, but even without it, Dracula would keep you turning pages until the end.
It says somthing about the quality of a novel when someone can read it years after it was written, know the plot, and still
find it exciting. Dracula's charaters and twisting plot leave you no choice but to see it through to the end.
We all know the story of Johnathon Harker who is simply trying to close a deal and ends up in an adventure with nosferatu
at its purest form. But so much is left out in re-tellings, summarys, and films, that the book seems like a completely
different story once you get into it. The plot is rich in detail, and clear in its thinking. The narrative chages
hands so flawlessly with the writing style, that different perceptives all blend into one solid storyline. One might think
that telling the entire story via things which have been written in the past would prove dull, as there is no suspense, if
we know that everyone gets out well. On the contrary, the suspense in this book is incredible. The diary of Johnathon, and
that of Lucy at various points tell that the writer believes he will soon be dead. A particualarly well written part is a
series of three telgrams from Dr. Sewer to Professor Van Helsing, describing the condition of Lucy's health. What could be
more irritateing to the mind then the brevity of a telegram which does not go into detail.
There are many very interesting points in the story. In particular one may mention the Zoophagus patient. An amazing
idea, the patient acts in the last way some one would expect him to, seeing him react as Dracula comes nearis amazingly interesting,
and frightening. Another point is just imagining the power of Dracula. His transformations, his superhuman stregnth, and
his control over the minds of bats, wolves, and even people. He certainly proves an incredible enemy.
Dracula is truly one of the best writing accomplishments of our time, and should definitly be read by all. Some
parts will be frightening, or disturbing to a younger audience, but once a certain age is reached, Dracula will entertain
you no matter what your interests.
-Trekie
|
