Dracula

I was hoping to have this book done sooner because of Halloween. I found a podcast on Spotify called Pheobe Reads a Mystery, basically an audiobook for mysteries. So I listened to it while reading my own physical copy. I think it took away from the reading experience, but at the same time it sets the pace for how to read it.

Everyone has heard of Dracula, the character who made vampires a pop culture scary icon. This is one of the original examples of vampire lore, I believe. A young realtor named Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to finish a property deal with a Count Dracula, who seems pleasant enough; he offers his home to stay at while they discuss what the property back in London is like and leaves his whole to explore for Jonathan save a few rooms that are heavily locked. It ends up becoming a complete nightmare. Later on, back in England, Dracula makes his presence known by continually attacking sweet Lucy to a point where she dies of blood loss. Six people close Lucy become involved in solving who is responsible for her death, and seeking revenge for not just her, but for any possible future victims.

From a couple of the reviews I read on Goodreads, some thought that Dracula was not only the beginning of vampire culture, it is also the beginning of people being really bad decisions in scary movies, which apparently is a turn-off. Others have said that this was a fabulous work instead of getting mad that this is just people being dumb.

I look at Dracula as a well-written work, a good simple mystery that sets a good example of friendship, and a good marriage. I like how quick everyone is to help in solving how Lucy died and offering their means and skills to take on Dracula so willingly. I love the dynamic that Mina and Jonathan have in their relationship. They share everything with one another, and are realistic of the situation at hand. They both have an active role in the group despite Jonathan’s previous mental breakdown from his experience at Dracula’s castle and Mina’s medical attacks.

I think I would have enjoyed reading Dracula more without the audiobook, but regardless I enjoyed reading it and would recommend giving it a go. Happy post-Halloween, everyone. I apologize for the great delay. It is getting into the holiday season, so my work schedule is increasing. I am finding how much reading is a self-care thing for me, so I try to read when I am not actively working. If you would like to read Dracula, you will be able to find it here.

9/10