Roberta Writes – Halloween Book Festival: Dracula by Bram Stoker

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Today, I’m featuring my favourite horror novel, Dracula by Bram stoker.

What Amazon says

The vampire count of Transylvania seeks his lost love and the conquest of Britain by plague. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.”

My review

I listened to the audio book of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I don’t know how I missed this one during my book filled youth but I am glad I discovered it now.

The story is told through a collection of diary, journal and other written entries by the main characters to the story and follows the path of the five men and two women who encounter one of the most evil creatures ever known to mankind.

Jonathan Harker is a young and ambitions lawyer with a good and kind heart. The story starts with him arriving in Transylvania to travel to the castle of a Count Dracula who is doing business with Mr Harker’s firm in England. The Count has requested that a legal representative travel to his home and stay with him for a period to bed down certain business transactions, including the purchase of property in England, he wishes to undertake. It is decided by the owner of the firm that Jonathan should undertake the journey as he is dedicated and thorough in his work and his health is far better than that of his older associate.

Following Jonathan’s arrival in Transylvania, it soon becomes apparent that the local people are terrified of Count Dracula and fear for Jonathan’s life and soul. Although perplexed by the bizarre behaviour of the local people, Jonathan travels on to his arranged drop off point where he is collected by a huge and unusual man in a horse drawn coach. The journey to the castle is harrowing and Jonathan is relieved to arrive at this temporary home. Before many days have passed, however, he becomes aware that everything is not as it seems at the castle. The Count does not eat and does not sleep at night. As Jonathan becomes more suspicious of the Count, and wishes to return home he discovers that he is a prisoner in the castle. The Count does not have his best interests at heart and he is just a ploy to help Dracula get to England to carry out his ghastly plan.

Meanwhile back in England, Mina, Jonathan’s devoted fiancee, is greatly concerned that she has not heard from him. She is also worried about her beautiful friend, Lucy, who is sleep walking at night and whose health seems to start deteriorating. Lucy is a delightful and loving woman and the object of three men’s desire. When Mina eventually receives a letter from a nun at the hospital where Jonathan is recovering after a lengthily illness, she leaves immediately to assist him and Lucy is left in the care of her ailing mother.

Lucy’s health takes a turn for the worse and all three of the men who love her as well as Doctor von Helsing, an elderly and famous physician, must battle to save her life and her soul. This is just the beginning of their fight as Lucy’s life is merely one of many that is at stake in this terrifying novel.

The story is told in the most beautiful and descriptive language and I did enjoy the old fashioned manners displayed by the five male heroes. The female characters also display the best of female characteristics and are true, loving and kind.

This great dramatical story is well worth reading and I can understand how it has come to be a one of the great classic stories.

Amazon US purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Dracula-Bram-Stoker-ebook/dp/B0184VBHSK

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Published by robertawrites235681907

I am a writer of young adult fiction and poetry

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48 thoughts on “Roberta Writes – Halloween Book Festival: Dracula by Bram Stoker”

  3. Robbie, I echo Darlene’s comment: great review of a classic! When you said it’s your favorite horror novel, you made me wonder what mine is. “Dracula” is up there. Maybe Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”? Stephen King’s “Misery” is in the running, too, though that might be more thriller than horror.

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  15. An excellent review, Robbie – as always!!! I always wonder on the back story of how a narrative came into being. I read that Bram Stoker’s inspiration for writing “Dracula” came from several sources, including Eastern European folklore and his own personal experiences. He was particularly fascinated by the legends of vampires and the supernatural. And then there was the influence of the historical figure, Vlad the Impaler, who was known for his brutal and ruthless tactics. I understand that his interest in the occult and his desire to explore themes of good versus evil also played a significant role in shaping the narrative of “Dracula.” He gave us a compelling and chilling tale that has had a lasting impact on the horror genre. I love this quote: “Once again…welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”
    Bram Stoker, Dracula

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  17. Robbie, I enjoyed reading about your thoughts on this classic. What you mentioned about manners made me think of the “Lost in Austen” TV mini series. (I’ve only watched a little so far, but I’m enjoying it.) Anyhow, the modern heroine enthuses over Austen’s era and how she loves the manners. Have a relaxing weekend. Hugs.

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    1. When Stephen King recommends books to read, this is among them.

      About Patty L. Fletcher

      Patty L. Fletcher lives in Kingsport Tennessee where she works full time as a Writer with the goal of bridging the great chasm which separates the disAbled from the non-disAbled. She is Also a Social Media Marketing Assistant.

      See her published work and more here.

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