Indian Readers discussion

The aristocratic vampire that haunts the Transylvanian countryside has captivated readers' imaginations since it was first published in 1897. Hindle asserts that Dracula depicts an embattled man's struggle to recover his "deepest sense of himself as a man", making it the "ultimate terror myth".

A classic that I think one must read at least once. Join us for this spooky read in the month of Halloween.

I started reading the book. Decided to read 1 chapter per day.

I am going to start this book tomorrow .

I have an e-book version that I read not that long ago. But I don't mind rereading it, because I like the Dracula in this book, if that is not too minutely obtuse.

I am excited to read this book! It has been many years since I read, and this is a favorite in the horror genre and one of my favorite books of all time! Looking forward for the reading experience!

Looks like there's a great read ahead ! 😱

Savita wrote: "Looks like there's a great read ahead ! 😱"

Did you like it so far?

Luffy wrote: "I have an e-book version that I read not that long ago. But I don't mind rereading it, because I like the Dracula in this book, if that is not too minutely obtuse."

Glad you will be joining.

Derrick wrote: "I am excited to read this book! It has been many years since I read, and this is a favorite in the horror genre and one of my favorite books of all time! Looking forward for the reading experience!"

Wonderful. You can jog down memory lane by rereading.

Austin wrote: "Luffy wrote: "I have an e-book version that I read not that long ago. But I don't mind rereading it, because I like the Dracula in this book, if that is not too minutely obtuse."

Glad you will be ..."

Thank you!

Read the first chapter. It is perhaps my favourite chapter in the book. The anticipation got to me. The sense of doom, of lambs to the slaughter is unshakable. I don't think I need to put anything in spoilers. I am content with the reading experience, and this was a hell of a first chapter. I read this while listening to two eerie songs (among others).

The first is a cherubic and little known ditty called 'Tonight You Belong to Me', a love song with sinister overtones. It is by Patience and Prudence, two sisters who sang this song in the mid 50s or so.

The second song is from one of my favourite artists, Nirvana. It is called 'Dumb'. Here are the appropriate opening lines...
"I'm not like them, but I can pretend
The sun is gone, but I have a light
The day is done, but I'm having fun
I think I'm dumb, Maybe just happy."

Will listen to those songs, Luffy.

Chapter 1 was spooky especially where Jonathan Harker travels in a cachele and the wolves are howling all throughout the journey.

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Looks like there's a great read ahead ! 😱"

Did you like it so far?"

I am reading the first chapter and absolutely loving the writing style ! From the comments by Em , Luffy and Derrick, I am sure it's going to be a very enjoyable read ! 👌
I read on the Google that this book was inspired by the 15th century Romanian prince Vlad the Impaler . He was a ruthless killer .In total , Vlad is estimated to have killed approximately 80 , 000 people, including 20, 000 who were impaled !

My reading speed may be a bit slow because I am also reading Lighthouse Island simultaneously .

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Looks like there's a great read ahead ! 😱"

Did you like it so far?"

I am reading the first chapter and absolutely loving the writing style ! From the comments by Em..."

Lighthouse Island is the one with 3.27 average score? It also does not have quotation marks? I tried to read Plainsong by Kent Haruf which is perhaps a better book than LI, yet could not go on because of the lack of said direct speech quotes. Savita, you have a great mental fortitude to be able to read this type of book.

Austin wrote: "Will listen to those songs, Luffy.

Chapter 1 was spooky especially where Jonathan Harker travels in a cachele and the wolves are howling all throughout the journey."

Hi Austin. I am not used to readers paying attention to my examples of songs, else I would have posted the YouTube links. But you can find these easily on the latter website.

I was absolutely enamored by the concept of vampire in my teenage reading years so I have already read the BOTM. I still can't shake the constant dread & doom I felt while reading Dracula, so it's a perfect pick for the spooky month of October.

I won't be re-reading it, but will be happy to join in for discussion of the parts that I remember well. Happy reading to all!

Shriti wrote: "I was absolutely enamored by the concept of vampire in my teenage reading years so I have already read the BOTM. I still can't shake the constant dread & doom I felt while reading Dracula, so it's ..."

Yay! The more the merrier.

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Looks like there's a great read ahead ! 😱"

Did you like it so far?"

I am reading the first chapter and absolutely loving the writing style ! From the..."

Luffy , it's true Lighthouse Island doesn't have any quotation marks . I have reached chapter 12 and am finding the story quite intriguing . Tthis is a Buddy Read in a group of which you also are a member . It's fun to read in a group ..... really enjoyable . I will let you know how I found the book when I have finished it . It's my first dystopian novel .

Shriti wrote: "I was absolutely enamored by the concept of vampire in my teenage reading years so I have already read the BOTM. I still can't shake the constant dread & doom I felt while reading Dracula, so it's ..."

Hi , Shriti ! Most welcome 😊 ! Like Luffy said .... Yay ! The more the merrier !

I am still on chapter 1 . I am struck by how beautifully the ambience is built up ! There is this stunningly beautiful countryside but , all along , there is a slow build up of a creepy horror ! A chilling beauty. ' .. here and there were very beautiful masses of weeping birch , their white stems shining like silver through the delicate green of the leaves. ' ; ' ... as we swept by , my companions all crossed themselves. '
I must say I am really enjoying this author's language . Reminds me of Daphne du Maurier and Thomas Hardy.

It seems we are looking at different things in the book, though we read the same words. For me the descriptive is at the service of the plot, though Stoker takes enough time to express himself. But the style is that of Modernist times, which is one of the reasons why I gave the book 5 stars. It came out during Victorian times. But the style can't be called Victorian.

There is only one thing that preoccupies me from Chapter One. Why do so many people there have goitre. We can guess, but is it correct?

@ Luffy : Must be iodine deficiency in the area.

Finished 5 chapters. Count Dracula is turning out to be one spooky personality/creature. Wait till you get to Chapters 3 and 4, Savita. It's very eerie and even somewhat scary, especially the part about Count Dracula's room. I would rather not elaborate on it lest it becomes a spoiler.

At first I was having trouble with the language style as I haven't read classics since ages. Slowly I am getting into the groove and appreciating the different style of writing. Needs patience and I think I have got that for this book.

Glad to see more people joining in. I will try to be more interactive tomorrow onwards (hopefully) : )

I read this one recently hence I'll just join the discussion. To me, the story was more exciting/suspenseful than horrific.

Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Will listen to those songs, Luffy.

Chapter 1 was spooky especially where Jonathan Harker travels in a cachele and the wolves are howling all throughout the journey."

Hi Austin. I ..."

It's ok. I found them on YouTube.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Looks like there's a great read ahead ! 😱"

Did you like it so far?"

I am reading the first chapter and absolutely loving the writing style ! From the comments by Em..."

That's an interesting snippet of info. Btw, I actually thought Transylvania is a made up place. Came to know through Google that it's real and located in Romania!

Take your sweet time. I will be finishing this book only on 27th October. There are 27 chapters, one chapter for each day. I have joined a read along group for Dracula elsewhere and they are doing one chapter per day. I may be reading other books simultaneously as well.

Shriti wrote: "I was absolutely enamored by the concept of vampire in my teenage reading years so I have already read the BOTM. I still can't shake the constant dread & doom I felt while reading Dracula, so it's ..."

Nice to know. Do chip in sometimes.

Savita wrote: "I am still on chapter 1 . I am struck by how beautifully the ambience is built up ! There is this stunningly beautiful countryside but , all along , there is a slow build up of a creepy horror ! A ..."

I read Rebeca 18 years ago. I don't remember the writing style. Just know that I liked it at that time. So it's interesting to know that Bram Stoker's writing style is similar to Daphne du Maurier and Thomas Hardy's.

Since you are into classics, I would like to know whether by any chance you have read Oliver Twist, Gulliver's Travels, Mansfield Park and The Mayor of Casterbridge. I haven't read these books. Saw them at my office library.

Savita wrote: "@ Luffy : Must be iodine deficiency in the area."

I didn't know that. One mystery solved at the very least.

FWIW, Rebecca's language is more stuffy than Dracula's. I have that opinion because I tried to read the former while at the same time watching the movie, which came two years after the book was published. I didn't like the movie and as a result I not only DNFed the book, but also never attempted to read anything by Daphne du Maurier.

I read the silly letters between Mina and Lucy. I didn't notice before, but the impersonation of Stoker as a maiden is pathetic. He (view spoiler)[makes Lucy cry for no reason. Several times. (hide spoiler)]

I still think that Dracula has enough merit for me to give it 5 stars again. But my love of the book is still on a creaky foundation, because there will be other instances where the writing feels inadequate.

Luffy wrote: "I read the silly letters between Mina and Lucy. I didn't notice before, but the impersonation of Stoker as a maiden is pathetic. He [spoilers removed]

I still think that Dracula has enough merit f..."

Impersonation of Stoker as a maiden indeed! Hahaha. Personally I found the exchange of letters between Mina and Lucy in chapter 5 not egregious, though admittedly it wasn't as exciting as the chapters involving the adventures in the castle.

Austin wrote: "Luffy wrote: "I read the silly letters between Mina and Lucy. I didn't notice before, but the impersonation of Stoker as a maiden is pathetic. He [spoilers removed]

I still think that Dracula has ..."

Thank you for being amused! I do think that the letters felt like they were on the edge of something really exciting happening, and soon. The adventures in the castle, as you so aptly described it, cast a faint shadow over the Chapter 5. This is because we know parts of the puzzle, but not yet what will happen. Just my 2 cents.

Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Luffy wrote: "I read the silly letters between Mina and Lucy. I didn't notice before, but the impersonation of Stoker as a maiden is pathetic. He [spoilers removed]

I still think th..."

Those letters reminded me of my school days. We, the students, were required to write letters as part of English subject. Sometimes I had to impersonate myself as a wife writing a letter to her husband. :-)

No such creativity for us in Mauritius. Our English classes were all about essay writing and reading comprehension.

Now I understand the widespread use of cross-dressing in so many comedic stunts, whether in cinema or on the stage. I remember reading about the first Indian movie, Alam Ara, or is it Harischandra? In one of these a man played the role of the heroine.

I have read Chapter 6, and it is very dated. I don't know about the language of Leeds around which Chapter 6 occurs (at least Mina Murray's part in it). But from memory I recall that lots of O sounds get spoken as A.

Seward is a strange name to give a psychiatrist. Renfield is one of those characters I don't have opinions about as he's insane. His omission would not have changed the plot of the book by much.

Anjali wrote: "I read this one recently hence I'll just join the discussion. To me, the story was more exciting/suspenseful than horrific."
Welcome , Anjali !

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am still on chapter 1 . I am struck by how beautifully the ambience is built up ! There is this stunningly beautiful countryside but , all along , there is a slow build up of a cre..."


Yes, I have read all the books that you have mentioned , though not recently. Each of them is definitely worth reading, but you need time in hand to appreciate the literary gems scattered in these beautiful novels. You just can't hurry through these novels... you would quite miss their beauty and the message that the authors are trying to get across.

Luffy wrote: "FWIW, Rebecca's language is more stuffy than Dracula's. I have that opinion because I tried to read the former while at the same time watching the movie, which came two years after the book was pub..."

I am sorry you didn't like Rebecca , Luffy . It's such a favorite with me . I loved the series of twists and turns in the plot . And the end was stupendous! It took some time to understand what the author was saying actually..... and then it was like - Oh my God! !

I have reached chapter 4 and am really enjoying the writing style and the beautiful language.
Chapter 1 : Perfect build up of a spooky ambience ! ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ The howling dogs , the baying of the wolves, the horses taking fright .... and finally the vast ruined castle, from whose tall black windows came no ray of light, and whose broken battlements showed a jagged line against the moonlit sky . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆
If the coachman is so weird, how must Count Dracula be ? ! 🤔

Chapter 2 : Once again , a strange blend of the weird and sinister with that which is perfectly normal and reassuring . Example : ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ There is this ominous castle, the howling of the wolves , Dracula 's sinister personality on one hand , and on the other , cheerfully lit dining room and bedroom ! 😱 (hide spoiler)]
I have reached chapter 4 .

Savita wrote: "Luffy wrote: "FWIW, Rebecca's language is more stuffy than Dracula's. I have that opinion because I tried to read the former while at the same time watching the movie, which came two years after th..."

Hi Savita, I used to be sorry too whenever I read that someone hates or dislikes the books I love. But now I just go on without any rues. Me not liking Rebecca doesn't of course, diminish your enjoyment of it.

Savita wrote: "Chapter 2 : Once again , a strange blend of the weird and sinister with that which is perfectly normal and reassuring . Example : ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed]
I have reached chapter 4 ."

You make an excellent point (more than my favourite soccer team, Manchester United, is capable of these days). I am curious to know your analysis of the book further on.

Luffy wrote: "I have read Chapter 6, and it is very dated. I don't know about the language of Leeds around which Chapter 6 occurs (at least Mina Murray's part in it). But from memory I recall that lots of O soun..."

I found the old man's talk both entertaining and annoying. Annoying as the dialect was hard to follow at times.

I in fact enjoyed reading Seward's journal about the madman's antics.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am still on chapter 1 . I am struck by how beautifully the ambience is built up ! There is this stunningly beautiful countryside but , all along , there is a slow bu..."

I see. Dracula, is it your first time?

Austin wrote: "I found the old man's talk both entertaining and annoying. Annoying as the dialect was hard to follow at times."

You are absolutely right about this section. This was what passed for humour in Victorian times, making fun of the less educated. Nowadays this approach still exists, but few comedians use it.

Making fun of people who speak differently from us is an ancient but obsolete art. We always tend to caricaturise people who are different. If someone as nearer to our times like Agatha Christie lampooned Jews and Turks, then people like Stoker stood no chance of coming unblemished from this type of writing.

Savita wrote: "Chapter 2 : Once again , a strange blend of the weird and sinister with that which is perfectly normal and reassuring . Example : ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed]
I have reached chapter 4 ."

Good. I finished chapter 6 yesternight.

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "Chapter 2 : Once again , a strange blend of the weird and sinister with that which is perfectly normal and reassuring . Example : ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed]
I have reache..."

Thanks , Luffy ! Loving the book so far 👌 !

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Chapter 2 : Once again , a strange blend of the weird and sinister with that which is perfectly normal and reassuring . Example : ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed]
I have reache..."

Hoping to either catch up or at least maintain a good pace .

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am still on chapter 1 . I am struck by how beautifully the ambience is built up ! There is this stunningly beautiful countryside but , all along , the..."

Yes , this is my first Dracula book . I have seen ' Dracula has risen from grave ' many years ago , and remember being thrilled with it .