Indian Readers discussion

There is a book called Dracul, by Dacre Stoker. That's right. A real descendent of Bram Stoker. The book is a critical success, but I didn't like it at all. I DNFed it.

Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu predated Dracula in the gothic vampire novel genre but it didn't gain as much popularity as Dracula during the period. It's a short but very well-written story. May be an inspiration for Dracula.

Anjali wrote: "Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu predated Dracula in the gothic vampire novel genre but it didn't gain as much popularity as Dracula during the period. It's a short but very well-written s..."

So many things that I am not aware of. Dracula is too polished to be a work that stands alone in its originality. Carmilla seems like Hydrox, as opposed to Dracula (Oreos).

Ha ha. I like your analogy. Yes, Carmilla is simple and straight with just a few plot twists and surprises (it's 100 pages story).

Luffy wrote: ...Dracula is too polished to be a work that stands alone in its originality."

Dracula has an excellent narration that follows through journal entries, phonograph records, memorandums, newspaper articles, and letters of its magnificent characters. It would have been a treat if Count Dracula's account of the events were also unveiled somehow.
Also, Stoker's Dracula has created an ideal sketch of vampires, which has been a baseline ever since for all vampire-related theories and hence has been adopted in almost every modern vampire novel/movie.

Excellent post. I do not have the necessary knowledge to, er, know who created the irresistible and seductive vampire. It may have been a book, or a movie. The Bela Lugosi films were not fit for interesting viewing but they might have been revolutionary.

The Nosferatu (1922) masterpiece by Murnau was rooted in a monstrous vampire, but it was a better movie than Coppola's 1992 film.

Regardless of who introduced a Lothario vampire, Anne Rice's books really put another spin on the subject. She was so revolutionary by usual standards that her books sold well even after they suffered in quality. Interview with a Vampire (1994), worked as a film and inspired many writers who wanted nothing more than to write about Fae and potent and anti-heroic vampires.

Dracula's thoughts written by Stoker would be wondrous to read. But they would never live up to the billing. It might work as a very alien and experimental stream of consciousness technique that was not yet invented then. Anyway, the actual book has its faults, but its language is the key to rereading it, for me at least. So, I'm satisfied with what I got from the book.

Interesting background discussion here 🤔 . I had no idea!

Savita wrote: "Interesting background discussion here 🤔 . I had no idea!"

It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissection. I'm sure we'll all chime in with our contributions.

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "Interesting background discussion here 🤔 . I had no idea!"

It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissectio..."

Hmm ..... well , even the peripheral discussion adds to the fun of reading the book 😊 , so thanks to you and Anjali !

I am on chapter 5 - the letters between Mina and Lucy .
During the satanic adventures described in chapter4 , if I remember right , Jonathan had a rosary and crucifix round his neck all the while . He had previously observed that Dracula is afraid of the rosary. Perhaps he ( Jonathan ) can use the divine strength of the rosary and the crucifix to effect an escape from this dreadful Dracula ? ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Even the three sisters would be afraid , but I don't know about the wolves. Anyway , the wolves won't attack without Dracula 's gesture / order , so , maybe even here there would be protection . (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Savita wrote: "I am on chapter 5 - the letters between Mina and Lucy .
During the satanic adventures described in chapter4 , if I remember right , Jonathan had a rosary and crucifix round his neck all the while..."

Dracula's a good villain because his powers are balanced by his limitations. I felt for Jonathan's despair, fearing for his life/sanity/soul. Such touches give this book, IMHO, a status that cannot be rivalled by The Castle of Otranto, which is a pioneer in its genre (Fantasy?).

Anjali wrote: "Dracula has an excellent narration that follows through journal entries, phonograph records, memorandums..."

Absolutely, on point! Dracula was a Gothic novel way ahead of its times. In today's day & age, we as readers are well-versed with vampire folklore, but I can only imagine the suspense it held for the readers who read it whence the book was first published.

I may not be remembering the chapters in chronological order, but the author did a brilliant job in using journals, letters, etc. to present a first person-narrative and setting up the dreadful 'something-lurking-in-the-shadows' atmosphere.

Austin wrote: "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..."

That's a neat idea! I do not have that kind of patience in me 😅... I either go on a reading binge or into a reading slump, depending on how interesting my current reads are at that time.

Luffy wrote: "It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissection. I'm sure we'll all chime in with our..."

It's been some time since I read Dracula so I may not be as analytical in my discussions as you expect. To be fair, I may also be somewhat partial to the BOTM since it was one of my introductory reads to the Gothic Horror genre.

Incidentally, there is a very central Good vs. Evil theme in the book that I wish to discuss later on, once more readers are past the halfway mark.

I know my way around current established genres, but anything to do with classical literature exposes my ignorance about books. I expect just easy chitchat and especially with this book, an common-like consensus. Happy Reading!

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am on chapter 5 - the letters between Mina and Lucy .
During the satanic adventures described in chapter4 , if I remember right , Jonathan had a rosary and crucifix round his nec..."

What is IMHO , Luffy ?

Shriti wrote: "Luffy wrote: "It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissection. I'm sure we'll all chime in with our..."

It's been some t..."

" ... there is a very central good vs evil theme in the book that I wish to discuss later ... " Ah ha ..... I think it must be to do with defeating the Dracula with the cross . This Dracula is very afraid of the cross .
Anyway , let me read on .... I am just on chapter 5 .

Savita wrote: "Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "I am on chapter 5 - the letters between Mina and Lucy .
During the satanic adventures described in chapter4 , if I remember right , Jonathan had a rosary and crucifix..."

In my humble opinion.

@ Luffy : Oh ,I see ! Thanks !

@ Savita : Have a nice weekend.

@ Luffy: Thank you ! You too ! 😊
Happy weekend to all our Buddy Read members ! 😊

I am reading chapter 7 : Gosh ! What is this mysterious ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ schooner with the corpse on it ? Whose corpse is it ? And , why is there no news from Jonathan ? What has happened to him ? I am shivering with apprehension 😱 ! (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Already thinking of reading books of the ilk like The Exorcist by William Peter Blatty and The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris, not soon but in the coming months. Let me know if anyone knows of any other good books in this genre.

Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Already thinking of reading books o..."

Glad that you are leaning towards horror. I don't like the genre, but I have given 5 stars to Pet Sematary, a little known book called Darkness on the Edge of Town... and perhaps The Lost World, which is the sequel to Jurassic Park (an adventurous book tinged with darkness).

I will try to catchup tomorrow. Today I barely did any reading. Dracula will help me enjoy my day. However, I'm still undecided if I want to write a second review for this reread.

EDIT : I remember Pet Sematary being a BTOM and you not liking it. Try the other books if you feel like it. And I hope you browse a bit plus get more recs.

Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Already thinking of reading books o..."

I have seen The Exorcist and read The Silence of the Lambs . Both are 👌 .

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Already thinking of ..."

The Exorcist is a movie I've seen only once. Which means I did not like it in the same way I sometimes avoid rewatches of iconic movies like ET, Kramer v Kramer, Top Gun, The Goonies, and many others.

I have followed up to the review of The Exorcist III, from the YouTube review channel RedLetterMedia, and have seen it. I love it far more than The Exorcist, the original.

Silence of the Lambs is a breakaway from the camera work of the 80s to something more colourful that would herald the arrival of the 90s.

The book of SoTL though, is another matter. I found it too much in love with its own cleverness and felt impatience and disappointment with it as a crime book. IMHO the movie is much better.

Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Already thinking of ..."

I had read Jurassic Park eons ago. Don't remember the contents any more. Read it in 2004 I think. I liked it very much at that time. I want to re-read it again. Haven't read it's sequel though.

Oh, yes. Pet Sematary wasn't for me. Didn't like Stephen King's style of writing. Very different from Bram Stoker's style. Moreover, I didn't find Pet Sematary scary at any point. (Read about 70-80 pages). While Dracula was scary from chapter 1 itself. By scary, I don't mean jumping out suddenly by some incident in the book. I don't think words can produce that effect like movies do. But when I read Dracula, I can feel the apprehension, anticipating what is going to happen next, visualise the eerie scenes in my mind and occasionally feel the gooseflesh as well.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Already thinking of ..."

wow. Someone seems to have read many popular books. :-)

Do I need to read The Red Dragon before reading The Silence of the Lambs?

Savita wrote: "I am on chapter 5 - the letters between Mina and Lucy .
During the satanic adventures described in chapter4 , if I remember right , Jonathan had a rosary and crucifix round his neck all the while..."

Satanic adventures! Ah, very aptly put. I loved the part where Jonathan goes exploring inside Dracula's room. In fact there are so many other scary parts in this book which I liked very much.

Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 7 : Gosh ! What is this mysterious ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed] ☆☆"

I am shivering with apprehension as well. Looking forward to chapter 10!

Savita wrote: "Shriti wrote: "Luffy wrote: "It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissection. I'm sure we'll all chime in with our..."

I..."

Also it seems to be rendered inactive during the daytime.

Shriti wrote: "Austin wrote: "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 ti..."

I am a slow reader. Ideally I prefer slow readers for buddy reading. Haha. In the past, I often felt pressurized to read fast by fast readers.

Austin wrote: "Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Alread..."

Hey Austin, you wrote a great post with a lot to think about!
I belong to the generation of moviegoers to whom horror in movies is something that either sets the pulse speeding or topic of bad puns and inside jokes.

Horror in books and movies do not chill my blood. Fake violence, and made up frenetic murders can be icky and horrific, but my reaction to them is all about enjoyment, like a roller coaster.

Atmospheric scenes such as a tree in the night with all its leaves still... enclosed spaces, claustrophobia, the death of the innocent, the tragic and those younger than adults... these can make me sad. But not fearful.

Austin wrote: "I am a slow reader. Ideally I prefer slow readers for buddy reading. Haha. In the past, I often felt pressurized to read fast by fast readers."

If you like buddy reading, do consider reading big books (700-1000 pages). It's been a while since I read a chunky book in tandem with fellow readers. Give it a thought, please.

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horror genre. Alrea..."

Austin, I haven't heard of The Red Dragon 😕 .

Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Shriti wrote: "Luffy wrote: "It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissection. I'm sure we'll all chime in ..."

Oh yes ! That's another point ! The evil is rendered inactive during the day .

Savita wrote: "Austin, I haven't heard of The Red Dragon 😕 ."

Allow me to explain. Red Dragon is the prequel to SoTL. The series go thus:

1) Hannibal Rising 2) Red Dragon 3) Silence of the Lambs.

Hannibal Rising was published last of all three though. But it is a prequel technically.

I am reading chapter 8 . I don't like the way Mina sets off to find ☆☆Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ sleep walking Lucy in the middle of the night! The whole town is asleep. The roads are cold and deserted. I don't know which is worse - a ghost or an evil lurking human being ? And there is Mina heading towards the graveyard all by herself ! I just wouldn't want to be in Mina 's shoes 😱 ! (hide spoiler)] ☆☆
Once again the beauty of the author's language surfaces : It was a brilliant moonlight and the soft effect of the light over the sea and sky - merged together in one great, silent mystery - was beautiful beyond words . And then.. Between me and the moonlight flitted a great bat ....
I agree with Austin.... This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better .

Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 8 . I don't like the way Mina sets off to find ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed] ☆☆
Once again the beauty of the author's language surfaces : It was a brilliant moonlight..."

Understood. I hope I don't get bored by this reread in some instances later on.

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin, I haven't heard of The Red Dragon 😕 ."

Allow me to explain. Red Dragon is the prequel to SoTL. The series go thus:

1) Hannibal Rising 2) Red Dragon 3) Silence of the Lambs...."

Oh ! I had no idea ! Thank you for posting !

I am surprised no one is discussing the characters.

I still remember the book using the main characters to be starkly critical of the primal/animalistic hunger urges for blood and unbridled sexual desires.

Shriti wrote: "I am surprised no one is discussing the characters.

I still remember the book using the main characters to be starkly critical of the primal/animalistic hunger urges for blood and unbridled sexual..."

I have reached chapter 9 . ☆☆ Beware Spoilers (view spoiler)[ Mina is not aware that a vampire has got after Lucy . She thinks the marks on the neck are due to safety pins .
News of Jonathan has just come through. I can't wait to read about his experiences and adventures. What a relief Jonathan is alive ! I hope he has not become touched by evil ? ? (hide spoiler)] ☆☆

I couldn't read anything yesterday as I was having a severe headache. Slept for 10 hours like Lucy in the story. Lol. Chapter 10 had to wait. I will to reply everyone one by one whenever I am taking a break from work. :-0

Luffy wrote: "Austin wrote: "I am a slow reader. Ideally I prefer slow readers for buddy reading. Haha. In the past, I often felt pressurized to read fast by fast readers."

If you like buddy reading, do conside..."

That sounds interesting Luffy. The longest book that I read recently was The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson. It's 746 pages long. I read it in 2021. Savita, would you like to join as well? I am asking you since you are a slow reader.

Ideally it should be a book that all of us are interested to read though. I am picky about the books I read, especially if it's a long book. Don't want to end up reading something for days that I don't enjoy.

Austin wrote: "I am picky about the books I read, especially if it's a long book. Don't want to end up reading something for days that I don't enjoy."

That is the risk, which I don't know how could be entirely eliminated. But we might ask who really is willing. And oh, whatever happens, let's not pick a Dickens book.

Wish you a sickness-free Happy Reading.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Made it till chapter 9. This is turning out to be a really spooky book and I guess it will only get better. This book has piqued my interest in the horr..."

Oh, I thought you might have even read it.

Savita wrote: "Austin wrote: "Savita wrote: "Shriti wrote: "Luffy wrote: "It's just peripheral discussion from me at least. The gist of the book that is Dracula requires a more trenchant dissection. I'm sure we'l..."

Dracula is almost like dead during the daytime.

Luffy wrote: "Savita wrote: "Austin, I haven't heard of The Red Dragon 😕 ."

Allow me to explain. Red Dragon is the prequel to SoTL. The series go thus:

1) Hannibal Rising 2) Red Dragon 3) Silence of the Lambs...."

There also seems to be book named hannibal in the series, according to Goodreads.

Savita wrote: "I am reading chapter 8 . I don't like the way Mina sets off to find ☆☆Beware Spoilers [spoilers removed] ☆☆
Once again the beauty of the author's language surfaces : It was a brilliant moonlight..."

"Between me and the moonlight flitted a great bat". It doesn't seem to be an ordinary bat. Do you think it could be Count Dracula himself flying?

Shriti wrote: "I am surprised no one is discussing the characters.

I still remember the book using the main characters to be starkly critical of the primal/animalistic hunger urges for blood and unbridled sexual..."

I think we haven't reached that part yet.

Yes, we can discuss the characters.