Director of Gold Mine Stores Raeghen Peavey recommends Dracula by Bram Stoker.
This classic is the most important novel in gothic literature, and probably one of the best novels of all time. Originally published in 1897, Dracula has endured in the literary canon ever since. This novel has spawned numerous movies and other novels and expanded on the mythology of vampire lore.
The plot is nothing short of entertaining. Jonathan Harker, an attorney from London, has been asked to go to Transylvania to help Count Dracula purchase property in England. Written in a series of letters and journal entries, the novel creates a documentary feel to the story.
Once in Dracula’s castle, Harker realizes that Dracula is not an average everyday count. He has supernatural abilities and a thirst for blood.
Harker barely manages to escape the Count’s grasp with his life. The story shifts back to London where Dracula has arrived. There he is causing havoc in Victorian London and two young women, Lucy Westenra and Mina Harker, fall under Dracula’s spell. Lucy is raised as a vampire and is ultimately destroyed by her family. Jonathan is determined to save his fiancée, Mina, and end Dracula’s reign. He follows Dracula back to Transylvania, confronts and destroys him.
The novel reflects the times in which it was written. In 19th century England, the idea of globalization and immigration were just beginning. The fear that other cultures would undermine the established traditions causes great concern. The novel also illustrates the concern over new science and old religion.
Times and industries were changing fast, leaving many Victorians feeling groundless. Other themes in the novel concern gender roles. England is a patriarchal society, and any thoughts of feminism were seen as a challenge to hierarchical rule.
Stoker keeps his female characters within the boundaries of society; but their wit, intelligence, and other active roles in the story opens a challenge to old gender norms.
Overall, Dracula is an excellent read and I can emphatically say the novel is far better than any Dracula/vampire movie. I would certainly recommend this read.
Find it in our collection in print, ebook, and eaudiobook, here.
