BRAM STOKER´S DRACULA: A REVIEW

Irish writer Bram Stoker is renowned around the world for this novel that has been adapted many times for the big screen. “Dracula” was first published in 1897, and subsequently, would become an international bestseller. Oscar Wilde would say that “Dracula” was the most beautiful novel he had ever read.

The story, which takes place between England and Transylvania during the 1890s, starts when Jonathan Harker, a young English solicitor, travels to the Carpathian Mountains in order to provide legal advice to Count Dracula, an aristocrat, interested in acquiring real estate abroad. From the very beginning, Jonathan Harker realises how weird his host is.  Subtly and gradually, the guest becomes a prisoner in Dracula´s castle. Three female vampires called “the sisters”, which also dwell in the castle, harass the prisoner, finally rescued by Dracula, who is himself a vampire. As Dracula makes a journey to London, Johantan Harker manages to escape. Throughout the diaries of Mr. Harker and the rest of the main characters (Harper´s fiancée Mina, Van Helsing,…) the readers will immerse themselves in the subjugating story of the world´s most famous vampire.

Written in a epistolary format, “Dracula” is more than a horror novel; fright and eroticism go hand in hand. In a way, vampirism entails  sexuality and  Bram Stoker´s masterpiece handles this skillfully.

Not only is this a fantastic –in both meanings! - novel, but it is also the reflection of a time. A  Victorian era: moral, fears, social classes,..You will not be able to put it down, Bram Stoker´s “Dracula” is a must!