Dracula by Bram Stoker –fangs but no bite. A lost footage-style account that introduces one of the most famous vampires with fangs but no actual bite. A lengthy detailed story to the point of wading through treacle in the middle section.
For what is a seminal work from the Victorian era, it introduces gothic horror with the modern vampire. What really happens is more about the fear of the supernatural rather than what the vampire actually does.
The first phase of the story involves Jonathan Harker in Transylvania where he meets Dracula and finds out about his vampire ways. The second phase is the journey of Dracula to England, namely Whitby where we are introduced to main characters – Professor Van Helsing. Lord Godalming, Mina Hacker and Lucy who is a victim. The final phase is the chase by the characters of Dracula back to Transylvania and his end in a coffin. In amongst all this there are casualties without necessarily the gore.
The first person account is convincing and could allow for variances of opinion, however, they are not built into the story plot unfortunately. This is a missed opportunity to look at the vampire journey to England from different perspectives.
Having visited Whitby many times I was intrigued by the link to Dracula; a ghost walk elicited more information about Bram Stoker and his bench overlooking the port and Abbey. The myth extends to questions about Dracula being buried in St Mary’s Church by the abbey (no he isn’t). Sadly, I was disappointed that the references to the town were quite underwhelming and fleeting with London given as much status.
The woman are treated with respect in the context of the times, despite much criticism the Victorian era trends in sexuality and race are subtlely explored but certainly not offensive. Instead the gentlemanly and brotherly behaviour between men and towards women is an asset. Surprisingly religion is not a key feature in the fight against the Count.
Whilst there is suspense in the chase and Dracula’s supernatural powers with bats, it is not followed through sufficient action and Dracula remains an elusive and enigmatic figure. There is a heavy reliance on that fear of not seeing. In the heart of the novel as they investigate where Dracula resides in London it becomes too rambling to feel the story is going anywhere.
Sadly, the level of detail becomes tedious in how the plot plods at times to the point that action is yearned for. For a vampiric story it is largely devoid of actual horror, there is behind the scenes but it feels in the background. Overall, “Dracula” remains a classic for its cultural impact and its role in defining the vampire myth, but is flawed by the occasional varied pacing.
