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Federico DN's Reviews > Dracula

Dracula by Bram Stoker
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really liked it
bookshelves: classics, horror, free-domain, adapted

What a Leech!

London, 1890s. Jonathan Harker returns from Transylvania, a series of bizarre incidents start taking place all around Whitby soon after. Worst of all, a strange malady seems to be slowly draining the life out of the helpless Lucy. Mina, her most trusted friend, unable to help her. After some investigations it’s concluded the deed to be the sole work of a mysterious figure of the night, none other than Count Dracula himself. Jonathan Harker, Mina’s fiancé, and Professor Van Helsing, the only ones that may be able to stop him, once and for all.

This is IT! The original work, the mother of all bloodsuckers, the holy grail of vampirism, the genius masterpiece of Bram Stoker that for better or worse spanned an infinity of books, movies, series and any vampire-like machination. The story of the intrepid Jonathan Harker and the delicate Mina, the gentlemanly Arthur and the angelic Lucy, the charismatic Doctor Seward and the wise and audacious Van Helsing. And of course, how to forget him, the all-father of anything undead, the quintessential vampire, the immortal, machiavellian and all powerful Count Dracula. (view spoiler)

An all-time classic that hardly requires any introduction at all, and a must in life for any bookworm. Not my favorite classic, the pacing sucks, and not exactly easy to read either, but still a better story than Twilight. Recommendable, for the classical nerd.

It’s public domain, you can find it

*** Dracula (1992) is an acceptable adaptation, reasonably faithful to the original work, but with many deviations, none of them too bothersome. An out of this world cast including stars like Keanu, Wynona, Hopkins, Oldman and Elwes, that sadly didn’t amount to much. Not their best performance at all, and I especially disliked Sadie Frost as Lucy. Some none scripted scenes, awkward atmosphere and pacing, and honestly on the whole a little over the top. Not my favorite film at all; still, decent enough to watch, if only to complement the reading. The book definitely won this round.



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PERSONAL NOTE :
[1897] [488p] [Classics] [Horror] [3.5] [Conditional Recommendable] [Quincey]
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¡Vaya Sanguijuela!

Londres, 1890. Jonathan Harker regresa desde Transilvania, una serie de bizarros incidentes empiezan a surgir por todo Whitby poco después. Lo peor de todo, una extraña aflicción parece estar lentamente drenando la vida de la indefensa Lucy. Mina, su más querida amiga, incapaz de ayudarla. Después de algunas investigaciones se concluye que la obra es el trabajo de una misteriosa figura de la noche, nada menos que el mismísimo Conde Drácula. Jonathan Harker, el prometido de Mina, y el Profesor Van Helsing, los únicos que tal vez puedan llegar a detenerlo, de una vez por todas.

¡Esta ES! La obra original, la madre de todas las chupa-sangre, el santo grial del vampirismo, la genial obra maestra de Bram Stoker que para bien o mal dio nacimiento a infinidad de libros, películas, series, y cualquier maquinación vampiresca. La historia del intrépido Jonathan Harker y la delicada Mina, del caballeroso Arthur y la angélica Lucy, del carismático Doctor Seward y el sabio y audaz Van Helsing. Y por supuesto, como olvidarlo, el padre de todos los no muertos, el murciélago por excelencia, el inmortal, maquiavélico y todopoderoso Conde Drácula. (view spoiler)

Un clásico de todos los tiempos que difícilmente requiera introducción alguna. Y un deber para la vida de cualquier nerd de biblioteca. No es mi clásico favorito, el ritmo apesta y no es exactamente fácil de leer tampoco, pero definitivamente una mejor historia que Crepúsculo. Recomendable, para el nerd de los clasicos.

Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar

*** Dracula (1992) es una aceptable adaptación, razonablemente fiel a la obra original, pero con varias desviaciones, ninguna de ellas demasiado molesta. Un elenco de otro mundo incluyendo estrellas como Keanu, Wynona, Hopkins, Oldman y Elwes, que tristemente no hizo mucho eco. Lejos de ser sus mejores actuaciones, y especialmente me desagradó Sadie Frost como Lucy. Algunas escenas fuera de guion, rara atmósfera y ritma, y honestamente en su conjunto un poco desmesurada. Para nada mi filme favorito; pero igualmente, suficientemente decente de ver, aunque sea sólo para complementar la lectura. El libro definitivamente ganó esta pelea.



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NOTA PERSONAL :
[1897] [488p] [Clásicos] [Horror] [3.5] [Recomendable Condicional] [Quincey]
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Reading Progress

January 1, 2014 – Started Reading
February 7, 2014 – Finished Reading
February 24, 2014 – Shelved

Comments Showing 1-50 of 85 (85 new)


message 1: by Mwanamali (new) - added it

Mwanamali The original work, the mother of all bloodsuckers The first vampire is heavily debated. Some say it could also be Sekhmet. Carmilla came before as well. There's also another called Thalaba who predates both.


message 2: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 03:17AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Mwanamali wrote: "The original work, the mother of all bloodsuckers The first vampire is heavily debated. Some say it could also be Sekhmet. Carmilla came before as well. There's also another called Thalaba who pred..."

Oh didn't know about any of those! Yet another Edison stealing the spotlight from Tesla :'(


message 3: by Mwanamali (new) - added it

Mwanamali Federico wrote: "Mwanamali wrote: "The original work, the mother of all bloodsuckers The first vampire is heavily debated. Some say it could also be Sekhmet. Carmilla came before as well. There's also another calle..."

There's a very cool Vanity Fair video by a professor of gothic literature (maybe the coolest job ever)

youtu [dot] be/CybivrkImFc?si=oi1HvJaCZMKTgb3a


Dez the Bookworm This is on my list for next month!


Federico DN Mwanamali wrote: "There's a very cool Vanity Fair video by a professor of gothic literature (maybe the coolest job ever ..."

Awesome will check it out Mwana :D


Federico DN Dez the Bookworm wrote: "This is on my list for next month!"

Hope you like it Dez! One of THE classics of all time :)


Flybyreader Better story than Twilight :)) I would recommend Carmila which I call the female version of Dracula. It is a beautiful vampire classic as well.


message 8: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 04:22AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Flybyreader wrote: "Better story than Twilight :)) I would recommend Carmila which I call the female version of Dracula. It is a beautiful vampire classic as well."

To my surprise I already had it in my never ending TBR of collections lol. Will try to give it more priority now :) . Thank you for the rec Flybyreader!


Lele Montgomery You actually made me want to read this book, although its not really my taste in books, but I recently watched the Dracula Netflix Show, and now seeing that you loved it made me re-think my taste and to try a different type of books:)


message 10: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 05:00AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Lele wrote: "You actually made me want to read this book, although its not really my taste in books, but I recently watched the Dracula Netflix Show, and now seeing that you loved it made me re-think my taste a..."

LOL. Wait a minute I specifically said it's NOT a fav of mine and not easy to read either! But you know; it's like watching the birthing of the first dinosaur or the dawn of mankind, it's epic and a cornerstone of universal literature. If you are curious enough, definitely worth the try ;)


message 11: by Thibault (new)

Thibault Busschots I've seen many adaptation, never read the original book. Mostly because I'm not that big a fan of vampires in general. And also because I read somewhere that it's written like a journal. Good review, Federico.


message 12: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 05:51AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Thibault wrote: "I've seen many adaptation, never read the original book. Mostly because I'm not that big a fan of vampires in general. And also because I read somewhere that it's written like a journal. Good revie..."

Thank you Thibault! Oh yes I'm also not a fan of vampires at all, but curiosity for the first of the firsts is a powerful drive hard to resist! The writing yes it's like reading choppy articles, but still, one pulls through. Definitely had WAY tougher reads lol.


message 13: by Ian (last edited Sep 30, 2023 06:01AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ian Great review Federico! I agree with your comment that it's a good one for bookworms to read. I like to make up my own mind about classics.


Federico DN Ian wrote: "Great review Federico! I agree with your comment that it's a good one for bookworms to read. I like to make up my own mind about classics."

Thank you Ian! There are so many classics but only few that inspired and spanned countless of other works like this one. Indeed, always good to check these special cases personally :)


message 15: by inciminci (new)

inciminci Your review is very enthusiastic, almost catchy the energy!
But I find this a little boring to be honest, not my favorite classic - but it is better than Twilight, yeah.


message 16: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 07:19AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN inciminci wrote: "Your review is very enthusiastic, almost catchy the energy!But I find this a little boring to be honest, not my favorite classic - but it is better than Twilight, yeah."

Thank you Inci! I totally understand, I know it's very slow! Also not my fav classic, and I generally dislike anything vampire; but there are so few exceptional cases like this one that inspired SO many works after, I have to admire it a little, even if I didn't enjoy it that much xD.


message 17: by Srivalli (new)

Srivalli Rekha Haha.. you sure enjoyed this one! Poor Edward... he glitters in the sunlight, you know. :P
Superb review, Federico.


Federico DN Srivalli wrote: "Haha.. you sure enjoyed this one! Poor Edward... he glitters in the sunlight, you know. :P
Superb review, Federico."


Thank you Srivalli! I just couldn't finish my review without somehow including that famous catchphrase lol


Margaret M - (having a challenging time and on GR as much as I can) Terrific review Federico


Federico DN Margaret M - (Awaiting GR's investigation as to wrote: "Terrific review Federico"

Thank you Margaret !!


Carmen Great review. I think this book is excellent.


Federico DN Carmen wrote: "Great review. I think this book is excellent."

No, you are excellent.


message 23: by Vicky (new)

Vicky "phenkos" I was gonna say 'my favourite book EVER!' And then I realised it was my favourite book 'EVER' when I was 17! I'd have to read again, so thanks for the link!


message 24: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 10:12AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Vicky wrote: "I was gonna say 'my favourite book EVER!' And then I realised it was my favourite book 'EVER' when I was 17! I'd have to read again, so thanks for the link!"

You are most welcome Vicky! Oh it happens, but even having lost its top position, the important thing is that for years it was once your super most favorite book, and nothing will ever change that <3


Jonathan K (Max Outlier) I'd recommend Powers of Darkness, which is the undiscovered version written previous to this one..complete with maps of the castle, and other elements, its revealing in numerous ways..


Ricardo Parra M. Lo único que he leído de Stocker son sus cuentos, muy buena reseña, aspiro a leer esta novela pronto.


message 27: by Vicky (last edited Sep 30, 2023 10:13AM) (new)

Vicky "phenkos" Federico wrote: "You are welcome Vicky! Oh it happens, but even having lost its top position, the important thing is that for years it was once your super most favorite book, and nothing will ever change that <3"

That's so sweet! And wise. Thank you, Federico!


Federico DN Jonathan wrote: "I'd recommend Powers of Darkness, which is the undiscovered version written previous to this one..complete with maps of the castle, and other elements, its revealing in numerous ways.."

Sounds good! Will be checking it out. Thank you for the rec Jonathan :)


Federico DN Ricardo wrote: "Lo único que he leído de Stocker son sus cuentos, muy buena reseña, aspiro a leer esta novela pronto."

Gracias Ricardo! No sabía que también escribió cuentos cortos, voy a investigarlo, gracias por la data :) !


message 30: by Ali (new) - rated it 4 stars

Ali Di Well, I see you read this lovely classic one!
Liked your reiew, Federico.


Alexandra Cool review! I enjoyed this one when I read it. I do agree about the pacing issues ;)


Federico DN Ali wrote: "Well, I see you read this lovely classic one!
Liked your reiew, Federico."


The classicness is strong with this one Ali! Glad you enjoyed it too :) !


message 33: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 10:57AM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Alexandra wrote: "Cool review! I enjoyed this one when I read it. I do agree about the pacing issues ;)"

Lol. Absolutely; hardly a perfect book, but it did change things. Thank you Alexandra! Glad you too enjoyed it :) !


➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas❥ As always Great review Federico!


Federico DN ✘❥ Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas❥✘ wrote: "As always Great review Federico!"

Thank you Paulette :) !!


message 36: by Dirk (new) - rated it 5 stars

Dirk Yes. It was one of my favourite classics. Bought the book in a boxed set together with Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, some Werwolf classics and part one and two of Dracula. Always pulled me to Romania to see the castle myself. But didn’t do it. Maybe in the next years.


Federico DN Dirk wrote: "Yes. It was one of my favourite classics. Bought the book in a boxed set together with Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, some Werwolf classics and part one and two of Dracula. Always pulled me to..."

Glad you enjoyed it too Dirk! I need to read Phantom of the Opera someday. Not so crazy about visiting the castle though, but hoping you can if you still have it in mind :D


➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas❥ Federico wrote: "✘❥ Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas❥✘ wrote: "As always Great review Federico!"

Thank you Paulette :) !!"


Definitely My Pleasure Federico �


Sarah Feddie-Fedderman,
Your line about Twilight made me remember why I put up with you! 🤣

I read three "foundational" vampire classics last Halloween. I hate to say, this one bored me after the first few chapters, but I don't regret reading it. So cool to see one of the three core inspirations for all the bloodsucker stories that followed. Is it just me, or are they getting progressively more FUBAR? I mean... True Blood!?


Federico DN Sarah wrote: "Feddie-Fedderman,
Your line about Twilight made me remember why I put up with you! 🤣 I read three "foundational" vampire classics last Halloween. I hate to say, this one bored me after the first ..."


You are far more versed on this subject than me Wonder-Sarah. Didn't know about the foundational trinity. This is the only vampire book I read, and besides a few chapter of Gellar's Buffy, never watched True Blood, but I love Anna Paquin so maybe someday, after reading the books? I was interested in reading Anne Rice too someday, and the movies maybe? Dunno. Not really fan of the vampire thingy but just a bit curious, sometimes xD


message 41: by Nora (new) - rated it 5 stars

Nora Currie Fabulous review of one of my favorite books, Federico! I’m so glad you enjoyed it too during this spooky time of year! I just read a book about Dracula’s first bride that I absolutely loved as well.


message 42: by Rachel (new)

Rachel Hanes Great review, Federico!! 🧛🏻‍♂� I’ve owned this book for quite some time, and I think this would be the perfect Halloween read!! I do remember the movie, and although it’s been a while, I do remember it being mostly enjoyable. :)


Federico DN Nora wrote: "Fabulous review of one of my favorite books, Federico! I’m so glad you enjoyed it too during this spooky time of year! I just read a book about Dracula’s first bride that I absolutely loved as well."

Thank you Nora! Glad you loved it too! Tbh I'm not so fan of the vampire thingy but I'm always curious of especial classics like this one that spanned countless imitations. Such a fantastic legacy this one <3.


message 44: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 03:06PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Rachel wrote: "Great review, Federico!! 🧛🏻‍♂� I’ve owned this book for quite some time, and I think this would be the perfect Halloween read!! I do remember the movie, and although it’s been a while, I do remembe..."

Thank you Rachel! Perfect timing then! It's a bit clunky tbh but I think you might enjoy it, some at least xD


message 45: by Marquise (new)

Marquise Lovely review, Fede! I avoid vampire books like I avoid pirate books, but if I changed my mind, I'd probably pick this one up. :)


message 46: by Federico (last edited Sep 30, 2023 06:13PM) (new) - rated it 4 stars

Federico DN Marquise wrote: "Lovely review, Fede! I avoid vampire books like I avoid pirate books, but if I changed my mind, I'd probably pick this one up. :)"

Thank you Marquise! Oh yeah I avoid them too if I can, I read this nearly ten years ago, just reviewing it now. Curious about Anne Rice's books though, for classical reasons of course :p


message 47: by Rain (new) - rated it 3 stars

Rain This book was my gateway to all things vampire. Glad you enjoyed it!


Federico DN Rain wrote: "This book was my gateway to all things vampire. Glad you enjoyed it!"

Thank you Rain! Glad to hear this book unleashed the vampire in you <3


message 49: by Tom (new) - rated it 5 stars

Tom Lewis Great review for us literature nerds! LOL


message 50: by Kay (last edited Sep 30, 2023 09:03PM) (new) - rated it 2 stars

Kay Terrific review Federico!! agree that the pacing sucks and I had given up twice. 😂Maybe one day I'll try again when I have the patience. Although, I don't think this is the first vampire novel, but def the most popular!🧛💋


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