Today We’re Talking About Dracula, by Bram Stoker
Hello everyone!
Today I have something special for you. I've been looking at what's coming out in 2025, and guess what? There's a new version of Draculacoming out - and Keanu Reeves is in it!
Now, I have to admit, I've been fascinated by vampires ever since I first heard about them, and Keanu Reeves? What can I say? I fell head over heels for him when I was a kid, so... a film where Keanu plays Dracula?
Guaranteed daydream material.
The fact is that, seeing all this, I have decided to start my book reviews with Dracula, by Bram Stoker.
The thing is, even though everyone thinks they know who Dracula is, I get the feeling that very few people have actually read the book. So today I'm bringing you a review to get you excited about it - because it's so much more than just a vampire story.
Here is the video of this article, for now only in Spanish, sorry.
Title, Author and Literary Genre
Dracula
Author: Bram Stoker
Gender: Gothic novel, classic horror, vampires
Originally published in 1897, Dracula is one of the cornerstones of Gothic literature and the book that defined the modern image of the vampire. If you love dark, mysterious stories, this novel is an absolute must-read.
What is Dracula about?
The story begins with Jonathan Harker, a young lawyer who travels to Transylvania to help a mysterious Count buy property in England. But what begins as a simple business trip quickly turns into a nightmare when Harker discovers that Count Dracula is no ordinary man - he is an immortal vampire who feeds on the blood of the living.
When Dracula arrives in England, the horror begins to spread. A group of characters, led by Professor Van Helsing, band together to fight this creature of the night. What's really interesting is that the story is told through diaries, letters and newspaper clippings, giving it a very realistic and disturbing feel, as if you were reading a secret file on a supernatural case.
Why Read This Book?
- Dracula isn't just about vampires; it's also a fascinating portrayal of the fears and desires of Victorian society.
- The epistolary format (diaries, letters, documents) draws you deep into the minds of the characters, creating an atmosphere that is both immersive and gripping. It's as if you're reading their most intimate thoughts - standing next to them, looking over their shoulders as they write, feeling their fears, hopes, desires and deepest anxieties.
- This book is the foundation of everything we think we know about vampires today: their aversion to garlic, crucifixes and stakes through the heart; their ability to turn into bats, wolves or even fog... it all came from here!
- If you like stories full of mystery, psychological horror and a good dose of symbolism, then Dracula is for you. And speaking of symbolism, believe me, we could talk for hours (or weeks) about the layers in this book.
Main Themes
- The clash between the ancient and the modern:
Dracula represents an ancient evil, a primal fear of mankind, confronted with the progress, science and technology of Victorian society. This cultural and ideological clash is as relevant today as it was in Stoker's time. - Sexuality and repressed desires:
The novel is full of metaphors about attraction, control and the taboos of the time. I studied English and I'll never forget my literature professor pointing out how amazing it was that some of Dracula's scenes - charged with eroticism - managed to get past Victorian censorship. - Fear of the unknown:
Stoker explores alterity or 'otherness', the fear of 'the other', of the strange and foreign. From the dark landscapes of Transylvania to Dracula's arrival in England, this fear of "the other" permeates the entire novel. Frankly, the theme of otherness in Dracula could be the focus of endless coffee-fuelled discussions.
Style and Narrative
As I mentioned earlier, Bram Stoker uses an epistolary style, telling the story through letters, diaries and other documents. This approach makes the story feel incredibly real and builds tension as you're drawn deeper into the minds of the characters and the unfolding events.
The language is rich, descriptive and full of visual imagery that creates a dark, immersive atmosphere. Sure, some parts may feel a little slow to modern readers, but the pacing is masterfully done and rewards the patient reader. By the way, although there are abridged versions of Dracula, I highly recommend reading the original. However, I'm also a firm believer that reading an abridged classic is better than not reading it at all.
Main Characters
- Count Dracula: The ultimate villain. Intelligent, terrifying and deeply charismatic. Dracula is a character who seduces and terrifies in equal measure.
- Jonathan Harker: The lawyer who starts out as a victim, but whose evolution into a fighter—or even a warrior—is key to the evolution of the story.
- Mina Murray (later Mina Harker): Jonathan's fiancée and one of the most fascinating female characters. Mina embodies Victorian morality, but is also a woman of her own mind, making bold decisions and taking risks when necessary. She's strong, smart and not afraid to take action.
- Van Helsing: The quintessential vampire hunter. A man of both science and faith, Van Helsing uses both to lead the fight against Dracula.
- Lucy Westenra: Mina's friend and a tragic, pivotal character in the novel. Lucy is a fascinating character and her scenes are full of symbolism and emotion.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- A unique gothic atmosphere that draws you in from the first page.
- Iconic characters that have shaped the horror genre (Dracula, Mina, Van Helsing).
- Deep themes that go beyond what you'd expect from a "simple horror novel".
Cons:
- Some parts might feel slow for modern readers used to faster pacing.
- Certain attitudes reflect the values of the Victorian era, which can be jarring for contemporary readers.
We tend to read classic books with the mindset and eyes of today, and novels need to be read in their context. Works of art are children of their time, and Dracula reflects the mentality of the late 19th century. Yet characters like Mina or Lucy are surprisingly transgressive for that time.
Personal Opinion
Dracula is a masterpiece. I was fascinated by the way Stoker builds tension so gradually and yet so effectively, creating an atmosphere that draws you in and keeps you thinking long after you've closed the book.
One of my favourite moments is when Jonathan Harker explores Dracula's castle. The sense of isolation and danger is so vivid that you feel like you're there with him - you can almost hear Dracula's footsteps echoing through the halls.
Another unforgettable scene is when Jonathan, exploring the castle, is mesmerised by the way some specks of dust dance in the moonlight. These "specks of dust" soon turn into three beautiful (and very sensual) vampire women who are all too eager to... well, let's just say they want to sink their teeth into him.
And yes, some parts are slow, but I think it's worth reading because the level of detail makes everything come alive in your mind.
Trivia (more trivia about the author and the work in a separate post)
- When Stoker wrote the novel, vampires weren’t as popular as they are today. It was cinema, years later, that made Dracula an icon.
- Dracula was not a great success in its time. Its fame came years later, thanks in part to the film adaptations.
- The novel has inspired countless adaptations, one of the most famous being Francis Ford Coppola's Dracula (1992), starring Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves. In it, Keanu Reeves played Jonathan Harker, and now, in 2025, he returns to the Dracula universe, but this time as the Count himself!
Who Should Read It?
I recommend Dracula to:
- Fans of Gothic and dark tales.
- Lovers of psychological horror (this isn’t cheap jump-scare horror).
- Readers who enjoy exploring the fears and desires of a society through its literature.
- If you liked Frankenstein by Mary Shelley or Edgar Allan Poe’s tales, this book is for you.
Final Thoughts
Dracula is not just a horror book. It is a work that explores humanity's deepest fears, from the fear of death to the fear of "the other," the unknown. With its gothic atmosphere and unforgettable characters, it is a novel that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – An timeless classic that remains as relevant today as it was over a century ago.
So tell me, have you read Dracula? What did you think of it? If you haven't, are you tempted to give it a go? Let me know in the comments! 😊
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2 Responses
I just read your review, I think it's great and super complete and you've totally got me to read Dracula. The thing is that I've always wanted to read it but I haven't. I did read Frankenstein and I like gothic literature... So I'll be going for it soon!
I'm so glad you liked the review, Ana! ♥
I definitely encourage you to read the Count and the “Crew of Light.”
Let me know what you think!
And thank you so much for stopping by.
A hug. 🌻