Dracula by Bram Stoker, serialised

Yes I know Dracula! I had read it before over ten years ago, shortly after the Coppoala version was released, but when I finished the book I discovered that it was the "abridged" version and I was very annoyed. It was abridged in such a way that Van Helsing was missing! I did want to go back and read it properly but just never got around to it. This time i read it as part of the online LJ community dracula1897 they posted entries on the day they were supposed to have been written and it was a very satisfying way to read the book. It was fun hearing the characters complain about the weather when everyone else was!

I did enjoy it, particularly the beginning. The style of Jonathon's writing really struck me and I found myself really intrigued and anxious for him. (Having managed to successfully banish the image of Keaunu Reeves from my mind). I also loved the part with the girls in Whitby. In fact I enjoyed it up until they decided it was time to get Dracula. Then they seemed to spend entirely too much time sitting around talking in rooms and making some quite sexist comments about Mina, despite their best intentions. The scene where Dracula showed up in the mental hospital was also great, though the final show down was considerably a disappointment. I think this was increased because of the long wait we had to get them to their final destination, and then the very short and non-threatening ending of the count. I find it very strange to say but I think my favourite character was Harker, I just loved his entries more than anyone else's. Even the final entry reminded me of the earliest parts of the book which I loved.

I am very glad to have finally read it properly and I think it was definitely interesting doing it in real time. If they do it again next year I'd recommend it to anyone even vaguely interested.