Dracula. The name probably sends a shiver scampering down your spine as images of a pale man with gleaming white fangs and blood smeared lips come to mind. That’s probably all you think about, right? But this book is not centred on him and is really centred on everyone but him.

I recently read this book and was mind-blown to say the least.

Firstly, I found the layout of the book so innovative. It wasn’t written like a conventional book and was instead a combination of letters between lovers, letters between friends and newspaper clippings which tied in with each other. I believe that an idea like this is hard to look professional and impressive rather than tacky, and Bram Stoker, the author of this book did a marvellous job to say the least.

Additionally, the writing itself was perfect. It switched between more informal tones to very formal tones in a way that seemed natural and not random or irregular. The tones used in different parts fitted aptly with the message of that chapter or scene and although it is considered as a gothic horror, you truly empathised with a lot of characters due to the art of Stoker’s writing. Certain parts were able to bring tears to your eyes due to the emotional sensitivity shown through the language, that you almost wanted to cry out in pain for the loss and anguish some of the characters were going through.

‘Boys don’t cry.’ We hear this saying all the time. That if a boy cries, it means they are too feminine, and that to be more masculine they should hide away their tears. For a book written in 1894, the book completely subverts this idea. On multiple occasions we see male characters displaying their feelings through tears which quite a big statement to make at that time. And the best thing is- tears are not seen as a weakness. Their tears are simply a sign that they’re human, and no-one doubts their heroism as it shines through when faced with the most foreboding adversities. It sends a truthful message, that no matter your gender, crying is okay, and it isn’t a measure of your courage. Your actions show your courage instead.

Not only does it subvert the idea of a purely ‘tough’ male character, but this book is also extremely empowering for women. One of the characters, Mina, is both strong and graceful. Although both adjectives may seem contrasting or juxtaposing, both of them are significant parts of Mina’s character. We see her as a strong, intelligent women through the way Stoker describes her. Despite being awakened from the peaceful world and into the horrific true world of vampires, she is able to take responsibility and help the men with their plans though she may have been having her own qualms in her mind. But we also see her as gentle, graceful, and ladylike in the manner that she cares for people and helps out the men. Additionally, the book ends talking about Mina’s good nature and how she was needed to pull everyone through tough times, showing how important her role is. And the fact that she was talked about at the end, and the book started with a letter to her, which is circular, shows how significant she is in the book.

Still on the topic of the ending, I am quite picky with endings. After reading ‘Wuthering Heights’, which is undoubtedly an amazing piece of literature, the end felt unsatisfactory to me in a way I can’t quite describe however in Dracula, the ending truly rounded off the story and seemed incredibly well thought out.

And of course, the plotline is incredible. There are twists and turns where the reader least likely expects there to be, but it is not in the least way tiresome. Often, when there are many twists in books, it can get confusing and they can seem unnecessary, but Stoker is able to do it in a sleek and unnoticeable manner.

Finally, the book is extremely transportive. While reading it, you can taste the nippy air of Transylvania and hear the fire at Castle Dracula just barely crackling as the damp smell of petrichor hangs in the air. And then it takes you to London where you hear the ‘click-clack’ of your shoes on the monochrome cobbled streets and the silky fabrics of the dresses. You could truly feel everything that was going on (though perhaps it could have been due to the fact I was listening to dark instrumental).

It was a rollercoaster of a journey and was absolutely thrilling. I couldn’t put this book down for days on end, leaving copious amounts of homework to pile up on my desk and it sat on my chair biting my nails, eyes widening at the next piece of information revealed. During the whole book, you have a strange, unsettled feeling which creeps over you, but there is also this sad tinge to it due to multiple events that occur. Anwesha Ghosh, who's introduction to gothic novels was Dracula said 'It remains an all time favourite. The language is hauntingly beautiful, and the formatting of the book is what sets it apart from the rest- a tasteful montage of letters between friends, frantic telegrams and newspaper clippings. It is infinitely more than cheap plastic teeth and fake blood; it is an insurmountable masterpiece that everyone ought to read.' 

Oscar Wilde once said. “Books are well written or badly written. That is all.” And Dracula by Bram Stoker is one of the best books I have ever read, if not the best. It is more than a man with a black cape and fangs: so much more, and it is just waiting for you to explore it.