207
people found this helpful, as of 2023
ranked #153,185 most helpful
out of 571,544,897 reviews
★★☆☆☆
Reader Beware!
Bram Stoker wrote the perfect gothic novel, and Jan Needle (so-called "editor") has butchered it in this edition. This is NOT Bram Stoker's original novel, it is an abridged version. Whole passages are missing, condensed or summarized. The language has been modernized, and the story has lost much of its period flavor. Poor Mr. Stoker must be turning in his grave.
Admittedly, some younger readers might appreciate not having to cope with a novel written in Victorian English, and the simplified delivery might suit some readers. But remember- this is a PERIOD novel, and translating it into contempory language inevitably and irredeemably changes its character.
On a plus side, the wonderful illustrations lend atmosphere, and the blood-soaked pages are suitably grisly.
October 2005 · Books