I admit, I have seen the film before, and it prompted me to read the book (even if I could barely remember it, only that I had enjoyed the film immensely). Anyway, upon reading it, you are plunged into this fantastic world where the character of Louis is somehow sympathetic despite his murderous tendencies. Lestat, surprisingly, is also sympathetic by the end, because a character who seemed to have no saving grace seems to be nothing more than a victim of his love for Louis. I would have liked to have learned a little more about Armand, but I suppose now I shall have to read the other books-- I certainly want to, now! There is a definite homosexual subtext...but nothing really explicit and the vampire's ideals on love are so abstract that the novel allows you a tantalising look into this without ever really being able to grasp it completely. It is a beautiful novel-- rich in imagery, even richer in strange new emotions. It is both eerie and comforting at the same time, and I would never hesitate to recommend it to anyone who wants a bit of escapism...it certainly leaves you hungering for more!