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on 16 December 2009
Having devoured Dracula I was eager to read the "highly acclaimed" Anne Rice novel and oh dear, was it a serious disappointment. I tried so hard to like this book but it just lacks so much substance, the plot is practically non-existent with characters traveling from one end of the globe to the other for no apparent reason.
I have to admit that the novel had potential, it had a good idea and started very promisingly. The whole set up of having a 200 year- old vampire tell his life story in an interview to a human was very original and immediately engaging. I was all geared up for what should have been a great novel....only to be seriously let down.
The novel just rants, on and on with no real progression. All the characters lack purpose and direction, they just exist but don't actually move forward in the story whatsoever. Having finished the novel I found that I could summarize the whole thing in three sentences max, it was just that empty.
I also understand that the grim and bleak atmosphere is suppose to add to the whole gothic genre of the text but please, would it hurt so much to add moments of a slight light-heartedness? The book is intense and very depressing to read, absent of any hope or positive emotion. Now, I understand fully that mood of darkness is a factor of this vampire/horror tale and having read widely in the gothic genre, I was expecting it, but this book takes it onto another level. It weighs heavily down on you emotionally and is just not worth it.
Please, take my advice and save yourself the boredom of reading this book, there is really no reason way anyone should have to endure such a depressing and terrible story.
I have to admit that the novel had potential, it had a good idea and started very promisingly. The whole set up of having a 200 year- old vampire tell his life story in an interview to a human was very original and immediately engaging. I was all geared up for what should have been a great novel....only to be seriously let down.
The novel just rants, on and on with no real progression. All the characters lack purpose and direction, they just exist but don't actually move forward in the story whatsoever. Having finished the novel I found that I could summarize the whole thing in three sentences max, it was just that empty.
I also understand that the grim and bleak atmosphere is suppose to add to the whole gothic genre of the text but please, would it hurt so much to add moments of a slight light-heartedness? The book is intense and very depressing to read, absent of any hope or positive emotion. Now, I understand fully that mood of darkness is a factor of this vampire/horror tale and having read widely in the gothic genre, I was expecting it, but this book takes it onto another level. It weighs heavily down on you emotionally and is just not worth it.
Please, take my advice and save yourself the boredom of reading this book, there is really no reason way anyone should have to endure such a depressing and terrible story.
on 19 May 2003
As a major horror fan I've always enjoyed reading about vampires- Dracula is a masterful book. I brought Interview with a Vampire in 1998 but have only just read it. I feared reading it, having grown up with the likes of Stephen King, Richard Laymon and Graham Masterton, I thought I should really try some of Anne Rice, as her books always seem to be highly rated. And what can be more frightening and exciting than a vampire novel? But I'm afraid this book just didn't do anything for me. When I read about vampires I want to read about terrifying bloodthirsty creatures of the night, scaring the beejeezus out of everyone, not about closet homosexuals declaring their love for one another... ewww! To be fair, I'm perhaps not one of Anne Rice's target audience, but it's annoying as there are few female horror writers out there and I really wanted to read some more of them. If you like romance, vampires, history etc, then you'll love this, but if you want something far more exciting and compulsive, read Salem's Lot or anything by Richard Laymon. I read it (finally), having given in by the hype, but it's certainly not for everyone.
on 27 June 2009
Seriously one of the worst books i have ever had the misfortune to pick up. i really do not understand why Rice is such a success. she can write - in the sense of transferring words onto the page - but in the sense of being able to create a story, build characters or even set a decent scene, she fails miserably.
on 27 May 2008
I started this book in the early 90's and didn't get more than three or four chapters in before I gave up. I found it at the back of a cupboard and decided to give it another go. I still hated it, found it very dry and boring. I was determined though that this time it would not beat me and I would finish it. It took me two weeks but I made myself get to the end, I was so happy when it was over.
I will never read this book again.
I will never read this book again.
