Dracula: A Book Review

        Having been around for a little over a century, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula” has been praised and commended or damned and shunned. Not much in between. I’m not going to state this as a fact, but a good portion of Christians seem to be almost “afraid” of it. As if the name “Dracula” is a black word. On the other hand, the story is so popular in the secular world, that every form of entertainment (stage, film, audio drama) has at least two versions of this story… My question is: “What gives it the repulsion?” And “What gives it the draw?” I’m not quite sure. Maybe it’s the vampire aspect. Maybe it’s the mild horror element. Perhaps it’s the dark supernatural villain. For me, I wasn’t really “repulsed” so to speak, and not drawn either, I’ve heard conflicting reviews. So I was curious. This is what I found: It was better than the negative reviews made it out be, but not as “fulfilling” as the people who liked it said it was. 

                 So. Let’s start with the cons. Superstition plays a big part in the story. A LOT of superstition. Towards the beginning, a frantic woman tries to give the main character a rosary, which he takes only out of respect “I did not know what to do, for, as an English Churchman, I have been taught to regard such things as in some measure idolatrous, and yet it seemed so ungracious to refuse an old lady meaning so well and in such a state of mind.“* Yet, when he comes into contact with Dracula, it is the rosary that saves him. Although, the significance of Jesus and His sacrifice is emphasized, it is downplayed. Evil has too much power, which is consistent with most horrors. 

                However, unlike most horrors, there is power: in prayer and in seeking God’s guidance and help. Although too much faith is placed in items, there is still the understanding that, without God’s aid, you can’t fight evil and win. Another pro, which is kind of spoiler, so stop reading if you must, Good wins! Also, I have read that “Dracula” was written with Protestant undertones for the express purpose of combatting Darwin’s “Origin Of Species” which may or may not be true. 
So, was it worth it? Yeah, I think so. 
Conclusion: Dracula is a story about a group of people who must combat a very real spiritual as well as physical evil using the weapons that the Church and, however minor, Scripture gives us to fight demonic force. Strong moral Christian worldview with a hint at universalism. I don’t “recommend it” per se, but if you read it, do so with caution.



*Dracula, Chapter 1 p.9