If you’ve ever pictured a vampire turning into a bat, fearing garlic, or needing an invitation to enter your home, you can thank Dracula by Bram Stoker.
It’s my favorite vampire novel and home to the granddaddy of modern vampire characters.
Listen to the first episode of VampCast, where I recap and review the novel:
(Note: this episode contains major spoilers.)
Where in the world is Jonathan Harker?
In his journal, Jonathan writes:
I read that every known superstition in the world is gathered into the horseshoe of the Carpathians, as if it were the centre of some sort of imaginative whirlpool; if so my stay may be very interesting. (Mem., I must ask the Count all about them.)
When I read this passage a few years back, I found myself wondering what the geography actually looked like. So I pulled up a map and highlighted (in blue) the region in the Carpathian Mountains where the final stretch of his journey to Castle Dracula takes place:
Seeing it laid out like this really adds to the sense of how enclosed the region is by the mountains, and how stories and superstitions could “whirlpool” there.
Where to read (or listen to) to Dracula
Because Dracula is in the public domain, you can get the full novel online for free.
- Project Gutenberg has it available in various formats, Kindle, ePub, and a version you can read right in your browser.
- Your local library should have copies as well. My most recent read-through was this audio version from my library using the Libby app. It was a great version. The two voice actors were terrific and really brought the story to life.
- Another way to experience Dracula is through Dracula Daily. I’ve done this every year for several years now.The editor reorganized the novel into chronological order and delivers it in “real time,” meaning you receive each entry on the date it happens in the story.While I love Stoker’s original structure, this is a really fun way to experience the story.You can sign up for Dracula Daily for free here: https://draculadaily.com(It starts today, but if you’re late, you can catch up here.)
- If you like the idea of Dracula Daily but prefer audio, check out Re: Dracula (also available via podcast players).