The Classics
This year I have challenged myself to read one classic novel per month.
Follow along below to find out which ones where picked and my thoughts on each one.
January: The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
After standing for a portrait by his good friend Basil, Dorian Grey soon discovers that he no longer has to worry about growing old and fat; because the consequences of his lifestyle and aging are changing his portrait, and not himself.
This short novel ends up becoming a conversation (in old 19th century English) about life, vanity, and consequences of listening to ones morally ambiguities friends. It is an interesting novel to read and the ending twists were unexpected.
(For audiobook listeners, Narrator Simon Vance did a fantastic job bringing the story to life)
February: Dracula by Bram Stoker
Follow along in Jonathan Harkers Journal entries, an English Solicitor, as he goes to visit Count Dracula in Transylvania to assist him in purchasing an estate in London. While staying in the Counts castle, Jonathan realizes that Dracula must be a vampire and his life is at risk.
Continue the story by following along with the journal entries and letters of Mina, Dr. Seward, Dr. VanHelsing, Arthur Holmwood, and Quincy Morris as they experience strange events that lead them all to meet.
As all the stories converge, these 6 people combine their knowledge and experience to go after Dracula and chase him back to Transylvania for the final battle. Ultimately killing Dracula and his brides.
Review: Once again, this classic story, one that made vampires even more popular, was one I didn’t expect to be written as it was. Once I understood that all the characters perspectives and storylines were eventually relevant, the overall plot began to make more sense.
And the narration I listened too was extremely enjoyable. The actors did well to change accents for each character as well as a male and female narrator for their respective perspectives.
Overall I fully enjoyed finally reading the story of Dracula.
