Vladimir Asmundsson (1852–1902)

What an interesting "alternate universe" look at the story of [b:Dracula|17245|Dracula|Bram Stoker|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1387151694l/17245._SY75_.jpg|3165724].

First, the bad. I have complaints over two things:

1 - The seemingly neverending introductions. Yes, we definitely needed some context as to how this all came about, and knowing a bit about that would help. But literally, the first fifth of the book? Too much. Everyone wants to be the first to speak, but how about you let us get through the story, theninundate us with the facts?

2 - Everything after Thomas (don't call me Jonathan) Harker's final seen at the castle.

As we dive into the story with Harker arriving at Dracula's castle, and the shenanigans that ensue over the next couple of months, I found myself wholly sucked into the story, hanging on every new event, every new revelation. While it may have gone on overlong, it never felt like it to me.

I felt we got to truly know Dracula in these pages, and the story is much better for it. I truly, truly enjoyed this portion of the novel, and it's the reason for the 4 star rating.

However, as soon as we leave Harker, the entire story falls so bloody flat, I can only guess that either Asmundarson either lost steam, or just needed to get the damn thing translated as quickly as possible. Either way, it's an incredibly short, and incredibly unfulfilling summary of what made up the main body of the original English-version novel. No deep dive into the characters here, no fascinating conversations, no menace, no horror. No—pardon the pun—rising stakes.

I would love to see the translated Harker opening from this version from this married to the original Stoker text from the English-only version (with the necessary changes, of course) and I think you'd have an even better story.

In conclusion, make sure you read the original Stoker version first, before attempting this one.… (meer)