Interview with the Vampire

Very well written book, although the flourished, Victorian prose is lost on me. I mainly liked the overall idea of the book, and what it set in motion in the world of the vampire genre, as with the creation of the Vampire: The Masquerade RPG.

The protagonist, Louis, is kind of stupid and the ethics of the story are incredibly lack lusting. Maybe I have to give credit because of the time the events took place, but for a well read man, one who knows his Socrates, to see nothing wrong in killing indiscriminately or not to be able to see evil in degrees is disturbing. But ignorance is necessary to keep the feeling of hopelessness and dread the book sets out to establish.

The villain, Lestat, is kind of a shallow and one dimensioned, but still satisfying, depiction of a monster. There were some attempts made in order to add more nuances to his personality, with Louis evolving his opinion of him the more time they spent together. But still, Lestat is just a psychopath who enjoys torturing and killing his victims. And Louis, the vampire he sired, is too naive and inexperienced to make the distinction between what he perceives to be two inexorably bonded traits: being a vampire and being a psychopath.

I like my characters stoics, but Louis can't help but despise his vampiric nature, and Claudia to bewail in vain about her eternal childish features. But these aspects also contribute to the story being told, making it a bit more interesting as well. Lestat and Armand are the only ones who fully accepted what they are.

So, for the depiction of vampires as more then just monsters, because of Louis conflicting nature, his fear of what he is becoming, fear for his immortal soul, if it has not been dammed already, I approve this novel.

For anyone who likes vampires, read the RPG, 2nd or 3rd edition. You will forever judge everything else vampire related to the lore described in that book.

This one is a book best savored. If you are looking for a quick read then do not read this book. However, if you have time to sink into Anne Rice's beautifully crafted world, then by all means take a chair. The story of Louis is wrought with heartbreak and joy. It is a little heady, and there were a few sections I had to read over, but I enjoyed this book because of the culture building within it. Claudia was a major part of my enjoyment as well, witnessing her evolution as her mind grew but her body did not. Without her this book would have pales on comparison. And then we have Louis, the conflicted vampire who holds onto his humanity. To watch his evolution, and the turmoil he endured throughout his undead life, it gives a new light to the world of vampires. Now a days we see the “good” side to vampirism, seemingly ignoring the actual suffering that must take place, things that are barely hinted at. We need more writers like Anne Rice , who brings a depth of realism to her creatures.