Late one night, after being enthralled by a certain book, I decided to write a review for it in all of my delirium...but in a similar style to that of the author. An imitation, just a bit of fun, a tribute to this book that captured my heart. It's just an experiment, and I mean no offence by it.
But for now, enjoy the spectacle.
***
Dusty and cracked, smelling of old parchment and a past master, it stood out on the shelf not unlike a glimmering beacon of a bygone age. Such a thing called to my other sense. To the hunger for words that never subsides.
I'm talking about an op-shop find on a rainy afternoon. And then a sunlit afternoon blessed with the fleeting pleasure of beautiful words.
Interview With A Vampire.
Many of my generation were at one stage entranced by Edward and Bella, by Dimitri and Rose, the supernatural craze that started many years ago and dominates the shelves. Personally I find no pleasure in the cheap thrills of modern YA fiction, it takes a rare book to rouse my passion for words. Even my passion for writing has dulled with this onslaught of same-same rubbish that fills our bookshelves. Generally you have to look back to find anything worth devouring.
If you enjoy that kind of fiction, read Interview. If you don't, read Interview. If you've a real appreciation for words I'd recommend it. This generation of readers seems to be missing out on the works of the grandmother of modern paranormal fiction, I would recommend remedying that.
Teens want trashy, they say, teens want romance and other fluff to fill their heads. Sexy. It still astounds me that Fifty Shades Of Grey and others like it are considered sexually appealing to all ages of women. And men. Perhaps I am strange, but erotica has never appealed to me.
Interview, however, I found completely invigorating with it's sensual descriptions, the iduality of the vampire and the intricacies of their emotions. It was utterly thrilling in a subtle, strange kind of way. Erotic, even. Without once broaching sexual imagery. Erotic and sensual in such a beautiful and otherworldly way. It was captivating. A captivating moment, a fleeting afternoon of pleasurable reading. Stimulating, thought provoking and utterly beautiful.
You don't have anything to lose, except for time. Interview With A Vampire, in my opinion, is worth every second it takes to read it. While it is not without its flaws, don't get me wrong, it is classic literature in it's own right. Many conventions regarding vampires are broken, changed, while others defined. In it's time, perhaps it was ground-breaking. Now, the first entry in this series is as timeless as a vampire. Or so it seems, judging by the flow of words and voice of the protagonist. As brooding and philosophical as it is in truth, it's a true wonder how it can be so mesmerizing all the while.
It has even managed to get me excited about writing again, as you may well tell from this review. Words can delight you, tease you, inspire you and devastate you. Words can evoke emotion as well as painting and sweet music in your mind.
Give Anne Rice's, or rather Louis' voice a try. You shan't regret it. It may even inspire you.
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