Anno Dracula
(Kim Newman)
Renowned film critic Kim Newman takes on the Dracula story with a sense of originality that incorporates the ?borrowing? of classical literary characters alongside an obvious personal devotion to the many tales that have been told of Vampires and Vampirism.
The setting for Newman?s novel takes place in Victorian London in the time of the ?Jack the Ripper? murders. His image of London though differs somewhat to the image we might normally attribute to it. Offering an alternative outcome to Bram Stokers original ?Dracula? novel, Newman?s London is one that has been taken over by the creatures of the night. Dracula has married Queen Victoria, Carpathian Vampire guards patrol the streets and those who are still ?warm? are used as mobile vessels of sustenance to those who have turned.
Mixed in with this chaos are familiar characters such Sherlock Holmes, John ?The Elephant Man? Merrick, Dr Jeckyl and Mr Hyde and Dr Moreau. Newman?s inclusion of these characters alongside actual historical people (Beatrix Potter the revolutionary, Florence Stoker wife of Bram) all adds to a sense of the fantastical, creating an image of a vibrant, murky and violent London. Excellent characterisation, an ongoing mystery throughout the book (who is Jack the Ripper?) and a distinct attention to period detail all combine to provide a vivid world where the undead and the living attempt to live side by side despite cultural and lifestyle differences. In this respect, Anno Dracula is quite relevant to the current social climes in many Western countries, representing a world were two completely opposing groups are forced to deal with each others prejudices and differences.
Anno Dracula is, please forgive the cliché, a page turner in the true sense of the word. The story and characters will keep you riveted and the outlandish recreation of a Vampire infested London is entirely believable. Without doubt an excellent piece of work from Kim Newman.
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