Book - Anne Rice's Interview With the Vampire (1976)

Lately, in the news, I had heard that Anne Rice, author of the most popular vampire series, had renounced her faith. After her husband had died, Rice turned to Christianity and stopped writing the Vampire Chronicles. I was heart-broken at the time. But, in light of the news that there will be at least another book in the works, I thought it may be appropriate to review the first book in the series.

Interview With the Vampire is meant to enthrall you in this world of vampires. It's written as one of the main characters, Louis de Pointe du Lac, looks back on his life with his maker, Lestat de Lioncourt. The book starts as an interview, but reads as if you're living the moments with the characters. And despite how strongly Louis feels for Lestat, you can read Lestat's character clearly with only a thin veil of Louis's bias.

I believe that Rice is a literary genius. While, I admit, I was a little hesitant to pick up the book in the beginning -- what with how many truly atrocious vampire tales there are to choose from these days -- and I had no idea what to even expect. Now, I am glad to say, I devoured the book in less than a week. Reading at any chance I had. Rice's writing style is simple to follow yet magnificently diverse as well. She captured the heart and soul of her characters in every word.

Despite the novel being written in Louis's perspective, it was plain to see what was going on in the other characters's heads. You could see how Lestat felt about Louis, see how frustrated and angered he was with Claudia. I was able to see how Claudia felt jealousy for Louis's relationship with Armand, you could see how immature she was as she'd pit Lestat against Louis. Yet, still, it doesn't give everything away. Not even from Louis. It leaves enough mystery to keep you wanting to read more. And each book after it continues that cycle.

I'm only a few books in. I still have not caught up entirely to the Vampire Chronicles. Honestly, I don't plan to drop the books until they are finished. Within the span of a few short chapters, you are captivated by these characters. They have such depth to them, such mystery. I can honestly say that not a single page has me feeling bored or disappointed. Anne Rice is a literary genius and I cannot wait to hear about a new Vampire Chronicles novel.