Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker

I have been fortunate in being able to read two books on Mina and Dracula as seen from Mina's point of view, in Dracula in Love and "Dracula, My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker." Though both novels are similar in their approach, i.e. telling the story of the bond between Mina and Dracula from Mina's point of view (in itself a refreshing and unique approach), they are really quite different in the telling of the stories. I read "Dracula in Love" prior to reading this title, and my general impression was that the previous book was interesting but mired in tedious descriptions of the back story of Mina and Dracula which centers on the theme of reincarnation and mythological references. The author of "Dracula in Love" uses this back story to explain the strong bond between Dracula and Mina, admittedly with a high level of credibility, but I felt that too much time was spent on this part at the expense of developing the story in the present, as when Dracula and Mina interact in this lifetime, as portrayed in the novel. Also, the sex scenes were a bit over the top and Harlequin-esque for my taste and did not do anything in endearing the two characters to me. To be fair, I did think the author did a relatively good job of developing Mina's character in the novel, and giving her a real 'voice'. As for this novel, "Dracula, My Love", I felt the author's style of writing to be one of her greatest strengths. The prose flows fluidly and beautifully, drawing me into the world of Dracula and Mina as they explore this potent attraction between them - a revelation for Mina, but not so for our Count who has had designs on Mina for quite a long time. Reading "Dracula, My Love" is like revisiting Stoker's classic, Dracula (Barnes & Noble Classics) but from Mina's perspective. The author stays quite faithful to the events of the original, except that here, we are looking at events as Mina perceives them, with lengthy elaboration on the attraction between Mina and Dracula (or Wagner the Austrian as he portrays himself), and the inevitable love triangle that develops between Mina, her husband Jonathan Harker, and of course, Dracula. It was a bit hard to swallow the portrayal of Dracula as a misunderstood character, one who is isolated and lonely, and lovelorn and not the evil fiend as portrayed in Stoker's original tale. Yet, the fiend in Dracula is still evident here, make no mistake. What I liked was the credible exploration of Mina's budding sexuality - she feels unsatisfied in her conjugal relations with Harker, yet is able to fill this void with Dracula. This theme, thankfully, was well-explored and developed here without resorting to trashy romance novel type bedroom romps. The strong psychic connection between Mina and Dracula is also well-developed here. The bond between Dracula and Mina is not just sexual - Mina, being modern for her time, is encouraged by Dracula/Wagner to explore her talents, individuality, and thoughts whereas Harker wants a p

Simply put, James has done a brilliant job with this novel. You will love this book if you have read Stoker's "Dracula" and have been left wondering about Dracula's history and his connection with Mina. The author does a nice job of telling the story from Mina's perspective, while sticking to the original storyline. At one point, you may find yourself feeling sympathetic towards Dracula and falling into his spell along with Mina. However, you are always gently reminded of his true nature. I think this is why this book works. As the reader, you will easily relate to Mina's struggles as she falls under the spell of a vampire. I was also surprised that James was able to imitate Bram Stoker's voice when writing Mina's journal. This is a great read.

(Note: This review is coming from the perspective of someone who has not yet had the pleasure of reading Bram Stoker's Dracula.) Critically acclaimed and bestselling author, Syrie James, once again transports her readers back in time and enchants them with a tale of unknown romance. This time instead of revealing the secret love affair of a famous author as she did with Jane Austen and Charlotte Brontë, Syrie James decides to divulge the hidden romance between two fictional characters: Mina Harker and Count Dracula. Utilizing characters and plot from Bram Stoker's Dracula, Syrie James retells this horror classic with an infusion of romance. Mina Murray, at the age of twenty-two has her life perfectly planned; after enjoying an extended holiday at the sea-side resort of Whitby with her friend Lucy Westenra, she is to wed her childhood friend Jonathan Harker and begin her life as a devoted wife, helpmate, and mother. But when Jonathan doesn't return from his business trip to Transylvania and dear Lucy grows more pale and lethargic each day, Mina learns that life doesn't always go as planned. To make matters worse, Mina finds herself extremely attracted to an intriguing and mysterious stranger by the name of Mr. Wagner. Could Mina be falling in love with another man? We are all familiar with Count Dracula - he is centuries old, from Transylvania, nocturnal, has supernatural powers, and he is sustained by blood. But in Dracula, My Love, we learn that this famous vampire isn't as dangerous and villainous as he seems. Syrie James's Dracula is misunderstood, passionate, a friendless outcast, and...he is in love. The dilemma is that the woman he is in love with is engaged to a man who wants to see him dead. How will this scandalous and impassioned affair end? What magnificent writing! I am a great admirer of Syrie James's novels thus far and even though I wasn't that interested in reading a novel about Dracula and vampires, I was inclined to read this book because of Ms. James's illuminating and all-consuming prose. Believe me, I was not disappointed! Ms. James's Dracula may be a bit more romantic and reputable than Bram Stoker's original (an aspect which might chagrin some purists), but that didn't bother me as I completely fell in love with him! He is such a complex and intriguing character with such mysterious origins. I've become so enamored that I intend to read Bram Stoker's Dracula in the near future. To put it simply: this novel was truly outstanding! I took pleasure in gaining new understanding and insight to Dracula's character, the compelling action of the plot, and the ardent yet illicit love affair between Dracula and Mina Harker. Dracula, My Love is a poignant, passionate, and powerful novel you should not miss! Other Novels By Syrie James: - The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen - The Secret Diaries of Charlotte Bronte Austenesque Reviews

"Dracula, My Love" accomplishes the formidable task of setting forth complex, challenging elements of not only the Dracula legend but human nature, in the form of an engaging and romantic journal. Though romance novels are not a genre I normally favour, I found myself engrossed in the narrative, and completely sympathising with Mina's attraction to the multi-dimensional Dracula one finds here. The author captures the highly erotic elements of the vampire myth in a fashion which is entirely inoffensive but appropriately intense. One of the challenging aspects is that the reader is 'kept guessing' about Dracula's nature, statements, and history to as great a degree as is Mina. One never knows what is the truth, or whether seeming honesty is manipulation, and the possibility of a diabolical element (as in "Father of Lies") seems juxtaposed with a desire for immortality and endless ecstasy. Mina's own conflicts (which I'll not describe in detail lest they be 'spoilers') are strong and puzzling, yet one finds oneself wavering and considering alternatives along with the character! The character of Dr Von Helsing is well developed here, even if his language crosses the borders of quaint. The vampire expert we've seen in Bram Stoker and film adaptations seems to have theories which conflict with Dracula's abilities - and Mina's wondering if his medical treatment of Lucy was more dangerous than those erotic neck nibblings. I was surprised at how totally engrossing I found this novel, since I normally favour neither romances nor horror stories. Highly recommended.

The original story of DRACULA was told primarily from the men's points' of view. The women involved were proper Victoria ladies who were passive creatures who lift both the heavy lifting and heavy thinking to the menfolk. Much was said about what happened to them, Lucy and Mina contributed little to the story themselves other than to fill in some details here and there for the men to act upon. The readers really learn little about what the two were really like, how they had met or what their lives had been like before Dracula came into their lives. This novel fills in that void by telling the familiar story from Mina's point of view. When I first read the description of this novel I feared it might turn out to be an overwrought 'bodice ripper' type of story, but was pleasantly surprised to find a well thought out story that brought a pair of previously neglected characters to life. We learn how Mina and Lucy met each other and their fiances, information that was glossed over in the original story. The two grow from the female objects in the first novel into fully realized human beings who not only took action but were quite capable of independent thought. The basic premise to this novel is that Mina, like many sensible women, had chosen to tell the world at large, and the man in her life only as much truth as she thought they could handle. Apparently Mina had not been quite as repulsed by Dracula as her fiance had thought. Mina had been charmed by the mysterious stranger who had wooed her by listening to her, and respecting her opinion - heady stuff for a Victorian maiden. We are also given more information about Dracula's past as well, all of which leaves the reader to wonder just who are the true heroes of the tale? and just who, if anyone, is truly innocent?