Interview with a Vampire

Anne Rice

11/9/2002

Louis became a vampire in 1791. He had been a plantation owner outside New Orleans. When his brother died, he went into the city, wretched for his part in his brother's death. As he drank every night, he was observed by Lestat. When approached and bitten by Lestat, he accepted the gift of immortality.

Now, over 200 years later, a boy wants to interview Louis. This boy wants the vampire's life story. So, with some interruptions from the boy, the vampire tells his story. He tells of his younger brother's death. He describes the experience of becoming a vampire. He relates the early years, living with Lestat and Lestat's human father on Louis' plantation. Lestat and himself had very different outlooks on their immortality. Later another vampire, a child, Claudia, joins them. The three live off the New Orleans night life.

As Claudia ages in mind, but not body, she questions Lestat and Louis about other vampires. Lestat kept control on their small circle. He would not introduce them to other beings of their kind. Eventually she and Louis break away and travel to Europe. They seek older, wiser vampires.

I have to admit this. I didn't want to read this book. I've always ignored it on the shelves. I am not a big horror fan and didn't want to experience the blood, gore, or chills. But... The people at my monthly book club chose this one for our discussion this month. So I checked it out and started reading. I knew I could put it down if I wanted.

That's where I was wrong. I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to put it down. This wasn't the horror story I was expecting. Yes, the bloodsucking is there. The evil is there. The horror is there. But it is told in a flat, story telling tone rather than an in-your-face, chilling or suspensful tone. Louis is telling a story. At times he apologizes to the boy as he touches on the gorier parts.

The characters jump out of the pages. The background of New Orleans, the plantation, and Paris are well written, yet do not overtake the story. There is not extraneous background or setting. This book is a fascinating read.

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