Some of you may notice a trend in my reviews by now; I use a lot of books that are old, some going back as far as the eighteenth century, and you would be right. I do review a lot of old books, you know why? Because a lot of people haven’t read these books, and it is difficult to get your hands on some of the newer popular books since they are always on hold at the library. So just be content with these books, I read them when they were old, and that didn’t decrease my enjoyment.

            So anyway, this review is for the well known Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice.

            I picked this series up in high school because I had forgotten to take a book with me to the first day of an independent reading class. Interview with the Vampire just happened to be one of the books already in the class room. And I must say, I am lucky that it was.

            The first book in the vampire chronicles is exactly what the titles says; it is an interview with the vampire. In this case the vampire is named Louis (that’s the old version, pronounced Louie) and he is pouring out his life story to a reporter.

            Now if you have never read any vampire books by Anne Rice, let me just start by saying, these aren’t your traditional vampires. There is no killing them with a steak through the heart, they have reflections, and they rather enjoy crucifixes. Some people might be put off by Anne Rice’s need to completely reinvent the vampire, but let me tell you right now; her version of the vampires is in many ways superior to dusty old count Dracula.

            There are a few issues though; her vampires are a little more homoerotic than I care for, and yes I said homoerotic. I am not sure why, but Mrs. Rice seems to enjoy guy on guy action. This, unfortunately, can distract from the main point of the book, though in this first book it isn’t as evident as it is in the later ones.

            However I don’t want to turn you away from this book either. She has created, in my opinion, the best telling of vampire history to date. Vampires are seen as cultured, powerful creatures that grow more refined with each century they live through.

            In this book we are introduced to this world of vampires gradually through the eyes of Louis. This was a smart choice since it takes us into it gradually, through Louis’ transformation from a human into a vampire.

            I should note here that the vampire who turns Louis goes by the name of Lestat. You may have heard of him because he is the star of pretty much every vampire chronicle book following this one. I am still not entirely sure why she chose to have the first book through Louis’ eyes when Lestat is her main character, but oh well. To be honest I like Louis better.

            Anyway we basically follow Louis and Lestat through the streets of New Orleans which ends up including a vampire run theater and the creation of a vampire child.

            As I think of ways to describe this book, I am beginning to say, what the heck? It doesn’t sound all that exciting or captivating, and yet it is. Mostly the purpose of this book is to introduce you to the massive underworld that Anne Rice has created, and it does this magnificently.

            There are a few points where the story can drag and you loose track of what you were reading, and the homoeroticism and erotic blood drinking does get really weird, unless you’re into that sort of thing. But over all this is a good book. It is a deep and engaging history of vampires that focuses more on love than gory blood drinking.