Name: Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire
Rating: 3.876834381551363 (477 reviews)

Anne Rice

Joseph Lieaneaus Phillips

Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Anne Rice, this sensuously written spellbinding classic remains 'the most successful vampire story since Bram Stoker's Dracula' (The Times) In a darkened room a young man sits telling the macabre and eerie story of his life - the story of a vampire, gifted with eternal life, cursed with an exquisite craving for human blood. Anne Rice's compulsively readable novel is arguably the most celebrated work of vampire fiction since Bram Stoker's Dracula was published in 1897. When Interview with the Vampire was originally published the Washington Post said it was: called Interview with the Vampire a 'thrilling, strikingly original work of the imagination . . . sometimes horrible, sometimes beautiful, always unforgettable'. Now, more than forty years since its release, Anne Rice's masterpiece is more beloved than ever.

Number 1 in series

Interview With The Vampire

Indi

Love the universe and story, but reading Louis thoughts felt very slow and I struggled to motivate myself to read it. 

Lea Ruecker

This is the story of Louis, as told in his own words, of his journey through mortal and immortal life. Louis recounts how he became a vampire at the hands of the radiant and sinister Lestat and how he became indoctrinated, unwillingly, into the vampire way of life. His story ebbs and flows through the streets of New Orleans, defining crucial moments such as his discovery of the exquisite lost young child Claudia, wanting not to hurt but to comfort her with the last breaths of humanity he has inside. Yet, he makes Claudia a vampire, trapping her womanly passion, will, and intelligence inside the body of a small child. Louis and Claudia form a seemingly unbreakable alliance and even "settle down" for a while in the opulent French Quarter. Louis remembers Claudia's struggle to understand herself and the hatred they both have for Lestat that sends them halfway across the world to seek others of their kind. Louis and Claudia are desperate to find somewhere they belong, to find others who understand, and someone who knows what and why they are.

Louis and Claudia travel Europe, eventually coming to Paris and the ragingly successful Theatre des Vampires--a theatre of vampires pretending to be mortals pretending to be vampires. Here they meet the magnetic and ethereal Armand, who brings them into a whole society of vampires. But Louis and Claudia find that finding others like themselves provides no easy answers and in fact presents dangers they scarcely imagined.

Originally begun as a short story, the book took off as Anne wrote it, spinning the tragic and triumphant life experiences of a soul. As well as the struggles of its characters, Interview captures the political and social changes of two continents. The novel also introduces Lestat, Anne's most enduring character, a heady mixture of attraction and revulsion. The book, full of lush description, centers on the themes of immortality, change, loss, sexuality, and power.

Interview With the Vampire (The Vampire Chronicles)

ikkychan

I have always wondered what, as a society, has sanctified our fascination with vampires. Throughout the ages, we have called them by many names — Creature of the Night, the Night Walker, the Blood Sucker, Nosferatu, Strigoi, and countless others — while the myth strangely persists and spreads across the different corners of the world, as if we, at some point in life, collectively witnessed their apparition or heard identical hearsay about them. It’s true that one reason folklore has stood the test of time is precisely because it often recounts tales of horror and danger—a valuable lesson in life — and this could explain the persistence of vampire lore. However, what intrigues me the most is how our fascination has shifted and taken different forms over time. Classically, vampires were depicted as bloodthirsty abominations, repulsive and terrifying in appearance. Works like Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula' and F. W. Murnau’s 'Nosferatu' cemented this image in popular culture. However, this portrayal began to shift as writers explored new dimensions of vampire lore. Anne Rice’s 'Interview with the Vampire' stands as a pioneer in this regard, presenting vampires as complex, tortured souls with an irresistible charm. No one ever warned Louis de Pointe du Lac of the grave errors he was about to commit when he first encountered Lestat de Lioncourt, a radiant and charismatic young man who effortlessly drew people toward him with his irresistible charm. There was always something otherworldly about him, with his enchanting nature and diabolical allure. It was almost as if... he wasn't human. Perhaps these observations wouldn't have eluded Louis if he hadn't been pushed to the brink of despair by the tragic death of his younger brother, Paul, who perished following their skirmish. Drowning in sorrow and guilt, he almost welcomed Lestat wholeheartedly when the vampire offered him a new way of life — if that could even be called living — as he was desperately seeking to escape his current one. True, his transformation was nothing short of extraordinary. He could perceive things with unparalleled clarity and detail, manipulating light and shadow to conceal his presence and displaying inhuman strength. For a time, it successfully distracted him from his despondency and desolation, as his sole purpose became serving his hunger for human blood. However, he soon realized how his current state only exacerbated his inner turmoil. He hadn't wanted to continue living in the first place, so what was he to do with all these endless hours at hand? Truth be told, I have a hard time immersing myself in this book and almost DNF it quite a few times. The narrative featured an abundance of ornate language and elaborate descriptions in an attempt to portray the characters as someone from a bygone era who had endured existence for hundreds of years. At times, it captivated me and drew me deeper into the story, but there were occasions when it felt excessive. It presented itself as a sort of modern-day classic, employing archaic expressions like ‘mortal coil’ and ‘impish delight’ with a slow-paced, almost languid style reminiscent of literature from a century ago. While I appreciate a touch of old-world charm in contemporary literature, I found it somewhat burdensome in this instance. That said, the book is starting to interest me with the introduction of Claudia, a doll-like vampire child with porcelain skin, mesmerizing blue eyes, and long golden locks whom Lestat created sometime after he and Louis started living together, with the intention of ensuring the latter’s devotion and willingness to stay with him. You see, Louis hated Lestat’s guts with the fire of a thousand suns, and it’s reciprocal. He began to understand the striking dissimilarities between the two of them, where a sensitive and melancholic Louis's way of understanding his new existence was too much for the reckless and egotistical Lestat. According to him, once someone undergoes the change, his humanity would slowly diminish, resulting in an entirely cold, cunning creature whose sole purpose is to manipulate and hunt for food — which is not the case with Louis. He stubbornly maintains his sense of humanity, questioning the legitimacy of his newfound impulses rather than embracing them without thought, and fancies himself with endless questions about their origin and meaning, which Lestat has no capacity to answer. To some extent, Louis realizes these discrepancies between his human and vampire self. (“I realized I had no real fear. It was a strange realization … And now I realized as I protested to Lestat, I did not actually feel this anymore. I was simply remembering it. Hanging on to it from habit, from a deficiency of ability to recognize my present and exhilarating freedom,”) but he couldn’t completely abandon his empathy for bloodthirst, and thus, reluctant to take life. This, in turn, frustrates Lestat immensely, as he couldn’t wrap himself around Louis’s apathetic and recalcitrant stance, which was quite the opposite of him, who relished and delighted in the thought of abandoning his inferior self and having the superior privilege to exhibit a complete lack of concern for others with blatant disregard. Louis understood this completely. Vampirism, for Lestat, is revenge (“Revenge against life itself. Every time he took a life, it was revenge. It was no wonder, then, that he appreciated nothing”). Much like an extremely mismatched couple of abusive man and his insecure counterpart trying to save a failing marriage, Lestat sorted to employ Claudia into their make-believe, dysfunctional family so that Louis wouldn’t think of leaving him, as he knew Louis was completely smitten with the little girl. Great job, Lestat, for you has ensnared me in this unwanted marriage as well. Claudia herself was one hell of a character. Born into vampirism at the premature age of 5, where one couldn’t draw a line between what’s right or wrong nor have any sense of humanity to influence her view of life, she was put into an even more fragile and vulnerable position than Louis ever was. He, at least, was given a sort of consent to his life choices (even if the power dynamic heavily favored Lestat), unlike Claudia, who was manipulated and trapped into becoming one. She was robbed of her agency, forever confined to her childlike stature even as her mind matured, which rendered her always reliant on others (“Yes, that shape, I might have known what it was to walk at your side. Monsters! To give me immortality in this hopeless guise, this helpless form!”). This is precisely why she despised both her fathers; Louis, who consumed her first, and Lestat, who finished the work. However, as it was Lestat’s blood that gave her life, Louis was partially disavowed and exempted from his sins, and Claudia was able to genuinely love him, however complicated her emotions were (“I love you still, that's the torment of it. Lestat I never loved. But you! The measure of my hatred is that love. They are the same! Do you know now how much I hate you!”). When they reached Paris, she decided to transform Madeleine, as a way to live both vicariously through and beside her, to relieve some burden of her interdependence. When the options are either that or death, Louis has no choice but to abide by her demands. Ultimately, this book has revolutionized the portrayal of vampires in literature. Where they were once depicted as repulsive, revolting monsters responsible for countless horrendous murders, they now possess an enticing charm and engage in sensual, seductive (yet nonetheless deadly) acts. Previously viewed as mindless abominations, they now exhibit complexity that prompts further discussion about their nature and character. The story portrays them as individuals whose experiences evoke sympathy, despite their reprehensible behavior. Louis embodies a reflective nature, a penchant for deep thought, and a thirst for knowledge and beauty—qualities I can relate to to some extent. While I sympathize with his predicament of being created by Lestat, who proved to be a dreadful mentor, Louis's constant brooding eventually became overwhelming. He seemed perpetually entrenched in negativity and suffering, despite expressing a desire to embrace the wonders of his new vampire existence, which he never seemed to achieve. Towards the end, he, once the most connected to his humanity, became even more detached and numb than Lestat or Armand. Yet, given the circumstances—being transformed into a monster, despising his nature, enduring emotional abuse and manipulation, losing his beloved, and enduring centuries of existence—it's not surprising. In such circumstances, any of us might undergo a similar transformation. Therefore, while I don't harbor dislike for him, I can't help but feel profound sadness for his plight, which is the same for any of the characters in this book. Through the characters of Louis, Lestat, and Claudia, Anne Rice invites readers to question the nature of humanity and the consequences of immortality. While the story may be dark and unsettling, it ultimately serves as a powerful meditation on the human condition and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

In a darkened room a young man sits telling the macabre and eerie story of his life - the story of a vampire, gifted with eternal life, cursed with an exquisite craving for human blood. Anne Rice's compulsively readable novel is arguably the most celebrated work of vampire fiction since Bram Stoker's Dracula was published in 1897. As the Washington Post said on its first publication, it is a 'thrilling, strikingly original work of the imagination . . . sometimes horrible, sometimes beautiful, always unforgettable'.

Interview with the Vampire

Josephine C

Cara Stegemann

** need to add quotes to Notebook. ** (Please note that my reviews are intended to be notes to myself - my memory is failing, and I need reminders about books I want to reread and books I didn’t finish. My reviews are not intended to be particularly useful for other readers.)

Anne Rice é muito rica nos detalhes, no storytelling, em te fazer estar ali com os personagens. O Louis chega a ser insuportável as vezes, com a sua melancolia sem fim. Gostei de ler o livro, finalmente, e ver as diferenças dele para a adaptação do filme, tem algumas grandes diferenças. Ambas as obras são incriveis!

Denis Crepaldi

Unsure about the rating, but this was SUCH A TRIIIP, thanks Cass for making so curious for so long that I finally gave in

Annabella

I liked this, i think a lot of the concepts around vampirism it brings up are very compelling and i can see its fingerprints in almost every other modern vampire story. no spoilers but the idea that the world is not overpopulated with vampires because they kill themselves after a while of not being able to keep up with changing times is so real

fris🐝

Started off in physical form and had to change to audio bc of time. But this book? I get why they say it has a Gothic Vampire sense to it. I loved this book and I think I will be reading the rest of the series bc I need answers. 

Also known as the gayest Gothic Vampire book without being the gayest Gothic Vampire book you'll read. 

Tsu 💙

Started off in physical form and had to change to audio bc of time. But this book? I get why they say it has a Gothic Vampire sense to it. I loved this book and I think I will be reading the rest of the series bc I need answers. 

Also known as the gayest Gothic Vampire book without being the gayest Gothic Vampire book you'll read. 

An Odyssey of Grief that explores life and its beauty through the lens of death. Rice’s prose easily suck you into Louis’ mind and feel his immense emotions 

Florence

venus

** spoiler alert **
           gay vampire baby traps his lover… YOU WONT BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!

Molly M

not sure what i was expecting but it was not that

In a darkened room a young man sits telling the macabre and eerie story of his life - the story of a vampire, gifted with eternal life, cursed with an exquisite craving for human blood.
--back cover

The First Book in the Vampire Chronicles

Filipa Carvalho

Writing down a review for this book in hopes it’ll help me figure out my feelings for it. 

Like many others that read Interview with the Vampire, I saw the movie first and definitely got into vampire stories because of Twilight (don’t worry I didn’t go into it thinking it was a ya romance). 

I really appreciated the discussions and topics in the book, like religion, morality, death, love, the passing of time and the inevitable change of the world and humans. There were some beautiful quotes there. But the book did drag for me in a lot of places. I usually love in depth descriptions and hearing the inner musings of the characters, but Louis got too in his head for his own good! 

The fact that Claudia exists as a character creeps me the hell out. Not, you know, the demonic child itself. But the sexualization of a literal 5-year-old. I don’t know about that… <spoiler>I think Louis could have questioned his morality and evil without having to kiss Claudia. He would have had the same struggles and the story could have perfectly continued if she remained as his child. Why did it have to be this weird mixture of them being parent and child but also lovers? Especially when latter we’re introduced to Armand and we’re specifically told that their love was not like that, because vampires have no need for that.</spoiler>

I’m also not sure what the conclusion to this book is supposed to be? <spoiler> Sure, not all books need to have this profound meaning, but for all the discussions it had, to end with Louis being such an apathetic character reads almost ‘we live, we suffer, we die’. For most of the book I thought it could be something like ‘we need a reason to live, be it the people we love or the art we see’, but by the end Louis has nothing but he still caries on? Sure, you could argue he's not really living anymore. Is the message one as to feel their emotions in order to live? </spoiler> Anyway... I’m rambling with myself at this point. 

Finally, Armand deserved better!<spoiler> I know he killed Claudia, but we already established my feelings for her.</spoiler> He was the character I wanted to know the most about, and I’m aware there’s an entire book about him, but I don’t think I liked this book enough to want to continue with the series.

Finished the book. Proceeded to give loud unarticulated opinions to my husband about it for 10 minutes. Trew the book across the room. I don't know.

High Fidelity

Mae Erceg

Wow, I never pictured myself loving this book as much as the movie but I really did love it more. I saw the movie in high school and I didn’t appreciate it until I was older but now that I’ve read the book, I could care less about the movie. The characters are so brilliantly complex and well thought through, the storyline is so detailed without being stuffy, and the ending was just perfection. I will definitely be reading this series. It’s too good to miss. If I could give this 10 stars out of 5 I would. A high recommendation is not enough. READ IT.

Bri Billaney

I was very much influenced to read this series by the new show that came out in 2022. I loved the movie more than I love the books or the show, not going to lie here. It was great, but the movie just hit differently. The show is much more true to the books than the movie, but somehow the movie just... did it better.

Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire

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