The Dracula mythology has inspired a vast subculture, but the story has never been better told than by Stoker. He succeeds entirely in his aim to terrify. His myth is powerful because it allows evil to remain mysterious. Virtuous action has no more impact than Jonathan Harker's shovel. The high virtue of Lucy can simply be drained away, as her blood is drained away, until she too joins the vampire brood. Van Helsing's high-thinking and scientific skill cannot resist the dreadful potency of the undead. Only the old magic, a crucifix, garlic, a wooden stake, can provide effective weapons against the Count's appalling power.
(P)1998 Blackstone Audiobooks
"The world's best-known vampire story comes to life in this expert performance by Robert Whitfield....For a classic performance of a classic work, this production must not be missed." (AudioFile)
gorydetails
"A wonderful reading of the vampire classic"
I've re-read Dracula many times over the years and always enjoyed it, so I was delighted to find that one of my favorite audiobook readers had done an unabridged version. Listening to it was a new experience, as so many small details become noticeable when heard, and I became more aware of the structure of the story than I had been before. While Van Helsing's broken English was sometimes more funny than Stoker may have intended, overall I thought all of the characterizations held up well, and despite knowing the story backwards and forwards I found myself getting teary once or twice. Definitely recommended!
"Still Scary Two Centuries Later"
I've been listening to many of the classics I should have read in high school and college, but somehow missed. Dracula is one of them. I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I really liked how the novel was a compilation of diary and journal entries, memoranda, and newspaper articles. Bram Stoker's writing and description of the Count and his castle and the evil that surrounded them is chilling even today.
"Utter Brilliance!"
I never envisioned myself looking at Victorian literature with much enthusiasm. But I was very glad so many people pointed me toward Bram Stoker's Dracula. I normally am unmoved by vampire stories, but loved Salems Lot by Stephen King, so I thought I'd get to the origin of all vampire lore by hearing this classic.
The voice acting was incredible. Robert Whitfield, who narrates, does such an incredible job of portraying all of the characters with such adroit voicing that I was enthralled into the story in a way that reading it to myself would have been lacking. Much as Shakespear's plays are very trivial when read to one's self, but become unrivaled triumphs when well-acted (and conversely disastrous when poorly-acted), this audiobook lived and breathed.
I cannot emphasize how amazing this book is and how well it performs. This will be a story I will listen to time and again. Bravo!
"Good narration"
Dracula has always been one of my favorite novels. If you've already read the novel and are looking for a good audio version, I recommend this one. The characters really come to life with the narration. If you're a fan of Dracula/vampire films and are looking for a similar book, remember Dracula was published in 1897. This is every bit a Victorian novel, and is thoroughly imbued with the sensibilities, language, and sociology of the period. If you're looking for action, blood, and rip-roaring carnage, this is not the place to find it.
"A great reading of a great book"
One of my favorite books. Of course, your mileage may vary on that point, but I just wanted to say that I tried out a couple different audio versions of Dracula, and this one is simply outstanding.
With a highly mood-focused book such as this, the voice reading it can really make or break the presentation -- kudos on this version!
"brilliant"
story telling at it's best. even by contemporary standards the story stands the test of time. a must 'audible read'
"BRILLIANT!!!!!"
This is my all time favorite book. I have read and re-read this book. It's like an old friend so I was hesitant to get an Audible copy. However, Robert Whitfield's narration of this book is stunning. His characterizations are superb. This is a wonderful listen. It brings the book to life in a new way for me.
"Fantastic Imagery!"
One of the best books I've listened to! The narrator pulls you into the story until you feel you are there, watching the terrifying events unfold. His changing voices with each character are so smooth that you see & hear each person as they give their accounts & impressions of Count Dracula. The horror is facinating! Truly a pleasure!
"Nice and gothic"
The narrator did an excellent job at capturing the Gothic sentimentality of the characters. His interpretations of Stoker's prose and dialogue was just the right mood for the novel. As for the novel itself, there's no point in reviewing it. It's Dracula. Enough said.
"Magnificent!"
What a fabulous tale. And what a fabulous reading. Truly worth all 14 hours!