Human rights: a battle for mere mortals alone no longer. In
his highly acclaimed novel Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Seth Grahame-Smith
lends the devices and schemes of the immortals to the skirmish.
The book reads something like a news article or documentary on the life and times of Lincoln, littered with the supernatural and historical phenomenon alike. One feels as if they are reading the unadulterated truth of the matter instead of a novel. This style imparts the author's purpose of creating an alternate and more importantly plausible reality involving vampires.
The author chooses to switch intermittently from an outside well informed (read 3rd person omniscient) voice to that of Lincoln's own recorded in his many journal entries transcribed flaws and all into the body of text. Personally, I enjoyed this refreshing change of voice and window into Lincoln's mind. Entering text from hidden personal writings also allows the author to interject vampires into the actual history of Lincoln's life without so much as a scrap of evidence required lending to the faux authenticity of the novel.
The book creates a convincing parallel between the horrors of slavery during the civil war and the brutality of vampiric influence and rule. It is odd how the life of Lincoln serves as a commendable back drop for this comparison.
Ok, enough of formal rigamarole. What did I think of the book? What captured my interest? What will stay with me? Look no further. No worries however, I will review without disclosing any plot twist or important information.
The book is detailed historical information slightly seasoned with a touch of vampire spice. It had the fact-checker in me itching to do some Lincoln
research. I remember continually thinking, did the author simply create
circumstances to insert vampires in or was Lincoln’s life story really
simply an unembellished backdrop for his story of nefarious Nosferatus? (I know, right ?!?) The only problem with the vampires is they are two-dimensional. Flat, barely fleshed out mongrels that spend their time killing and eating slaves and frees alike. (Perhaps this is how vampires really are...) The author begins to introduce details of their lives, history, past, and political system but then leaves the complete story untold. In short, I want Grahame-Smith to write about Lincoln's vampire companion Henry Sturges. He is just fascinating enough to make you wonder, but unfortunately we never find out the story behind his life or much why he is the way he is.
I would also like to say this, what is it with Louisiana and vampires? From Sookie to Anne Rice, the literary world would like us to believe that the Mississippi delta is in fact a haven for blood sucking
leeches. That being said, whilst in New Orleans, the author introduces Lincoln to none other than the dark dreamer himself, Edgar Allan Poe. I liked this inclusion and the repartee between these two characters was charming. The only thing that could have made this literary license better was for Poe to be a vampire instead of vampire obsessed.
Who knew that Lincoln was such a bad ass? He is portrayed as the John Wayne of vampire hunters. He's rough; he's tough, and he don't take no fang from nobody. The death of his mother being the pivotal turning point in his life of staking the undead, Lincoln has the following exchange with his father after killing the vampire responsible-
Thomas stood agast. "Look what you have done," he said after a sickened silence.
"You've killed us."
"On the contrary... I've killed him."
"More will come."
Abe had already began to walk away.
"Then I shall need more stakes."
He has many more of these powerful one liners cementing his awesomeness. It is an enjoyable portrayal of the late president.
The paintings, engravings, and altered photographs made me laugh. I thought they were a delightful addition to the book. I didn't want to forget to mention. Now they are mentioned, we may move on.
The heavy in this book would stem from actual events in Lincoln's life. The loss of his mother, first love, and several children all burden the president and the reader with a sense of gloom. After much loss, Lincoln realizes that death not only gives life conclusion but also purpose and substance. This theme of meaningful death is reiterated in the curse of vampire immortality. A favorite passage of mine from the book is a kernel of wisdom shared with us by Henry:
"Without death," he answered, "life is meaningless. It is a story that can never be told. A song that can never be sung. For how would one finish it?"
Now to the rating system!
I wanted it to go along with the whole bluestocking theme. I am going to use a 5 point scale. A 1 is labeled "Worsted for Wear", not a favorite or likable book. (Worsted sounds like worse, get it?) A 5 is a "ComMENDable Yarn". A book best enjoyed multiple times or read to the point of needing repairing. A book, in short, I would highly recommend. :) I don't mean to think my readers simple, but I wanted to fully explain just in case we have a few wool/yarn neophytes out there.
I rate this book a 3 or Standard Stock-ing. It was good, really good. And yet, I find myself more curious about the factual information than I do the story. Part of this rating stems from the ending of the book, which I refuse to spoil for those of you who haven't read. (But trust me... you will see it coming.) The ending was both predictable and questionable, and I am NOT talking about Ford's theatre.
Please feel free to share your thoughts on the story and let me know what you think I should review next! :)
