Interview With The Vampire's Eternal Majesty

Why Anne Rice's novel feels as immortal as its vampiric subjects

“The only power that exists is inside ourselves.”

As we approach the halfway mark on this month’s title, it seems like an opportune time to check in with you all, while gauging both your progress and feelings regarding Anne Rice’s Interview With The Vampire.

The Gothic Book Club hasn’t had this strong a reaction since we launched with Mervyn Peake’s Gormenghast Trilogy last September, and it’s been amazing to speak with so many fans of Rice’s work, both old and new. I’ve received continuous comments and messages this month from people whose lives were enriched and improved by The Vampire Chronicles in some way. For a series which began almost half a century ago, that’s a strong indication of its longevity and impact.

I have a bit of theory as to why. Vampires appeal to outsiders. They appeal to misfits. They appeal to romantics, and dreamers and those who long for something more within this world. They also appeal to those of us who have suffered. Those who know pain and the perceived eternity which exists when we lose someone we love.

As a result, stories about vampires tend to resonate with outsiders and lost souls, which could explain their eternal appeal. The way in which sensuality and sexuality are approached within these stories, with a fluidity and openness, also shows a sensitivity toward a more accepting and understanding approach to all forms of love (although we’ll have a little chat about Lestat and his mother at another juncture).

The story of Louis, Lestat and Claudia still holds such power to elicit concern, intrigue and pathos in abundance. As we learn of their eternal torment, it becomes difficult to assess which characters are to be believed, trusted or supported. Perhaps all; perhaps none. That’s the beauty of Rice’s work. She is wonderful at misdirection, which those of you who have read The Vampire Lestat (the 1985 sequel to IWTV) will be able to confirm.

Interview With The Vampire has aged exceptionally well. Perhaps it’s the fact that so much of it is placed within a historical setting, with only the reporter’s tape recorder giving a vague hint as to the ‘present day’ used within the book. The remainder of the action takes place in the near 200 years which precede the titular interview. Through Paris, New Orleans and across vast oceans we follow the adventures of the ghoulish trio, becoming entangled in their desires, frustrations and fears. It’s an epic journey in the traditional sense, with covert voyages and treacherous liaisons appearing frequently and with increasing intensity.

It’s notable just how quickly everything begins, too. There is little to no elaborate world building. That all comes in later books. Rice uses the interview set up as an effective framing device with which to guide us through the story at breakneck speed. It’s a frantic read. The result of which is evident, for many of you powered through the book in just a few days.

There is, however, a lot to be said for savoring this title, as it is full of superb quotes and musings from our undead companions. It holds wonderful re-read potential too.

“Do you know what it means to be loved by Death?... Do you know what it means to have Death know your name?”

Recommended Resources

Did you know Interview With The Vampire was originally a short story? I didn’t and I only managed to get my hands on a copy recently, when I picked up The Vampire Companion, which is a guide to the Vampire Chronicles, published in the mid-90s. The Companion, put together by Katherine Ramsland and Anne Rice is an amazing reference book which cites the locations, characters, artworks and historical context required to add an extra layer of connectivity and context to the stories. I can definitely recommend seeking out a copy; especially if you plan on reading some of the subsequent books in the series.

For me, Interview With the Vampire remains an exercise in tragedy and beauty. Yes, it’s melodramatic and grandiose, but so what? It’s also immensely enjoyable. A world in which to escape, filled with pain and passion in equal measure. The way in which the vampires perceive the world is enchanting. Their curiosity at the human world is a constant source of joy within the book, and their appreciation for the pleasures of the human realm; art, literature, opera, theatre is palpable. As is their unyielding thirst for blood.

The theatre is a central theme in Interview With The Vampire and remains one of the standout moments of the novel. I’ll be charting my favorite moments in an upcoming Substack, but I am more interested in your thoughts right now.

Discussion Prompts

• Who are you rooting for and who do you hope meets a horrible end?

• What has been your favourite location or setting within the book so far?

• Were there any moments in the story which made you feel uncomfortable?

• Do you feel that Rice added to Vampire lore with this book?

• Would Interview With The Vampire inspire or motivate you to read more of the Vampire Chronicles?

  

Gothic Book Club Updates

This whole book club thing is growing and, as a result, I have kicked off a few other means by which for us to keep the fires stoked and the embers burning.

The Gothic Book Club is now on Fable. I feel that it’ll be next month before we all get into the swing of it, but I was very interested with their platform, and means for us to further connect as part of the GBC community. This will allow members to conduct conversations amongst each other, with prompts, topics and sections to explore. More on that front to come very soon, but feel free to sign up in the meantime, as it’ll be a worthwhile extension of this whole endeavor.

Additionally, we now have a YouTube page, which is a way of me bullying myself into making longer form content. While I love the short, snappy medium of TT and IG, some of the titles we’re discussing deserve a little more in-depth exploration and analysis. Over the course of each month, I end up accumulating so many thoughts and associations regarding the books we read together, that it makes sense to at least try and consolidate them into something (marginally) coherent. We kicked things off last week with an interview in which Hawk Mountain (March’s GBC title) author Conner Habib answered all your questions on the title. That was a whole load of fun, and you can check out the playback, if that’s the kind of thing you’re into.