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The Book of Renfield: A Gospel of Dracula
When we first meet Renfield in Dracula, he is a tortured soul in decline, a fly-gobbling, Scripture-quoting lunatic who acts as a haunted harbinger of Dracula's arrival in England. At the novel's climax, readers discover that Renfield, under restraint in the asylum of Dr. John Seward, has been in psychic communication with Dracula all along, acting as his eyes and ears in expectation of unspeakable rewards.
Now, in an ingenious work of fiction, author Tim Lucas at last brings Renfield's own story to light. The Book of Renfield is a collection of the long-lost private diaries, professional journals, and wax-cylinder recordings that comprise Dr. Seward's obsessive study of Renfield. Featuring appearances by many of the characters from the original Dracula, Lucas's novel takes on the frighteningly realistic tone of a textual documentary as it illuminates the warped consciousness of Renfield and reveals, through a series of stories from his childhood, how this poor unfortunate was predisposed to become the ideal portal for evil.
Now, in an ingenious work of fiction, author Tim Lucas at last brings Renfield's own story to light. The Book of Renfield is a collection of the long-lost private diaries, professional journals, and wax-cylinder recordings that comprise Dr. Seward's obsessive study of Renfield. Featuring appearances by many of the characters from the original Dracula, Lucas's novel takes on the frighteningly realistic tone of a textual documentary as it illuminates the warped consciousness of Renfield and reveals, through a series of stories from his childhood, how this poor unfortunate was predisposed to become the ideal portal for evil.
416 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 25, 2023
“The ravings of the mad are the secrets of God.” —Bram Stoker
A fantastic book, at times a paraquel to “Dracula”, but overall exploring R.M. Renfield’s story as well as Dr. Jack Seward’s involvement.
It’s filled with creeping dread, and the prose is accurate for the Victorian timeframe.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed Bram Stoker/Dracula will enjoy this story!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Riverdale Avenue Books for a copy.
A fantastic book, at times a paraquel to “Dracula”, but overall exploring R.M. Renfield’s story as well as Dr. Jack Seward’s involvement.
It’s filled with creeping dread, and the prose is accurate for the Victorian timeframe.
Anyone who has read and enjoyed Bram Stoker/Dracula will enjoy this story!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Riverdale Avenue Books for a copy.
November 25, 2024
Thank you Netgalley for offering me the chance to read this book about Dracula's sad minion called Renfield. This creature was never given any spotlight to showcase his person.
Tim Lucas delivered a similar style novel with the character Renfield as Bram Stoker did with the character Dracula. A telling of a story through diaries and letters and keeping it very readable . When I first read Bramer Stokers' novel I was surprised how this worked and how his tale flowed so well. Mr Lucas has managed to repeat this deed and it actually works quite well.
One minor point of critism one needs to be knowledgable of mr Stokers novel to really appriciate this novel without thay it loses its charm and roots. This book is less horror or scary as one might expect or want. But for me Renfield kinda broke my heart being the miserable sod hé is. This writer manage to wrangle more sympathy for this devil.
The extra's at the end and how the book founds his release is quite a trip too, nice to read for the wannabee writers.
Thank you Mr Lucas for offering me such an enjoyable and gothic time reading your novel.
Tim Lucas delivered a similar style novel with the character Renfield as Bram Stoker did with the character Dracula. A telling of a story through diaries and letters and keeping it very readable . When I first read Bramer Stokers' novel I was surprised how this worked and how his tale flowed so well. Mr Lucas has managed to repeat this deed and it actually works quite well.
One minor point of critism one needs to be knowledgable of mr Stokers novel to really appriciate this novel without thay it loses its charm and roots. This book is less horror or scary as one might expect or want. But for me Renfield kinda broke my heart being the miserable sod hé is. This writer manage to wrangle more sympathy for this devil.
The extra's at the end and how the book founds his release is quite a trip too, nice to read for the wannabee writers.
Thank you Mr Lucas for offering me such an enjoyable and gothic time reading your novel.
November 15, 2016
One of the great things about this book is the style in which Lucas tells the story. Voiced in the narrative of Dr. Jack Seward, this book fills in the gaps in his and Renfield's tale omitted by Stoker. Another key element to this novel is that Lucas does a wonderful job of copying the Victorian dialect and mannerisms used by Stoker so that it reads like missing chapters of the original novel instead of a mere companion.
June 20, 2023
First of all-- this novel has nothing to do with the recent movie Renfield. It's much more interesting and much smarter, coming as it does from someone who knows Gothic literature and Stoker's Dracula very well.
I love Bram Stoker's Dracula; it is one of my favorite novels. But I've always had trouble with the character of Renfield. I mean, I understand his plot function in the story, but I've never had any particular feeling for him as a character. And the story of his relationship to Dracula always remained a big question mark for me.
The Book of Renfield is a wonderful novel that gives us Renfield's backstory, and also fills in details about Dr. Jack Seward, one of Lucy's many suitors and the doctor in charge of the asylum where Renfield is housed. The book preserves the tone and style of Stoker's Dracula, unfolding through various documents and records. It also corrects for some of the happy ending of Dracula. In Lucas' novel, the vampire is slain all right, but the band of true friends have been traumatized by their experience and when the novel opens they haven't seen each other for some time. And it is only this new project-- the need to correct the history-- that brings them all together again (in Stoker's novel, they have annual reunions full of laughter). Lucas' novel also brings out the Christian allegory that skirts under the surface of Stoker's novel (where the vampire who drinks others' blood and gives others his own blood to drink to ensure immortal life is an inversion or monster-version of the salvation story). I'm not sure Lucas intentionally used Caroline Bynum's work on the medieval cult of fasting women who believed they received nourishment from Christ's lactating body (Holy Feast, Holy Fast)-- but for those of us who know Bynum's work, this novel had an added layer of pleasure and meaning. And it was a reminder of how very interrelated the medieval and the Gothic are. And of course all of us who have experienced loneliness and the deprivation of love in childhood understand the power that a charismatic adult can wield-- how children can become infatuated and seduced into the cult of a Master.
Wonderfully written, very engaging, and a real treat for those of us who know and love Dracula.
I love Bram Stoker's Dracula; it is one of my favorite novels. But I've always had trouble with the character of Renfield. I mean, I understand his plot function in the story, but I've never had any particular feeling for him as a character. And the story of his relationship to Dracula always remained a big question mark for me.
The Book of Renfield is a wonderful novel that gives us Renfield's backstory, and also fills in details about Dr. Jack Seward, one of Lucy's many suitors and the doctor in charge of the asylum where Renfield is housed. The book preserves the tone and style of Stoker's Dracula, unfolding through various documents and records. It also corrects for some of the happy ending of Dracula. In Lucas' novel, the vampire is slain all right, but the band of true friends have been traumatized by their experience and when the novel opens they haven't seen each other for some time. And it is only this new project-- the need to correct the history-- that brings them all together again (in Stoker's novel, they have annual reunions full of laughter). Lucas' novel also brings out the Christian allegory that skirts under the surface of Stoker's novel (where the vampire who drinks others' blood and gives others his own blood to drink to ensure immortal life is an inversion or monster-version of the salvation story). I'm not sure Lucas intentionally used Caroline Bynum's work on the medieval cult of fasting women who believed they received nourishment from Christ's lactating body (Holy Feast, Holy Fast)-- but for those of us who know Bynum's work, this novel had an added layer of pleasure and meaning. And it was a reminder of how very interrelated the medieval and the Gothic are. And of course all of us who have experienced loneliness and the deprivation of love in childhood understand the power that a charismatic adult can wield-- how children can become infatuated and seduced into the cult of a Master.
Wonderfully written, very engaging, and a real treat for those of us who know and love Dracula.
July 7, 2023
Being an avid fan of Dracula, I was very interested, and more than a little wary, about wading into an account written more than 200 years after, from the presumed perspective of one of my favorite supporting characters, R.M. Renfield. Being fortunate enough to receive an advance viewing, I delved deeply into the world resurrected by Tim Lucas, being doubly thrilled to see the perspective of another personal favorite, the (in my opinion) often underrated and at times ill-perceived Doctor Jack Seward.
Tim Lucas is able to recreate the depth of feeling evident throughout the pages of the original Dracula with uncanny success, his meter and cadence something that would have granted Stoker concern that his manuscript might have been overshadowed by its release. The pages written in Doctor Seward's hand are so articulately expressed, and so measured in the scientific mentality of the time period, that one might actually believe he were reading a firsthand account. And I cannot speak highly enough of the expansion and growth of Seward as a character, fleshing him out as a whole and appropriate protagonist where I have always felt Stoker had somewhat slighted him.
Renfield's story itself, while veering away from that little which we know of the character from Dracula's text, offers a fresh, if somewhat fanciful new perspective on the character himself. Again, Lucas' ability to make a character seem flesh and blood with only the tools of type and time makes Renfield shine, and throughout various points, his interactions with Seward, and expressions of personality made it seem like I was in the room with him as he recalled the events which had shaped him. I was doubly impressed that little of the text was spent rehashing Dracula - a concern with any form of retrospective writing that are based on classics - and more about who he was beforehand, again gifting greater depth to an already powerful character.
When I finished, and especially after reading the author's Afterward, which detailed the difficult path to publication for this novel, I was elated to have been able to enjoy its triumph. Highly, Highly recommended; Tim Lucas has been added to my list of authors to watch.
Tim Lucas is able to recreate the depth of feeling evident throughout the pages of the original Dracula with uncanny success, his meter and cadence something that would have granted Stoker concern that his manuscript might have been overshadowed by its release. The pages written in Doctor Seward's hand are so articulately expressed, and so measured in the scientific mentality of the time period, that one might actually believe he were reading a firsthand account. And I cannot speak highly enough of the expansion and growth of Seward as a character, fleshing him out as a whole and appropriate protagonist where I have always felt Stoker had somewhat slighted him.
Renfield's story itself, while veering away from that little which we know of the character from Dracula's text, offers a fresh, if somewhat fanciful new perspective on the character himself. Again, Lucas' ability to make a character seem flesh and blood with only the tools of type and time makes Renfield shine, and throughout various points, his interactions with Seward, and expressions of personality made it seem like I was in the room with him as he recalled the events which had shaped him. I was doubly impressed that little of the text was spent rehashing Dracula - a concern with any form of retrospective writing that are based on classics - and more about who he was beforehand, again gifting greater depth to an already powerful character.
When I finished, and especially after reading the author's Afterward, which detailed the difficult path to publication for this novel, I was elated to have been able to enjoy its triumph. Highly, Highly recommended; Tim Lucas has been added to my list of authors to watch.
March 19, 2019
Recensione completa e dettagliata qui: https://www.lunaticamente.com/recensi...
Ho adorato questa storia. L'ho amata e vissuta a pieno. Mi ha commosso e turbato allo stesso tempo. Avevo un po' di timore, devo ammetterlo, che andasse a toccare la storia e i personaggi di Dracula stravolgendone il senso però questo non è accaduto e non ha potuto rendermi più felice. Ha solo aggiunto un più all'antica leggenda del Sanguinario.
Se come me adorate Dracula dovete assolutamente leggerlo. Approfondire questo personaggio mi ha arricchito a livello personale, mi ha commosso, ho trovato moltissime affinità con lui e mi ha fatto riflettere. Oltre al fatto che è scritto davvero molto bene, non intacca per niente la storia di Dracula anzi, a mio parere la arricchisce perché un maestro non è niente senza i suoi adepti.
Ho adorato questa storia. L'ho amata e vissuta a pieno. Mi ha commosso e turbato allo stesso tempo. Avevo un po' di timore, devo ammetterlo, che andasse a toccare la storia e i personaggi di Dracula stravolgendone il senso però questo non è accaduto e non ha potuto rendermi più felice. Ha solo aggiunto un più all'antica leggenda del Sanguinario.
Se come me adorate Dracula dovete assolutamente leggerlo. Approfondire questo personaggio mi ha arricchito a livello personale, mi ha commosso, ho trovato moltissime affinità con lui e mi ha fatto riflettere. Oltre al fatto che è scritto davvero molto bene, non intacca per niente la storia di Dracula anzi, a mio parere la arricchisce perché un maestro non è niente senza i suoi adepti.
January 16, 2021
R. M. Renfield is insane and Dr Jack Seward is eager to explore the psychological disturbances he suffers.
In relaying his childhood and experiences, Seward comes to realise a dark shadow is stretched over Renfield's life, a shadow which casts its evil wide.
An interesting sequel or parallel tale to 'Dracula', Lucas' narrative clearly delineates its various narrators and incorporates elements of the source text well to enrich both novels.
In relaying his childhood and experiences, Seward comes to realise a dark shadow is stretched over Renfield's life, a shadow which casts its evil wide.
An interesting sequel or parallel tale to 'Dracula', Lucas' narrative clearly delineates its various narrators and incorporates elements of the source text well to enrich both novels.
March 2, 2024
So I watched the movie Renfield the beginning of this year and I absolutely loved it and then I came across this book so I had to request it and I’m so glad I did this. This is a beautifully written, Suffolk Gothic and I’m just obsessed and you will be too.
December 29, 2009
This is a book I would recommend to anybody who even sort-of enjoyed Dracula. The style is a bit brisker, smarter, but holds to the same patina of dread that makes the first book so suspenseful.
I finished it during a four hour tattoo session. I had no problem keeping my attention on the book. If that's not interesting, I don't know what is.
I finished it during a four hour tattoo session. I had no problem keeping my attention on the book. If that's not interesting, I don't know what is.
April 20, 2015
I just couldn't get into it. The writing is in that pompous style of the late 1800's (the setting of Bram Stoker's Dracula). In that, it was extremely well written. Just not for me. I couldn't finish it.
September 7, 2010
Interesting book from Renfield's point of view. Edgy, and well written.
December 6, 2024
Renfield is a secondary character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula who is first introduced as an inmate of Dr. Seward’s asylum. Little is known of Renfield’s life before his arrival at the asylum and even less is known about what influenced his actions. This work is a compilation of private diaries, professional journals, and wax-cylinder recordings that are all centered around Dr. Seward’s study of Renfield.
This book is set up as a framed narrative, with the beginning and ending told from the POV of Doctor Seward’s great grandson who discusses how the current work came to be and includes a forward written by Dr. Seward. This was fun as it not only set up and closed the work in a satisfying way, but also played upon the way the original work was set up using journal entries and explained how this book only came into existence in the 21st century. Passages from Dracula are incorporated throughout this work, more heavily towards the end. The author left these bolded to differentiate between the two texts, but he otherwise seamlessly molded them into his own tale.
The author did an excellent job at harnessing the tone and feel of the original work, which made this companion book feel as if it were written contemporaneously with the original. I also liked how odd it got in places but that the author didn’t seek to explain every little thing. This left the reader wondering did these things actually happen, or was Renfield always somewhat “mad” from the beginning? I also appreciated the author’s explanation for a few of the scenes he included that I disliked due to their somewhat sexual, off-putting nature (nothing really graphic). These scenes at first felt out of place to me which is why I didn’t prefer them, but after reading the author’s note their context made sense.
If you enjoy Dracula, especially the original text, then I highly recommend checking out this work. I do think this book would work best if you’ve read Dracula, and I even reread it just before picking this one up which certainly elevated this experience. My thanks to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book is set up as a framed narrative, with the beginning and ending told from the POV of Doctor Seward’s great grandson who discusses how the current work came to be and includes a forward written by Dr. Seward. This was fun as it not only set up and closed the work in a satisfying way, but also played upon the way the original work was set up using journal entries and explained how this book only came into existence in the 21st century. Passages from Dracula are incorporated throughout this work, more heavily towards the end. The author left these bolded to differentiate between the two texts, but he otherwise seamlessly molded them into his own tale.
The author did an excellent job at harnessing the tone and feel of the original work, which made this companion book feel as if it were written contemporaneously with the original. I also liked how odd it got in places but that the author didn’t seek to explain every little thing. This left the reader wondering did these things actually happen, or was Renfield always somewhat “mad” from the beginning? I also appreciated the author’s explanation for a few of the scenes he included that I disliked due to their somewhat sexual, off-putting nature (nothing really graphic). These scenes at first felt out of place to me which is why I didn’t prefer them, but after reading the author’s note their context made sense.
If you enjoy Dracula, especially the original text, then I highly recommend checking out this work. I do think this book would work best if you’ve read Dracula, and I even reread it just before picking this one up which certainly elevated this experience. My thanks to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for allowing me to read this work. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 1, 2023
ARC provided by NetGalley. All opinions are my own
Lucas apes Stoker’s style pretty well (I’ll forgive the odd Americanism because frankly, it’s my problem for reading so much 19th C lit). And to give this book its due, it’s very difficult to do something new as a direct spin off of that much beloved classic, Dracula, because if ever there was a story that has been done over and over again, that would be the one. I’m obviously a fan of the original and can’t pass up a supplementary volume, so when something doesn’t quite hit, it’s on me. In the original, Jack Seward is just an ok character as far as I’m concerned so it was a delight to find that Lucas’ treatment of him re-engaged my interest. And perhaps it’s because Seward isn’t standing next to so many much more interesting characters. I genuinely devoured Jack’s segments with great enjoyment. Where the book fell down for me, was Renfield’s chapters. I got halfway through the book and realised that I wasn’t interested in Renfield’s story at all. He is a pitiable creature in Dracula but here he was just dull. I really didn’t care. Unfortunately since the book focuses on his story, that did put a damper on my enjoyment. I had minor niggles like Mina being thoroughly sidelined and Jonathan Harker somehow being shown to be a far stronger character than he ever was in Dracula (seriously, how does anyone read him that way? He’s a nonce). But my real issue was that I didn’t find the actual central plot interesting and only wanted to read the framing narrative. Clearly that’s a me problem so don’t be put off if you’re a Dracula fan, but in the end this just didn’t really land for me.
Lucas apes Stoker’s style pretty well (I’ll forgive the odd Americanism because frankly, it’s my problem for reading so much 19th C lit). And to give this book its due, it’s very difficult to do something new as a direct spin off of that much beloved classic, Dracula, because if ever there was a story that has been done over and over again, that would be the one. I’m obviously a fan of the original and can’t pass up a supplementary volume, so when something doesn’t quite hit, it’s on me. In the original, Jack Seward is just an ok character as far as I’m concerned so it was a delight to find that Lucas’ treatment of him re-engaged my interest. And perhaps it’s because Seward isn’t standing next to so many much more interesting characters. I genuinely devoured Jack’s segments with great enjoyment. Where the book fell down for me, was Renfield’s chapters. I got halfway through the book and realised that I wasn’t interested in Renfield’s story at all. He is a pitiable creature in Dracula but here he was just dull. I really didn’t care. Unfortunately since the book focuses on his story, that did put a damper on my enjoyment. I had minor niggles like Mina being thoroughly sidelined and Jonathan Harker somehow being shown to be a far stronger character than he ever was in Dracula (seriously, how does anyone read him that way? He’s a nonce). But my real issue was that I didn’t find the actual central plot interesting and only wanted to read the framing narrative. Clearly that’s a me problem so don’t be put off if you’re a Dracula fan, but in the end this just didn’t really land for me.
July 17, 2023
The Book of Renfield is perfect for fans of classic horror. I thoroughly enjoyed learning more about Dracula's familiar, Renfield and how he came to be. His story is tragically sad but there is a dark beauty to it.
I read Dracula for the first time in 2016. I wasn't expecting to be so scared by it. There are scenes that unnerve the reader so deeply. The Book of Renfield had a very similar effect on me. Hearing the ravings of a "madman" that is warning of his Master's arrival and the horrible things he has done and seen. The writing allowed me to perfectly envision a hospital room full of decaying insects and dried sugar.
I felt for Renfield hearing his sad upbringing and finding out that he finally made a "friend" but one devoted to darkness and death. I think it would be interesting to read this alongside Dracula and be able to follow the timeline of events and really get the full story.
I flocked to the cinemas to see Renfield starring Nicholas Holt and NIcholas Cage. I think they did a great job adding humor to the familiar's plight and who doesn't want to see Nicholas Cage as Dracula. I definitely recommend checking it out if you enjoy Dracula, Renfield but want some lightness added to the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Tim Lucas, and Riverdale Avenue Books for the opportunity to read The Book of Renfield. I have written this review voluntarily.
I read Dracula for the first time in 2016. I wasn't expecting to be so scared by it. There are scenes that unnerve the reader so deeply. The Book of Renfield had a very similar effect on me. Hearing the ravings of a "madman" that is warning of his Master's arrival and the horrible things he has done and seen. The writing allowed me to perfectly envision a hospital room full of decaying insects and dried sugar.
I felt for Renfield hearing his sad upbringing and finding out that he finally made a "friend" but one devoted to darkness and death. I think it would be interesting to read this alongside Dracula and be able to follow the timeline of events and really get the full story.
I flocked to the cinemas to see Renfield starring Nicholas Holt and NIcholas Cage. I think they did a great job adding humor to the familiar's plight and who doesn't want to see Nicholas Cage as Dracula. I definitely recommend checking it out if you enjoy Dracula, Renfield but want some lightness added to the story.
Thank you NetGalley, Tim Lucas, and Riverdale Avenue Books for the opportunity to read The Book of Renfield. I have written this review voluntarily.
August 25, 2024
Dark and twisty! This backstory on Stoker’s Renfield is smart, twisted, and complementary in such a fun and creative way. This is a retelling of the classic horror Dracula from the perspective of the supporting character who, as the author states, has been shown in many lights since his inception - most recently in a more comedic light. This Renfield is true to the original, mad and deranged character. Bram Stoker’s Dracula does not provide much by way of Renfield’s backstory. Tim Lucas enlightens the reader with answers to the question - who is Renfield and how did he become the wretched servant to Dracula?
I thoroughly enjoyed the delivery method— a weaving of Dr Seward’s journal, the transcription of Renfield’s sessions with Dr Seward, and Renfield’s own journal, as the mystery of who this demented character is unraveled. If only the good Dr and his friends - Professor Van Helsing, Jonathan and Mina Harker, Arthur Holmwood, and Quincey Morris - had seen him for what he truly was sooner, perhaps Dracula’s assault on England could’ve been thwarted.
Now I need to reread Stoker’s Dracula to thoroughly enjoy the overlapping of the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for the ARC of this newly revised edition of the Book of Renfield in exchange for an honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed the delivery method— a weaving of Dr Seward’s journal, the transcription of Renfield’s sessions with Dr Seward, and Renfield’s own journal, as the mystery of who this demented character is unraveled. If only the good Dr and his friends - Professor Van Helsing, Jonathan and Mina Harker, Arthur Holmwood, and Quincey Morris - had seen him for what he truly was sooner, perhaps Dracula’s assault on England could’ve been thwarted.
Now I need to reread Stoker’s Dracula to thoroughly enjoy the overlapping of the story!
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for the ARC of this newly revised edition of the Book of Renfield in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Admittedly, it has been a while since I have read Dracula, but it is one of my absolute favorite classics, and the one to which I credit my undying (heh) love for all things vampire. This book seeks to fill in the background of a character from the original who is very memorable, but not quite fully realized. In that way, it is very similar to Wide Sargasso Sea, but it has not received the same kind of recognition and acclaim.
I would argue that it deserves all that same recognition and acclaim for bringing the background character of Renfield to a horrific, yet beautiful, life. Lucas's tone and syntax mimic Stoker's text so well that it is difficult to tell the two apart. I also greatly enjoyed reading his afterword in which he explains some of the changes that were made in this new edition.
I would love to read the original Dracula alongside this modern masterpiece to see those intersections more clearly. I think it would be a worthwhile endeavor!
Admittedly, it has been a while since I have read Dracula, but it is one of my absolute favorite classics, and the one to which I credit my undying (heh) love for all things vampire. This book seeks to fill in the background of a character from the original who is very memorable, but not quite fully realized. In that way, it is very similar to Wide Sargasso Sea, but it has not received the same kind of recognition and acclaim.
I would argue that it deserves all that same recognition and acclaim for bringing the background character of Renfield to a horrific, yet beautiful, life. Lucas's tone and syntax mimic Stoker's text so well that it is difficult to tell the two apart. I also greatly enjoyed reading his afterword in which he explains some of the changes that were made in this new edition.
I would love to read the original Dracula alongside this modern masterpiece to see those intersections more clearly. I think it would be a worthwhile endeavor!
June 28, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I took time to read Dracula for the first time before starting this one and I'm very glad I did. This made it much easier to connect with these expanded versions of Dr Seward and poor Renfield. Like so many have pointed out, Lucas is excellent at capturing the style of Stoker. I very much enjoyed the way the events of Dracula were weaved into this book while still letting this novel be its own thing.
A closer look into the heart of John Seward and the mind of Renfield is something I didn't know I wanted. Unfortunately, I had to drag myself through much of the biblical verses, religious rants and woe-is-me monologuing that got more bloated as Renfield got older. Not to say these hold no value, just that it felt like such a contrast from the tale unfolding and that I knew was coming.
There are additions to love though. The way Renfield is humanized, how he sees Mina, the look at Dracula's treatment of his minion and being given insight into Dr Seward's flaws were all enough to keep me going.
Overall, I am pleased with this book but not wowed. It's worth a read for sure, I personally just wish the fat had been trimmed a little because it grew awfully repetitive.
I took time to read Dracula for the first time before starting this one and I'm very glad I did. This made it much easier to connect with these expanded versions of Dr Seward and poor Renfield. Like so many have pointed out, Lucas is excellent at capturing the style of Stoker. I very much enjoyed the way the events of Dracula were weaved into this book while still letting this novel be its own thing.
A closer look into the heart of John Seward and the mind of Renfield is something I didn't know I wanted. Unfortunately, I had to drag myself through much of the biblical verses, religious rants and woe-is-me monologuing that got more bloated as Renfield got older. Not to say these hold no value, just that it felt like such a contrast from the tale unfolding and that I knew was coming.
There are additions to love though. The way Renfield is humanized, how he sees Mina, the look at Dracula's treatment of his minion and being given insight into Dr Seward's flaws were all enough to keep me going.
Overall, I am pleased with this book but not wowed. It's worth a read for sure, I personally just wish the fat had been trimmed a little because it grew awfully repetitive.
July 13, 2023
This review relates to a newly published (2023) version of this book. I haven’t read Bram Stoker’s Dracula, so my knowledge of Renfield has been from the many movies I have seen. This book filled in some background and revealed a man more intelligent than how he has been portrayed in the films but also very vulnerable and seriously damaged by his experiences. Written as a series of notes made by Dr Seward (of the Carfax asylum) and transcriptions of Renfield’s interviews, this seems to accurately reflect the style of the late 1800’s and indeed includes some passages taken directly form the original book (printed in bold).
I did find this a little heavy going at times as Renfields’s life as narrated by himself, was so tortured. I’m not sure of what to make of the section supposedly written by Dr Seward’s descendant that intimates that Bram Stoker stole the ‘true’ story. There is also quite a long section by Tim Lucas about the protracted attempts to get the Book of Renfield published - I guess this was useful as the current iteration has gone through some revisions.
Overall, an interesting take on what was a relatively minor character that has encouraged me to read Dracula.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-book
I did find this a little heavy going at times as Renfields’s life as narrated by himself, was so tortured. I’m not sure of what to make of the section supposedly written by Dr Seward’s descendant that intimates that Bram Stoker stole the ‘true’ story. There is also quite a long section by Tim Lucas about the protracted attempts to get the Book of Renfield published - I guess this was useful as the current iteration has gone through some revisions.
Overall, an interesting take on what was a relatively minor character that has encouraged me to read Dracula.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this e-book
September 25, 2024
Thank you, Riverdale Avenue Books, for the ebook review copy via NetGalley. These are my unbiased opinions.
Lucas captures the time and place of Dracula, and I was intrigued by the sessions between Renfield and Seward. Seward's notes and the transcripts of Renfield’s oral histories create a dynamic account.
My favorite parts of the book are the wondrous supernatural moments. I found the extensive grim material of Renfield's early years rough going for personal reasons. As the suspense intensified, the book captivated me completely.
Lucas performed a masterful feat in integrating parts of the original text of Dracula with his own insightful exploration of Renfield. He has great talent, and the characterizations, dialogue, events, and brooding, disturbing atmosphere rang true throughout the book.
The final chapters are brilliant. There’s a level of perception, an exquisite unity, and a finesse of orchestration that combine to render the novel uniquely satisfying. We’re in the realm of haunting deep truths and universal fantasies. I flashed on Robert Graves, Joseph Campbell, and Carl Jung.
Lucas crafted an ultimately beautiful book out of disturbing and challenging subject matter–and made it feel organic to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a triumph.
Lucas captures the time and place of Dracula, and I was intrigued by the sessions between Renfield and Seward. Seward's notes and the transcripts of Renfield’s oral histories create a dynamic account.
My favorite parts of the book are the wondrous supernatural moments. I found the extensive grim material of Renfield's early years rough going for personal reasons. As the suspense intensified, the book captivated me completely.
Lucas performed a masterful feat in integrating parts of the original text of Dracula with his own insightful exploration of Renfield. He has great talent, and the characterizations, dialogue, events, and brooding, disturbing atmosphere rang true throughout the book.
The final chapters are brilliant. There’s a level of perception, an exquisite unity, and a finesse of orchestration that combine to render the novel uniquely satisfying. We’re in the realm of haunting deep truths and universal fantasies. I flashed on Robert Graves, Joseph Campbell, and Carl Jung.
Lucas crafted an ultimately beautiful book out of disturbing and challenging subject matter–and made it feel organic to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, a triumph.
February 5, 2024
I'm a fan of Dracula the novel as well as the popular movie rendition of it staring Winona, Keanu, Anthony.
This book goes quite well with those two so if you enjoyed them you will definitely like this book of Renfield.
The book of Renfield is exactly that - the life of Renfield according to his own confessional account as told to Dr. Seward during his time in the asylum. It also contains the Doctors version of the story from his notes. I really enjoyed learning of Renfield's entire upbringing before his beginnings with the Count. It gives so much detail into the mind of this poor soul and what he was dealt with in life and his wants to just be loved. This is 75% about Renfield's life and Dr. Seward's relationship with his patient. The other 25 involves the other characters that are well known already and their interactions with Renfield and the Dr.
I fully recommend this book and plan to find a physical copy to put alongside my Dracula book. If you really like Dracula I suggest you give this one a read. It's worthy of the 5 stars.
I'd like to thank the Author for this fascinating tale. The publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a ebook arc.
This book goes quite well with those two so if you enjoyed them you will definitely like this book of Renfield.
The book of Renfield is exactly that - the life of Renfield according to his own confessional account as told to Dr. Seward during his time in the asylum. It also contains the Doctors version of the story from his notes. I really enjoyed learning of Renfield's entire upbringing before his beginnings with the Count. It gives so much detail into the mind of this poor soul and what he was dealt with in life and his wants to just be loved. This is 75% about Renfield's life and Dr. Seward's relationship with his patient. The other 25 involves the other characters that are well known already and their interactions with Renfield and the Dr.
I fully recommend this book and plan to find a physical copy to put alongside my Dracula book. If you really like Dracula I suggest you give this one a read. It's worthy of the 5 stars.
I'd like to thank the Author for this fascinating tale. The publisher and Netgalley for providing me with a ebook arc.
May 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Riverdale Avenue Books for providing me with a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Blurb:
Following the events of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Dr. John Seward complies diary entries and transcripts from his patient, Renfield, to document his descent into madness at the hands of Count Dracula.
Review:
The author of this book put a lot of time and care into imitating the writing style used in Dracula. It provides a unique backstory to the otherwise forgotten character of Renfield. This story was quite character-driven and was essentially just developing Renfield’s character until he ultimately meets Dracula. It was quite slow at times and took its time with tension. If not for the story of Dracula, this book would just be the biography of a sad man with mommy issues who also eats bugs. The part that I appreciated most was the perspective on Lucy Westenra, the beloved maiden that ultimately becomes a member of the undead by Dracula.
If you want a unique perspective on a classic tale, then The Book of Renfield: A Gospel of Dracula is out now!
Blurb:
Following the events of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Dr. John Seward complies diary entries and transcripts from his patient, Renfield, to document his descent into madness at the hands of Count Dracula.
Review:
The author of this book put a lot of time and care into imitating the writing style used in Dracula. It provides a unique backstory to the otherwise forgotten character of Renfield. This story was quite character-driven and was essentially just developing Renfield’s character until he ultimately meets Dracula. It was quite slow at times and took its time with tension. If not for the story of Dracula, this book would just be the biography of a sad man with mommy issues who also eats bugs. The part that I appreciated most was the perspective on Lucy Westenra, the beloved maiden that ultimately becomes a member of the undead by Dracula.
If you want a unique perspective on a classic tale, then The Book of Renfield: A Gospel of Dracula is out now!
January 8, 2019
I liked this book a lot. It develops Renfield into a fascinating and conflicted character, with a difficult upbringing -- touched by the supernatural. It's not a scary, jump out of your chair book, but is creepy, vivid and disturbing, with excellent prose and dialogue. As the newly revealed tale of his life eventually overlaps with the known Dracula text, I found the book hard to put down.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the extra stuff after Renfield's story ends. Without giving spoilers, the author makes parallels between the larger Dracula story and a well known, modern disaster, which I felt was too much of a stretch. There was also an indulgent little dialogue (imagined or dreamed?) that didn't fit in with the story and was unnecessary.
Aside from these issues -- the book was well worth reading.
The only thing I didn't enjoy was the extra stuff after Renfield's story ends. Without giving spoilers, the author makes parallels between the larger Dracula story and a well known, modern disaster, which I felt was too much of a stretch. There was also an indulgent little dialogue (imagined or dreamed?) that didn't fit in with the story and was unnecessary.
Aside from these issues -- the book was well worth reading.
February 5, 2024
I’m like a lot of other reviewers, as I’m obsessed with the Dracula story and will read just about any spin off book. I had a hard time finishing this one though. It just didn’t grab my interest. It also felt like it took a loooong time describing his early years, then raced over his later years with really improbable events.
I did like the idea of melding the new story with the previously published diaries. I also liked the forward as a call back to the old tradition of claiming your book is papers you found/an ancestor’s journal. Really ties it in to the Victorian time.
In the end, the book left a lot of questions—more than it answered. Why was Renfield chosen in the first place? Who exactly was Milady? But I guess that also fits in with all the plot holes and questions the original left!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my review.
I did like the idea of melding the new story with the previously published diaries. I also liked the forward as a call back to the old tradition of claiming your book is papers you found/an ancestor’s journal. Really ties it in to the Victorian time.
In the end, the book left a lot of questions—more than it answered. Why was Renfield chosen in the first place? Who exactly was Milady? But I guess that also fits in with all the plot holes and questions the original left!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my review.
May 22, 2024
The Book of Renfield is an interesting parallel novel to the Dracula story. Dr. Jack Seward, a Doctor overseeing the care of R.M. Renfield, recounts and records the former servant of Dracula. We delve deep into Renfield's sad history and better understand the madness that seeped into Renfield while in Dracula's thrall.
This was written in the same style as the early 1800s Bram Stoker’s Dracula classic gothic literature so it may not be suited for those who prefer more modern-day story writing.
I'm a big fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula so reading this was an extra treat, adding more flavor and context to the characters from the classic novel. I was able better to understand Renfield and his near-blind devotion to Dracula. I would definitely recommend this to classic horror fans who enjoy gothic literature.
This was written in the same style as the early 1800s Bram Stoker’s Dracula classic gothic literature so it may not be suited for those who prefer more modern-day story writing.
I'm a big fan of Bram Stoker’s Dracula so reading this was an extra treat, adding more flavor and context to the characters from the classic novel. I was able better to understand Renfield and his near-blind devotion to Dracula. I would definitely recommend this to classic horror fans who enjoy gothic literature.
May 6, 2025
The writing is very good, I think; it mirrors Dracula's style quite well and I have to admit that the book continued to suck me in over and over despite how ridiculous it kept on getting. Wish more time was spent on analyzing Renfield as an individual refer than all the increasingly convoluted stuff that happened in his past to justify why exactly he'd make such a "perfect" servant to Dracula, in ways that feel increasingly unnecessary and self-indulgent as the book goes on. Take my opinion with a grain of salt, however, because I never finished it. I stopped reading when a (fully adult) Renfield began farting aggressively and intentionally in the middle of church to voice his protest with an ongoing sermon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2020
The book was somewhat of a difficult read for me, the style of writing was one I didn't favor much. The writing was often confusing for me as well as a result of the style used in the novel. There were also a few boring areas in the beginning of the book in which I had to skip a page or two to get to the interesting parts again. The book kept pulling me in and out because of my lack of interest in areas. I honestly couldn't bring myself to finish the novel which I feel terrible about. I don't see myself continuing the book either, it's just simply a matter of my personal interest in novels.
September 4, 2024
I am a great fan of Dracula and I started reading this book a bit afraid of what I may find, for I had read quite a few negative reviews. After reading the book I must say I am amazed by both book and how well it complets the work of Bram Stocker.
I really liked the way Renfield went from a scared child to a curious preteen full of both hope and hatred, always unaware of the darkness that stalked him. Even as an adult, Renfield seems lost between his own morals and his desire not only to belong, but also to be known.
I really liked the way Renfield went from a scared child to a curious preteen full of both hope and hatred, always unaware of the darkness that stalked him. Even as an adult, Renfield seems lost between his own morals and his desire not only to belong, but also to be known.
April 3, 2018
I was skeptical of this book at first. How can one even touch the masterpiece of Dracula? Is this going to be another brutal read like Pride & Prejudice with zombies added in? But, Tim Luca delivers and brings a tale worthy to bud against Dracula from Dr. Seward's POV. If you enjoyed Dracula, I highly suggest you give this read a try after.
November 7, 2023
Creepy, this book scuttles up your spine and right into the gray matter of your brain. Once it latches on you can't stop reading. As a fan of horror, especially the older horror, I can say that this easily will become a favorite of many who love the genre. Gothic and folklorish with a clever twisting like a knife to the gut. Loved it!
February 18, 2024
I love Dracula, and this book not only evoked the same style and mood as the original, it also answered several questions I had and even some questions I didn't realize I had. I highly recommend this to others who enjoy traditional horror.
Thanks to NetGalley and to the author for letting me read this fantastic story
Thanks to NetGalley and to the author for letting me read this fantastic story
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