Cats and their Keepers discussion

So this one surprised me a little. After reading Vittorio the Vampire by Anne Rice I was really disappointed. Her lovely historical descriptions and vivid settings fell flat for me with one dimensional characters and zero plot. I kept my expectations low when I picked up The Vampire Lestat on a whim at my local used bookstore. I decided to for go Interview with a Vampire, potentially coming back to it once I made up my mind about the series (I had already watched the movie, one of my reasons for picking up the book, as I had found Lestat quite the anti-hero (and I love me some of those. You know)). I must say, I absolutely adore Lestat. He's a strong. yet emotional character. The seventh son of a noble family fallen on hard times, Lestat spends his days hunting in the hills and forest of Auvergne and getting uproariously drunk with his violinist friend (also potential lover??? I don't know? he likes kiss everyone on the mouth apparently), Nicki. Lestat dreams of greater things and longs to see the grand opera houses of Paris. Eventually Nicki and Lestat depart for Paris where Lestat gets work as an actor, playing his preferred role of Lelio (a character from a play done in the style of commedia de l'arte which was popular in 17th-18th century France).

When he becomes a vampire (much against his will) he spends his nights (and vast "inherited" fortune) visiting the grand ballets and operas of Paris, admiring the Tuileries gardens and dancing at marvellous balls. Although initially choosing to only hunt and drain criminals and evil doers Lestat finds he cannot escape his true nature (that of being a perfect human predator). After feeding on a poor woman and child right within an alcove of the Notre Dame Cathedral, he becomes at peace with the realization that God has no dominion over him and takes to feeding on all kinds of humans.

Despite this Lestat harbours a love and deep interest in all humans and unlike some other vampires continues to live among them. He strives for goodness. After having to leave his beloved Paris, Lestat travels all over Europe and Asia poring over books in the most famous libraries and immersing himself in the beauty of the local art and culture. His goal at this point is to find and learn from one of the Millennials (extremely old vampires only heard about in myth).

Lestat has a charming and mildly sassy attitude. He is also incredibly vain and will often pause mid-narrative to remind you of what he is wearing. Very often he is plagued by philosophical questions (like if his actions are good or bad and if he can still be a good person while killing humans for food) and I find that this book is more of a character study on Lestat over anything else (not that I mind).

I love the book for the rich historic backgrounds and Anne Rice's lovely way of writing. Looking forward to what the rest of the books brings me!

Sounds like you've finally found an Anne Rice novel that suites you. Can't wait to read your final review!