No era yo, era la edición.
Excelente novela. Un clásico muy disfrutable.
The first time I attempted to read this book, I didn't like it at all. I couldn't finish it as it seemed overly burdensome. However, I refused to give up. I obtained a new edition and read it, and I absolutely loved it.
Obviously, I couldn't help but make comparisons between the editions I had. I must say that the translation of the first edition I read clearly showed a lack of interpretation in the words. It seemed as if it had been copied from a Google translator and then printed. It was very disappointing.
Now, we have an epistolary novel told from different characters, mostly through the personal diaries of our protagonists. This is a plus for the novel as it gives us varied perspectives of what is happening in the story, making it a very entertaining and enjoyable read.
The best part is how I, as a reader, was able to piece together what was happening in the story and the relationships between the characters. But the most spectacular thing is seeing how, even though Dracula physically isn't on every page of this book, one can sense his symbolic presence in each scene.
La ambientación de la novela es excelente, with beautiful landscapes and moments of tension where I wasn't quite sure what was going to happen in the story. Bram Stoker managed this very well, not specifying certain things in the story so that we would only focus on what was happening.
The characters were very likable. Although the only evil being is Dracula, the "good" characters have their flaws. Some have a very weak character in certain situations where they should be braver, others are too romantic. But the one who really got on my nerves was Van Helsing. He had to add mystery to every situation. His favorite phrase is "usted no lo sabe porque es muy pronto para que lo sepa" and that really seemed exasperating to me.
Dracula is a great character. His elegance in speech makes him a being who can generate trust, but within all that kindness, he hides pure evil. I really liked his characterization and how well-founded his powers are.
El desenlace lo sentí muy apresurado, as everything that had been building up seemed like it was going to give us a showy ending due to the omnipresence of Dracula, but it was very calm and left some things unresolved. I felt it was going to be more spectacular. However, it is a correct ending.
Definitely a novel that is worth reading, an obligatory classic for all lovers of reading. Just make sure to get a well-translated edition.