The Vampire Lestat (The Vampire Chronicles, #2)

I bought The Vampire Lestat at a library book sale when I was 12. I did not know who Anne Rice was or what the book was about. I was absolutely not ready to read material this adult, and I loved it. This book has a disproportionate influence on who I am as an adult. It had, unfortunately, had a hand in making me the person I am today.

Mrs. Rice is a complicated character in the world of queer romance. It is old wisdom to never get involved with her, in any way, but by God if she didn't provide some of the most lustrous, captivating, sexy-uncomfortable queer romances in fiction. Her writing style in its beautiful, purple prose glory is still just about my ideal reading experience and I fall into her lovingly lush descriptions of old Europe like a lost lover every time.

It's a personal favorite. I would absolutely capitulate to any argument that the book 'isn't good' or that Rice 'is a problem.' For me, however, this book is part of my history, and I have a some decades old volume missing both covers and scored by notes in bad handwriting hidden carefully away. ( )

my favorite of the series ( )

I did read this series, but since the author does not support anonymity for readers (only authors are allowed such luxury, apparently), I am removing my rating. ( )

This was very enjoyable. I love Anne Rice's writing style. It's been quite a few years since I read "Interview," but I couldn't help noticing that the Lestat in this volume is very different (and tamer!) than the Lestat in the first book. Rice doesn't really give any explanation for that either. And I don't buy Lestat as a rock star. Perhaps that's just me. At any rate this was still an intriguing read. I especially loved all the history/mythology Rice has created for her vampires. Fascinating! ( )

Anne Rice has stated she wants book reviewers to be required to post with their full, real name. In response, I am removing all my reviews of her novels as I am unable and unwilling to do this. I am no longer comfortable reading or reviewing her work. Thank you.