Armand grew up into a young man who looked like an angel, but the wit of a imp. At the beginning I was fond his character. He was snarky, mischievous, always questioning his Master (Marius) in anything and everything just to get a rise out of him. I could tell he didn't like being describe as angel, especially when he yelled at his Master "If I am an angel, paint me with black wings." (pg. 79) Though as the story progress and horrible incidents happened; he become depressed, angry, and cruel. His vigor for describing the world became bleak, and almost terrifying, but I could sense the severe loneliness in his words.
Marius is my favorite character in the book. He is a very old vampire from ancient Rome with superior strength, and passion which all shows in his paintings. His knowledge spans farther then the lands of Russia. Marius plays a large role in Armand's life, being his protector and lover, but after Armand's becomes the cult leader for God and the Devil; he doesn't appear much after til the end.
Armand has two very loyal human companions, Benji and Sybelle. He loves them dearly with every fiber of his being, but fears that he may be corrupting them. They are briefly shown in the beginning of the book, but make a longer appearance by the end tending to Armand after he threw himself into the sun.
There are plenty things from this book that I find very endearing, but also sad. At the end, Armand finds his two companions have been turned to vampires against his wishes. In a rage, he yells at his Master "Why didn't you let them have their lives!" (pg. 379) There are so many quotes to choose from this incident, but Armand demanding to know why couldn't they just live, breath, and die as humans left a big impact on me. It surprised me how much he wanted to keep them "pure" from vampire blood, to have them stay as humans. But after what Armand went through, all the loneliness and the pain from being a vampire, I realized why he didn't want them to be immortal.
Being a vampire is a long, tiring, and sad existence. No matter how much people try to pretty it up. As a vampire, you'll watch your friends grow old, and die. You'll watch life pass by in a blink of an eye, and feeding like a brutal animal. Also, when expose to the sun you burn and crisp like wood, not sparkle like a kindergarten's art project. Loneliness grows stronger, and a bitter resentment for ever wanting to be a vampire lingers with you like a shadow.
Armand's descriptions are insightful and beautifully said, but at times it become tedious and daunting. Skimming through the description isn't a good idea because then I miss what's going on. I just want to get on with the story because the best is reading the exciting fight scenes. Everything in this book is wonderfully descriptive; a clear image is painted in my head. However, I do not think every single thing should be a two page long description about a chapel, or something trivial as a dresser. Granted it does give more dept to the story instead of just imaging what kind of place it is set in; it's a challenge to carry on with the book and I have to sit up so the book doesn't fall on my face when I fall asleep.
Despite all that, it's one of the best vampire genre books I have ever read. Other books gives me an image of a fledgling (a new vampire or "baby vampire") who has yet to begun to realize the cons of being immortal. From The Vampire Armand I feel like I getting the views of a very old, wise, and mature, but lonely person. I can empathize with Armand's feelings when he describes when he loves and hates. I can vividly see when he lashes out, or tenderly gives affections to his many lovers over the decades. Although, living in a body of a young man, I can see the humor and insecurities when he laments about his boyish appearance.
I wouldn't recommend this book to every one. Only to those who do not abhor lengthy books, and implementations of gay relations. But to those who don't mind, I say "Read, read, read." You will not be disappointed if you're the type who like traditional vampires, and descriptive literature. I do suggest you do not read when you are exhausted. It's a wonderful read, but when tired it becomes the lullaby books you fell asleep to as a child.
"If I am an angel, paint me with black wings."
What a great, descriptive review. Now I want to pick up some Anne Rice again. I admit that I abandoned her because of the very thing you write about here--the long detailed passages that sometimes keep you from getting to the true action.
ReplyDeleteDespite that, this book sounds like it has a very intriguing story that would keep the reader turning pages. I feel like the best part of your review are your last two paragraphs. I could even see the 2nd to last paragraph as part of a professional (published) review, in fact.
Very well written and organized, good flow.