Darkness in Victorian Britain
This book attracted my attention by way of Powers' use of historical characters and events - primarily "Pre-Raphaelites" Christina and Dante Gabriel Rosetti and, of course, the rather tragic Elizabeth Sidel. The simple idea of Sidel returning from the grave as a "vampire" (Power's version of) was alone irresistible. The further inclusion of J.W. Polidori clinched it. The evidently doomed physician and companion of the semi infamous Lord Byron seemed destined to reenter the world as something other than the natural. Polidori's involvement with the "Romantics" (i.e. Byron and the Shelleys), coupled with his suicide at age 26 make him a likely candidate for sojourn into the supernatural. While Swineburn was also an interesting addition - however it was Trelawny who piqued my most interest. His (often questionable) relationship with the Romantics - friendships with both Shelley and Byron and his part played in their individual demise - and later "adventures" creates an air of mystery - a rather nefarious fellow who also had some dealing with "Pre-Raphaelite" Milias.
Power's use of Victorian mystic beliefs and practices - factual and otherwise - move the story along quite efficiently - although I must admit that some at least appear to have been created principally for this story. That is certainly acceptable as a literary device, the recent trends towards rather ridiculous invented vampire lore has become more than frustrating. In this case, whether original or traditional, Power's writing style of story telling keeps the reader interested if not involved.
All being said, read the book. If one is interested in Victorian Britain, Pre-Raphaelites, remnants of the Romantics or simply reading an interesting take on the frightfully overused (and abused) vampire genre, pick it up and enjoy the ride. One warning, however - it will get dark . . .
