Hello Readers,
It’s no secret that I have a strong dislike for Lucy
Westenra. I can never quite pinpoint the exact reason, but she’s never been a
character I could connect with. That said, I absolutely love Kiersten White’s
writing. So, when I picked up her take on Lucy, I was both curious and hopeful.
Could her version finally make me see Lucy in a different light? Would this be
the book that changed my mind? I couldn’t wait to find out.
Lucy Undying is a gothic fiction lover’s dream brimming
with atmosphere, intriguing characters, unexpected twists, Sapphic romance, and
a strong feminist core. Shifting through different points of view and
timelines, it weaves a rich, multi-layered narrative that lingers long after
the final page.
This haunting reimagining follows Lucy Westenra, Mina
Murray’s ill-fated best friend from Dracula. In the original, Lucy was just 19
when she was killed by a vampire, a tragic victim of forces beyond her control.
But Lucy Undying tells a different story one that reveals what really happened,
both before and after her death.
Told through journal entries, therapy transcripts, and
first-person narratives from Lucy, Iris, and even Dracula himself, the novel
pieces together Lucy’s journey as she discovers herself, processes trauma,
falls in love, and meets an eccentric cast of vampires. Her original journal
entries pull us into the events leading up to her death, while modern-day
therapy sessions bridge the gap between 1891 and 2024. Meanwhile, Iris a
scrappy, determined protagonist adds humour and heart. Lucy’s vampire
companions— The Lover, The Queen, and The Doctor each shape her.
The storytelling feels immersive and dynamic, with past
and present Lucy as distinct yet interconnected versions of herself. Watching
her go from a naive young woman suppressing her feelings to someone who fully
embraces her identity is deeply compelling.
At its core, this is a love story one that finally gives
Lucy the fate she deserved. Her relationship with Iris is beautifully
developed, and their witty, often snarky banter adds levity to the gothic
atmosphere. Their connection feels natural and inevitable, making their romance
all the more satisfying.
Beyond that, Lucy Undying is deeply feminist, challenging
Lucy’s original portrayal in Dracula as a passive victim. This time, she takes
control of her story—with humour, resilience, and, of course, a bit of
bloodlust.
Simply put, I adored this book. Lucy Undying is a
stunning reimagining of Dracula, blending gothic horror with queer romance,
dark humour, and themes of identity and self-acceptance. What’s more, Kiersten
has done such a brilliant job reworking Lucy’s character that I no longer
dislike her as much she’s become someone I kind of like. Whether you’re a
long-time vampire fan or just meeting Lucy Westenra for the first time, this
book is a must-read.
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