In 1901 Bram Stoker's Dracula was translated and serialized in an Icelandic newspaper, in Reykjavik named Fiall Konan. It has since been largely forgotten in the many years despite the original book being something of a publishing phenomenon. turns out this was so much more than a translation of the original text, it was in fact a rewritten version of Bram stoker's novel. What the bourgoise lazy press of modernity label a "reimagining", as though only the parts the translator enjoyed were retained and oh so much was either ignored or tossed in the Icelandic waste paper basket.
Jonathan Harker's journey to, and lengthy imprisonment in, Castle Dracula becomes the real focus of the tale. Even he has been renamed; thomas Harker. The same with several other of the characters, either renamed or junked. The castle itself becomes a real presence, as does the bizarre household and weird hangers-on, human and otherwise, who inhabit the Transylvanian mountaintop bolt hole of the malevolent Count. And The Count emerges as more of a slyly amusing Hannibal Lector figure, toying with Harker, teasing his fate, totally in control of his victim, as well as being a master of the dark arts. Much is not explained, much tails off in a dreamlike fashion employing its own self contained fashion.
Its a nightmarish fit, especially the first half of disturbing ly detailed journal entries. Poor Thomas Harker is in a pickle, far from home and surrounded by monsters. Reading it I imagined, or reimagined, his not getting out of this in even the damaged form he inhabits in the original text.
Stephen Moffet and Mark Gatiss' recent take on the Dracula myth proved a magpie flight into Stoker's nest, pushing aside the original eggs. Yet the Sister Agatha of this version and their version emerges as the breakout character of both. I hugely enjoyed experiencing both and am delighted this side character proved so much more substantial (So much so I suggest Dolly Wells for the next Doctor.)
This is a bizarre Dracula treat for fans and casual blood dippers as well. Neglected and unknown for so long it is delightful to see it emerge into the light, so to speak.
