Bloodsuckers Unite
Review: The Vampire Tapestry by Suzy McKee Charnas
Science fictional vampire stories are less common than the fantastic or supernatural kind. Although to be fair, while Charnas’ vampire has a definite rooting in science, there’s really no explanation how he evolved or what from…and he’s the only one to ever exist.
So, I suppose it’s fantasy after all. What it’s really about is alienation. It’s about connection. But our vampire can’t ever be connected to anyone. (Incidentally, his name’s Edward, although he’s asexual…perhaps just because there’s no female of his own kind, perhaps biologically…but it’s in there).
The blurb claims Edward steals blood. In fact, he feeds on humans, but seldom kills them. Usually he just leaves them a bit wuzzy and wondering what they drank.
I think this book was probably more dramatic when it was first released. Now, we’ve seen enough similar stories that it’s no longer quite as groundbreaking…except for the asexuality. It was published (and set) in 1980, so it’s been around a while, but has now been reprinted by Tor Essentials with a foreword from the wonderful Nicola Griffiths.
I liked it…and I’m picky about my vampire stories.
Recommended for people who want to read all the classic vampire novels.