I have never read Dracula and am wondering if it is appropriate for an 11 year old Christian boy?

Answer 1

Actually, Dracula is heavily influenced by christian beliefs. Like Jesus he promises eternal life for drinking his blood and he is not particularly fond of cross's. The real question is does your son know the difference between fiction and truth.

Answer 2

Dracula? If you are talking about the original
Bram Stoker, I wouldnt say an 11 year old boy would have an easy time of it. It has nothing to do with him being Christian or not because one of the underlying themes of Dracula was European colonization of Africa and Asia. However, it is the style in which it was written that would be difficult. Dracula is written as almost a scrapbook - a series of notes, memos, letters, etc. written by the various players in the story which when put together tell the story. Also, the concept of the "Modern Victorian Woman" (Mina is one) might be difficult for an eleven year old to grasp. There are some outstanding books for kids his age in the horror genre. If he has passed the "Goosebumps" stage, he might try The Witch of Blackbird Pond or Lord of the Flies. And if it is Christian horror you are seeking, you can always turn to Frank Peretti or Ted Dekker although personally I find both to be poorly written because they refuse to write in complete sentences. I read House and promptly returned it to the bookstore for my money back. But a lot of young kids seem to like it. Just PLEASE if you let your kids read Peretti and Dekker let them know that writing complete sentences is still proper in the English language. C.

Answer 3

Of course it is appropriate. It's just that it may be a little boring. Most of it is told in imaginary diary entries, newspaper articles, and letters. That is supposed to build suspense, but so much of it takes away from the personal touch. The first part is really quite exciting. Jonathan Harker travels to Transylvania to sign a lease with Count Dracula to rent Carfax Abbey in England. Naturally, he does not make it back. There is nothing Christian or un-Christian about it. It is a work of literature that you should read as a part of your education.

Answer 4

I'd say yes. It was written in an era when there was no real sex or violence to speak of, so there is none in the book. The book is told primarily in the form of letters, and the biggest problem you'll have it that it probably won't hold his attention very well. However, if you're unsure about it why not read it yourself first? It's a great book, just maybe boring for a child of 11.

Answer 5

I've not read it either, but there are still too many unknowns to give an outright answer.

Would you let him read Harry Potter?

Not sure what your standards are. Most of the classics seem less overtly violent or sexual than the newer books. My guess would be that it may be somewhat lacking in wholesomeness, but it would more than atone for that in the richness of the language. I'd rather see my kids tackle a tough book than read sanitized drivel - do you know what I mean?

One option would always be for you to read it TO him (although I'm not sure it would make a good bedtime book!)... that way, you could screen things, or discuss them. Sometimes open discussion is better than censorship. And children NEVER get tired of having a good book read to them, no matter how adept they become at reading.

Answer 6

Nope...definitely not good for any 11 yr old to read

Try to look at it this way...would you let him watch a movie called Dracula? If the answer is no, than don't allow him to read the book.

Answer 7

The Bible is full of much worse stories.
I'm sure Dracula is just fine.

Answer 8

The Adult Version? I've never read it but I've read similar adult vampire books, and I don't think you should give it to an 11 year old. Try the kids or teens versions.

Answer 9

Well i think Bramstokers Dracula is more of a love story. I'd say he'd be fine reading it!!

Answer 10

Such a good book! Sure it's okay for a Christian boy. It's just a book. Unless you think your son is easily influenced by Satan, then don't let him read it. But its just a book, and should do no harm.