Rereading.

A while ago, probably on a Monday, I wrote that I was rereading Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat. I have it in hardcover. It’s big and heavy. I had to use a reading light to read in bed and whenever I would finish for the night, I would have to stretch and gently lay the book on our tile floor so that it wouldn’t “thunk” and wake my husband.

But, dear readers, I did finish. It took a little longer than anticipated, but doesn’t everything? I’ll say, I’m glad I reread it. My brain forgot so much in the two decades since I’d read it the first time.

It’s Lestat’s autobiography. And as expected, he is loquacious in his telling. Understandable, he’s been around a very long time and many things have happened. The only parts I remembered before reopening the book were the beginning and the end. So, actually, it was sort of like reading a new book because even though I had a vague recollection of the outcome, I couldn’t remember how we got there. And now that I’ve read it again, I realize that I remembered Nicolas. And Gabrielle. And Marius. And of course, Those Who Must Be Kept. I always felt bad for Nicolas.

I won’t give too much away if you haven’t read it. But, I think that if you read it years ago and enjoyed it but forgot it like I did, read it again. You’ll remember why you hated Lestat from Interview with the Vampire, but you’ll also remember why he is so charming. I don’t think I’m his biggest fan, I always found him petulant and demanding, but I would say I have a better understanding of him now. And rereading, especially as an adult who’s had a little bit of experience with life (but a fraction of a second in Lestat’s world), I feel differently about him and the way he sees his world. I see his anguish and his desire to bring things to light, which is admirable. He fights for what he believes is right and fair, damn the consequences. [I’m being intentionally vague: no spoilers.] Also, I can’t remember what happens in later books. So, I’ve got some more reading to do! I expect my thoughts on Lestat will change again.

What have you reread that you were glad you did, or that you got something new out of?