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Released in October 2000
Also available
Audio book
Notable characters
David, Lestat, Louis, Merrick
The Vampire Armand finished with a tantalising moment - the Vampire Lestat rising from the dead in present day New Orleans to walk again among Anne Rice's unforgettable undead. Now Lestat lives again but in a twilight world of music and memory.
In this dazzling new volume of the Vampire Chronicles it is Lestat's charismatic friend and coeval Louis de Pointe du Lac (originating in eighteenth century France and Interview with the Vampire and now at home in present day New Orleans) who takes centre stage, tortured by the memory of the child vampire Claudia, whom he loved and lost.
With the help of David Talbot, ultimate fixer from the secret Talamasca organisation, Louis appeals to Merrick, the beautiful mixed race daughter of the New Orleans Mayfair clan - from the wrong side of the tracks. To save Louis' sanity, Merrick must use her black witchcraft to call up the ghost of Claudia - however dangerous this may be. But there are other spirits who will not lie still, and her search takes her close to the edge, through blood and terror, voodoo and violence.
Sweeping from New Orleans to the Brazilian jungle, this is vampire literature at its most thrilling, seductive and superb.
Interesting fact
The painting used on the front of the American cover is called 'The Snake Charmer'. It was painted by Henri Rousseau (1844-1910). You can see this painting in the Musee D'Orsay, Paris. While its not as good as the real thing, I've included a print below.
I enjoyed Merrick but I find myself confused over the central character. I am still unsure what I think of her - whether she was ruthless and devious or whether she was vulnerable and a victim. I suspect the former and I know a lot of Louis fans are furious with her character. Personally, my favourite scenes in the novel were with Lestat, Louis and especially the terrifying scene when Claudia's spirit is called up. I found it difficult to pay attention to the scenes describing Merrick's childhood. The novel also has an interesting conclusion - so it appears the Talamasca want a war with the vampires...Hmm...I can guess the outcome already. Anne has stated in interviews that her next novel Blood and Gold will not include this confrontation with the Talamasca.
If Merrick is your favourite novel vote for it.
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