The Albino

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I have not finished the book, however, what I have read so far has been enjoyable. I can say the first thing that peaked for me was how Sunny is a Albino. I have read only 1 other story where a character has suffered from this disability, which was by Dean Koontz. So my initial response to Sunny was that albinism is going to play a huge role in how she handles people and specific situations. It was refreshing to read that albinism, and disabilities in general are not treated like impurities that ruin a character but rather define aspects of them. This caught me off guard and I was pleased with that.

I figured Sunny to be a weak character due to her disability, however, this was completely the opposite. Albinism affected her in a positive way. Having to deal with the physical and social aspects of her disability, built much confidence in her character. Her integrity was unaffected and she was not afraid to defend herself.

She is also athletic, adventurous and a very confided youth who is quick to challenge those who question her looks etc. I would imagine most characters with albinism are meek and easily manipulated. She is not. This is where the "magical albino comes into play.

It was nice to read how the author created this society that showcases how a person's abilities are influenced by their physical features etc. More striking or harsh the disability, the more extreme or powerful the magic.

With the latter being said, I was drawn to think about XMEN, and also Harry Potter. More of Harry Potter in terms of the society that is training the leopards to take on something powerful.

Isolation

Isolation was a apparent theme in this novel that I picked up on immediately. Throughout the story, isolation and self alienation are primary themes and the main character has, throughout his entire life, chosen a path of self isolation to avoid emotional connections to the outside world. Due to his obsession with the sheep, the Sheep Professor also chose isolation as opposed to existing within the world. The Rat has chosen isolation from others due to his desire for others to not see him give in to weakness. I feel “The Boss” chose isolation because of a need to run his empire in the shadows. I feel like the many outcomes in the novel are created through the self isolation that these characters experience. It is as if the characters have chosen the simple minded aspect of the sheep over the more complex world of society or social interactions.

Focusing on the main character at the beginning of the story, shows that the loneliness that he feels is not specifically related to the absence of his ex-wife, but the absence of someone else in the apartment. He never mentions that he misses her as a person, but focuses on her belongings and her presence.

One aspect of cultural reference, through research, that I noticed was Japaneses animism. Meaning the belief that power can exist within any specific object individually. This is shown through the whale penis and more clearly through the discussion of the woman's ears having strong power, both over the woman, others, and the main character. It also shows the ears as the main characters focus of their relationship.

Louis and Lestat

        I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book about vampires. The relationship that I am focusing on is between Louis and Lestat. There were feelings that left me to think about the many unspoken emotions between the two main characters. I found there was a intense sexual tension of the novel and layers of affection between Louis and Lestat. Also that they were dependent of each other as well. Anne Rice wrote this novel during the era of the gay rights movement in the USA which can easily assure me that this had some impact on her writing.

There was an immediate reaction about Lestat regarding how he uses seduction to manipulate Louis into doing what he wants, by seducing to become a vampire and to eventually kill. This was quite easy for Lestat seeing how Louis was taken in by the physical beauty of himself, as well as giving him his word of a new life without the rules of human desires. Obviously, Louis accepts the offer.

After Louis’ transformation, they both live together on his large plantation for quite some time. It becomes apparent that Lestat is a self serving narcissist and his only push for remaining close to Louis is based on finance. Louis is holding on to humanity and his moral standards by feeding on animals. Meanwhile Lestat thoroughly enjoys taking the lives of humans. There is a very clear tension with Louis that is driving him mad. Its apparent that he struggles with not feeding on humans after having experienced it already, but there is something to be said about his humanity that remains. I feel this goes very deep into his character. I myself would never imagine a vampire not willing to kill a human for feeding. This shows me that Louis has retained an aspect of his humanity even after full transformation, or maybe this is due because Lestat continues to withhold information  from Louis the he needs to know regarding his transformation? Perhaps Louis is different than any other vampire and has a specific role in the course of their breed?