Bram Stoker is most known for writing Dracula in 1897. However, there’s a wide range of work in genres outside of horror that Stoker wrote during his lifetime that is less known to the public. Some of this includes writing short stories and anthologies. While other authors are more known for their short fiction, like Edgar Allen Poe, Stoker’s short stories are worth a read. Here are a few we recommend.
The Chains of Destiny
The Chains of Destiny, published in 1875 in The Shamrock, is a genre blend of horror and romance, something that Bram Stoker excelled at. The protagonist Frank visits Mrs. Trevor who is like a mother to him, when he has a horrible dream about the woman Mrs. Trevor wanted him to meet. Upon meeting the woman, Miss Fothering, the premonition in his dream comes to pass.
The story itself is beautifully written and would attract the attention of gothic horror and romance fans. The connection between Miss Fothering and Frank is well-paced, as is the relationship between Frank and his mother figure Mrs. Trevor. For those readers who like genre blends, this is riveting and a page-turner.
The Dualitists
Told in 7 parts, The Dualitists, or The Double Born as it’s sometimes referred to, is a tale that was published in 1886 in anticipation of Christmas and New Year’s sales in The Theater Annual. The story stars two boys driven by the need, as Stoker says, to hack at anything and everything they can get their hands on. It turns deadly when the boys set their sights on stabbing something that can try to run away.
The boys in The Dualists give the vibe of early-developing serial killers since many serial killers are known to kill animals before they turn to humans. For those of you who like spine-chilling child killers, this work by Bram Stoker is for you.
The Red Stockade
Into pirate stories? This recommendation is for you! The Red Stockade takes place in a war with pirates along the Malaysian coast and features a bloody battle between pirate crews. Published in 1894 by the Cosmopolitan, Bram Stoker’s take on an adventure story is exciting, and sure to give readers Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island vibes.
The narrator of The Red Stockade is unique as we’re never told the man’s name, yet he tells the victory of the men under the Captain against the Malaysian pirates. I don’t want to give any spoilers away for those who want to read, but there’s a particular character who stands out for his bravery. Be on the lookout for him!
The Crystal Cup
Bram Stoker published The Crystal Cup in 1872, in London Society, and the writing itself is remarkable. The Crystal Cup features the death of an enslaved artist, who devoted his soul to making a crystal vase. As the vase becomes more beautiful, the artist becomes weaker.
For reading buffs who love flowery language, this is a no-brainer. The characters are interesting as well, and Stoker plays with different themes than we’ve seen in the previous recommendations such as freedom and morality.
Our New House
A much lighter read than our previous short fiction recs, and published in 1885 in The Theater Annual, Our New House is a quaint little serendipitous romance. The story goes that a young man marries a woman, and they rent a house together, only to later be harassed by the Land Lord for mysterious circumstances. More of a cozy mystery with low stakes, this short story is perfect for readers who don’t like getting the heebie-jeebies but are still interested in checking Stoker out.
Overall, Bram Stoker has a wide and interesting career, and it’s worth checking out his repertoire outside of Dracula. It’s important to read classic work, as it’s part of our history, and makes for a good study of how literature has developed over centuries. And, it makes for a good read!
To read more Horror, check out this article.
Itching for more short fiction? Try this article.
