Biography
Author Anne Rice was born in 1941, and grew up in the state of Texas. She lived in San Francisco temporarily, but returned to Texas and then went back to California to live until 1989, when they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. Anne Rice and her husband, Stan, tragically lost their daughter to leukemia when she was four years old in 1972, but had another child, Christopher, in 1978. It was also in 1976 that Anne Rice published her first and most well-known novel, Interview with the Vampire. This became the first in her famous Vampire Chronicles series which had a huge cult following. In 2004, she changed her writing style and dedicated everything written moving forward to Christ the Lord.
Biography of Anne Rice – Brief biography discussing Rice’s life and works
Anne Rice Biography – Background on the life and writings of Anne Rice
Vampire Chronicles
The series of books that Rice published known as the Vampire Chronicles became an instant hit amongst its readers. The novels are based around a vampire named Lestat, who is the main character of the books. Much like traditional vampires, Lestat yearns for human blood. The vampires in her novels often have special powers that allow them to read peoples’ minds. A characteristic of Rice’s vampires that is much unlike most vampires is that they are able to feel and have emotions. Often, this can be their downfall as they become attached to the very humans they long to attack. They also have a beautiful look to them and most of them wore elaborate dress or costumes, which made them even more appealing to readers.
Complete Collection – Information, titles, and covers for all of the Vampire Chronicles books
Vampirechronicles.net – Comprehensive website covering many aspects of the series
The Vampire Lestat – The second book in the series; website contains reader reviews and more
Who is Lestat? - A biography explaining who the brat prince is
Other Novels
Anne Rice wrote many other novels aside from those in the Vampire Chronicles. She also wrote a novel entitled The Claiming of Sleeping Beauty, which was written in the tradition of the original story with an erotic twist. Two other books followed in the same vein entitled Beauty’s Punishment and Beauty’s Release. Another series entitled the Mayfair Witches were also popular among readers and contained three novels. Later, Rice would write a few novels about vampires again, but the new series was entitled New Tales of the Vampires, and was not quite as successful as her first series. In 2004, Rice dedicated her life to Christ and announced that all of her books from that moment onward would be completely dedicated to God.
Controversy – Article about the Sleeping Beauty novels and their erotic overtones
The Witching Hour – Summary of the book and where to buy
Christ the Lord Series – Article about Anne Rice’s journey, and what inspired her to write about and for God
Criticism and Acclaim
Much like any novelist, Anne Rice has received her share of both criticisms and accolades. Many critics feel her writing seems forced, and that the use of too much of the same character and theme can lead to unoriginal writing. Some feel her take on vampires is incorrect, and have criticized the way she portrays them. Many Christians disliked her vampire novels, saying they lead to sinful behaviors in teens, and encourage kids to listen to “gothic music.” Fans of Rice enjoy the vampire novels and feel her writing is deep, lush, and intense. She has garnered a gigantic following of readers and fans worldwide. She has also won several awards for her novels and the film has won as well for Interview with the Vampire.
Constructive Criticism – An interesting take and perspective on some of Rice’s novels
From Vampires to Christ – Article about Anne Rice’s transformation from gothic novelist to religious writer
Book Reviews – Brief, easy to read book reviews for most of Rice’s books
What others say – Comments from readers on Anne Rice’s novels
The Anti-Anne Rice – A new author, Charlene Harris, has emerged and writes vampire novels much different than Rice’s
Inspiring
Since Anne Rice had captured such a niche market with her take on vampires and the dark, gothic world, many authors and filmmakers as well as musicians have all cited her as an inspiration. Many famous artists, including Sting have used Anne Rice’s novels as inspiration for songs or films. Elton John was also inspired, as he helped to compose songs for a play based on Anne Rice’s character Lestat.
The Twilight Series – Many people feel author Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series, which is also about vampires, inspired from Anne Rice
Fanlisting – Website created by fans, for fans of Anne Rice
Game – Internet-based game created by an Anne Rice fan, and inspired by her work
Film Adaptations
Several films have been adapted from Anne Rice’s novels, but of course, Interview with the Vampire was the most successful. The film starred Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt (in what many consider his breakout role), and a very young Kirtsen Dunst. Another film called Exit to Eden was based on the premise of Anne Rice’s work, and starred Dan Akroyd and Rosie O’Donnell. It turned into a comedy, so many are puzzled by its true intentions since it contained plenty of S&M references and so many sexual innuendos. The BBC may create a miniseries for the Mayfair Witches series of books as well, but nothing has been released as of yet.
Exit to Eden – Film review
Filmography – All of the movies inspired by Anne Rice’s work
Article written by Janice D. McDonald