Orb, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-7653-2082-7
The Vampire Tapestry is a very different kind of vampire novel. Charnas’ vampire, Edward Weyland, is not at all supernatural. In fact, he isn’t even likable. The first two sections of the book hammer this home. Over and over, readers are told what Edward Weyland is like through the eyes of those who expose him. The fourth and fifth sections finally get inside Weyland’s head, but he certainly doesn’t come across as a sympathetic character. Rather, we see a superior being who holds all of humanity in contempt.
The only engaging part is section three, “The Unicorn Tapestry”, which won a Nebula award. When Charnas connects with the reader, as she does here, her prose sings and the extensive details are given context as part of a striking picture. When the connection fails, though, Weyland comes across as nothing more than a glorified jerk preying on humans, who uses his lack of attachments as proof that humans are unworthy or below him.
Charnas’ writing is solid, and at times the stories are interesting, but The Vampire Tapestry leaves you feeling like you’ve just read a dissertation on why you’re not worthy of the blood in your veins.
The Vampire Tapestry is a hallmark voyage in the vampire, not as a derivative of a human, but as some outsider, alien beast incapable of humanity walking among us.
Contains: Mild Sex