Vlad: the Last Confession by C.C. Humphreys
Everyone has heard of Dracula. But I suspect very few of my readers will have heard of Vlad Dracula, aka Vlad the Impaler. According to historians, the life and activities of Vlad Dracula, a medieval ruler in the Balkans were the historical origins for the vampire mythology. However, there is very little record of Dracula’s life, except the stories handed down by those who overthrew his reign. And we all know that history is written by the victors with little regard for the truth.
Humphreys has done extensive research to find the facts of Dracula’s life. Around these facts he has developed a wonderful historical novel that offers an alternative to the legends.
The setting of the book is an inquisition. After his beheading three men have gathered three witnesses to hear the story of Vlad Dracula’s life. One was Vlad’s best friend who betrayed his king. The second was Vlad’s lifelong mistress, who truly loved the man she knew. The third witness was Vlad’s confessor. Together they draw a picture of a powerful man who was trained as a torturer under the motto ‘We torture others so they cannot torture us.’
Humphreys has presented the world with an image of Dracula as a man caught up in the violence of his times; dedicated crusader fighting for Christianity against the Islamic Turks attempting to control the Balkans; man who is continually defeated because distrust and greed of his supposed allies. Above all, this is a story that clearly demonstrates how bad publicity can destroy a reputation.
This is a fascinating book that needs to be read slowly and carefully. Do not expect to find an light entertaining read between these covers. Instead expect to have your prejudices challenged.
